4 Electrical Modifications You Should Make to Your Home Office
Posted on: 24 July 2020
The home office has long been thought of as a luxurious space (rather than a necessity) by homeowners. Most people put nothing more than just a table, bookshelf, and a computer in this room for basic work activities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to work from home.
If you'll be using your home office more often, or if you need to set up office space from scratch, here are four electrical modifications that you should consider.
1. Install additional outlets
One of the most common challenges you'll experience is having limited outlets in the office space. Because you may need to plug in multiple devices such as computers, printers, monitors, and phone chargers, additional outlets are necessary to handle the extra load. This is a better approach than plugging in too many devices into one outlet and potentially causing an electric surge.
When installing outlets, make sure they're strategically placed around the room. Think about where you use your devices most regularly, and match the outlet placement with usage patterns. It's also a good idea to have each outlet running on its own circuit so as to reduce the risk of electrical damage.
2. Add new lighting fixtures
Proper lighting can be the difference between a productive office and an uncomfortable space. You should prioritise lighting upgrades to ensure that the work area is properly illuminated. To get the best results, consider customisable lighting. For example, dimming switches allow you to adjust brightness exactly how you like it. You should also blend ceiling bulbs with lamps and desk lights so that you have more options while working.
3. Protect your devices (surge protection)
Most importantly, you should ensure that your devices are protected against an electrical surge. Inclement weather, fluctuations in electric supply and a faulty electric panel could result in power surges in your home. A surge protector can help prevent electrical surges and damage to your devices. You can install these protectors on individual outlets or invest in surge protection for the entire home.
4. Improve network connectivity
Network connectivity will also be critical for your home office. To avoid struggling with weak phone signals or slow internet speeds, you should upgrade your cabling. Fibre optic cables are an obvious choice, coupled with signal boosters that ensure you receive every phone call or email as soon as it comes in. Also, consider installing new data outlets in the office so you can connect computers, printers, monitors, and other similar devices.
Contact an electrician to learn more about your options.
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