Understanding Residential Electric Wiring for Home Offices
Residential electrical wiring for the home office is a complex system that needs a thorough understanding to avoid any mishaps. Knowing how your electrical system works will help you become an empowered homeowner.
Understanding Home Wiring
Work from home (WFH) has grown in popularity in recent years and shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. Fast internet speeds make a distributed workforce a reality for many industries and organizations.
Working from home needs a proper setup to operate properly. If you are a remote worker, then you need to understand how it supports your needs. Let us take a look and try to understand the system and scenarios for home office setup.
Setting up a home office is an overwhelming and complicated process, especially for someone who has no experience. Here are some tips and recommendations when you need to hire a licensed electrician in Northeast Philadelphia.
Major Considerations
Advantages of Hardwiring in Home Office
Hardwiring is best for home offices as it promises better internet speed and allows you to work for longer hours without any disturbance. Additionally, hardwiring is more reliable than a wireless network or Wi-Fi and avoids the risk of a data breach. Hardwiring provides constant upload and download streams for uninterrupted working. Your internet speed does not face hindrances by environmental obstacles that affect the wireless network.
Furthermore, hardwiring is also easier to use as it does not need scanning and configuration to find the right spot.
Additional Lighting
Your home office needs additional lighting to have a clear vision and work in a comforting environment. You can set the wiring to hold extra light sockets for maximum illumination.
Remember that too harsh lighting can also cause disruptions in your work environment. In other words, harsh lights are just as harmful ad dim lights, so you have to strike a balance between the two.
Your home office typically requires more power supplies such as power strips. This is because you may need to operate more than one piece of equipment like printers, LEDs, and computers. Mapping this wiring can streamline the establishment of your home office and helps you determine whether you need extra outlets or not.
Cable Organization
Cable organization in-home office is necessary. Disorganized cables not only create a crowded space but are also very hazardous. Anyone can trip or tangle into these wires and get injured.
Another problem with messy wires is that matching cables with sockets becomes difficult and increases unplugging. When organizing cables, use the underneath of tables to help to simplify the cable appearance.
You should consult an expert electrician in Northeast Philadelphia where you need to conceal the wires or have no means of proper routing. The benefit of covering and routing is to reduce liability while increasing productivity in your home office.
Other Considerations
- Consult your electrician to have an idea of your requirements for the room and the layout of the wiring needed.
- Use a hardwired system rather than a wireless network to cover a significant space.
- Ensure that the wall labeling is done correctly.
- Remember that printers, computers, and other equipment need a higher power supply.
- Home offices need high-quality material for maximum efficiency and reliability.
- Remember that your home office requires more power due to the increase in the cooling capacity of computers and other equipment.
- Always have a licensed electrician perform an inspection to minimize electrical hazards. As you have electrical components present, there is always a chance of potential burns, shock, or fires.
Steps to Follow While Wiring Your Home Office
Designing a Diagram
Designing a diagram for your wiring layout gives you an idea about placing the network and all the other components. Design your diagram that shows the location of breakers and the path of each outlet.
Install Conduits
Installing conduits and large wires is the best way to avoid wastage. Start by pushing the wires from underneath the basement or wall towards your home office. It would be best to leave at least one-foot extra wire if you want to move things around.
Know Outlet Count
Determine the number of circuits that will run in one circuit. Typically six outlets per 110-voltage circuit are advisable in your home office. If your equipment uses more wattage, then have lesser outlets in a circuit to get maximum output.
Drill Wire Holes
When drilling through walls, ensure that there is no running wire or circuit on the other side. Sometimes water lines may also pass through walls, and drilling wore holes may cause leakage in them. Always find out about the studs where the wires will travel. Consider having more outlets to make the premises safer.
Set The Breaker
Set the breaker box in a place where you can easily reach it in case of an emergency. An ideal location is in the basement or any other utility area.
Pull The Wires
Pull wires to the closest outlet and set them according to your diagram for each circuit. You can also run the wires straight from the breaker box, and any wire left behind has to be dry-walled or cut.
Install The Circuits
Install individual circuits for each wiring set and match their amperage with the intended outlet.
A Word of Caution
Whenever you decide to set your home office circuitry, always have an expert electrician in Northeast Philadelphia do the job. Electrical accidents often happen due to defective equipment or improper installation. Electrical job is something best left for the professionals to handle.
If you try to set the wires on your own, you risk damaging your equipment and put yourself to risk.
Final Word
Setting your home office requires proper wiring to increase efficiency and productivity. However, setting the circuits by yourself can be risky if you are not a professional.
Always have a licensed electrician inspect and set your home office wiring, so you receive an uninterrupted supply of power and internet to boost your productivity.