Electrical checklist for a Perth commercial fit-out
Electrical decisions affect the floor plan, joinery, equipment, network and approvals. Bringing the electrical contractor into planning early helps reduce late variations and awkward outlet locations.
Confirm the scope and responsibilities
List what is included in the tenancy, what the landlord supplies and what the tenant must change. Confirm who coordinates the builder, electrician, data cabler, fire contractor, security provider, signage installer and network provider. Record exclusions so they do not become surprises at handover.
Build an equipment schedule
For each appliance or item of plant, record location, electrical load, phase, connection type and operating pattern. Include kitchen equipment, HVAC interfaces, point-of-sale hardware, printers, displays, workshop equipment, cleaners’ outlets and future equipment. Product specifications are more useful than an approximate count of outlets.
Assess the switchboard and supply
The existing supply may not match the proposed load. Ask the electrician to assess capacity, circuit protection, labelling, accessibility, proposed new circuits and any switchboard work. Landlord or network approvals can affect the program, so identify them early.
Plan lighting by task and control zone
Mark customer areas, workstations, storerooms, amenities, displays and external areas. Consider switching zones, sensors, after-hours use, glare, maintenance access and the lighting needs of staff and customers. Emergency and exit lighting should be coordinated with the building and fire-safety design.
Coordinate power and joinery
Overlay outlets with counters, shelving, desks and equipment. Check mounting heights and access after joinery is installed. Include signage, window displays, screens, chargers and temporary event use. Provide suitable outlets instead of designing permanent reliance on extension leads.
Design data and communications together
Decide where the communications rack, internet connection, wireless access points, phones, cameras and data outlets will sit. Coordinate cable pathways and separation from electrical cabling. Allow for testing, labelling, patching and growth.
Protect the operating timetable
Agree on access hours, isolation notices, noisy work, ceiling access, inspections and dependencies with other trades. For refurbishments in occupied premises, stage work around staff and trading requirements.
Define handover
Before practical completion, confirm testing, circuit schedules, labels, certificates, defect close-out, equipment instructions and as-built information. Test the finished layout with the actual equipment before opening day.
Documents to provide for quoting
- Scaled floor plan and reflected ceiling plan.
- Equipment and load schedule.
- Joinery and signage drawings.
- Landlord or centre fit-out guide.
- Data, security and audiovisual requirements.
- Program, access rules and required completion date.
