Office Fitout Electrical Scope Checklist
An office fitout electrical scope should cover more than power points and lights. It should consider the way the business will use the space after handover.
This guide outlines the practical electrical, data, network and security items that should be reviewed before an office fitout starts.
Core scope areas
- Power and dedicated circuits
- Lighting and switching
- Data cabling and WiFi
- Security and access control
- Comms room and rack requirements
Start with how the office will actually operate
The best electrical scope starts with the furniture plan, staff count, meeting room layout, IT requirements and security requirements.
Workstations and desk power
Confirm workstation quantities, desk layouts, floor boxes, wall outlets, charging requirements and spare capacity before cabling is installed.
Meeting rooms and AV locations
Meeting rooms often need power, data, display cabling, table boxes, access point coverage and support for booking panels or room technology.
Kitchen, breakout and utility areas
Allow for appliances, water units, printers, cleaners outlets, vending, equipment charging and other practical support areas.
Lighting and switching
Review open office lighting, boardroom switching, emergency and exit lighting requirements, sensor control and tenancy lighting changes as part of the fitout design.
Comms rack and network location
Confirm where the comms rack, NBN handoff, switches, patch panels, UPS and IT equipment will be located before data cabling routes are locked in.
Security and access control
Plan doors, readers, cameras, alarm devices and intercom locations early so cabling and power can be coordinated with the fitout.
Do not leave data and security until the end
Connected infrastructure needs coordination, not last-minute additions.
Office fitouts usually involve builders, joiners, furniture suppliers, IT providers, security providers and the client. If data and security are not planned with the electrical scope, the site can end up with extra surface conduit, missing outlets or poor camera and access point locations.
EDN can review the electrical, data and security requirements together so the finished office supports the way the business actually works.
Items to confirm early
- Furniture and workstation layout
- Meeting room and AV requirements
- WiFi access point locations
- Security and access control requirements
- Comms rack location and pathways
- Builder handover dates and staging
What should be checked before handover
A good office fitout should be usable and maintainable after the project team leaves site.
Labels and documentation
Data outlets, patch panels and rack cabling should be labelled logically so the IT provider can patch and support the office.
Testing and certification
Data cabling should be tested and certification records supplied where required by the project scope or cabling system.
Client walkthrough
Review important switches, rack locations, access control points, security equipment and known limitations before practical completion.
Keep planning the full infrastructure package
These related pages connect this guide to EDN’s commercial services and other resources.
Commercial Fitouts
Electrical, data, security and network infrastructure for fitout projects.
View Commercial FitoutsData & Network Cabling
Structured cabling, data points, comms racks and access point cabling.
View Data CablingSecurity Systems
CCTV, alarms, access control and integrated commercial security.
View SecurityResources
More planning guides for commercial electrical, data and security projects.
View ResourcesFAQs
Should the electrical contractor also handle data cabling?
For many office fitouts it is better to coordinate electrical and data together, because desks, meeting rooms, access points and comms locations all affect each other.
When should security be planned?
Security should be planned early, especially access control, CCTV and alarm cabling. Late planning can create poor device locations or extra visible cabling.
Can EDN review plans before the fitout starts?
Yes. EDN can review commercial fitout plans and help identify practical electrical, data and security requirements.
Does EDN do domestic office work?
No. EDN is focused on commercial office fitouts and business infrastructure projects.
Planning an office fitout?
Speak with EDN before the electrical, data and security scope is locked in.