Understanding how office workstations are wired is an important step in planning your next office fitout. Below are simple guidelines and definitions for wiring, umbilicals, electrical, and planning ahead.
Hard or Soft Wired
Workstations are either hard wired (permanent incorporated connections often inside workstation screens – an electrician is required for installation or decommissioning and removal) or soft wired (cables are rarely incorporated in the workstation screen and are carried either under the workstation in baskets or cable managed through other innovations – soft wired workstations often have visible plugs in under desk cable trays).
Soft wiring is more environmentally friendly and cost effective making it easier to reuse workstations and wiring whilst reducing waste and redundant power and data.
Hard wired power and data is more permanent but can be visually appealing as it is easier to hide cables and connections.
Umbilicals
Umbilical covers can be used to channel and hide wires that typically run up into the ceiling from the workstation cubicles or down into the floor, depending on the electrical setup of the office.
They are called umbilicals because they resemble the umbilical cord that attaches a child to their mother.
Electricians and Planning
If you are project managing a fitout, de-fit, or refit of an office, it is important to be aware of the electrical status of both the office and the workstations being sourced or removed.
If the workstation desks are hard wired, it is a legal requirement to commission an electrician to do the wiring or decommissioning.
If you are outsourcing the work, it is your responsibility to organise an electrician. Fit-out businesses are not qualified for this type of work. Without booking an electrician prior to commencement of the job, serious project delays may ensue.
This setback generally arises when the company you buy the office desks from is separate from the installation team. Workstation installers often have reliable electricians that they use regularly, so ask your installers for a recommendation.
It helps to have an electrician that has a working relationship with your installers.
Good luck with your fitout!
