The planning for and electrification of systems furniture usually requires a certain
expertise. To avoid costly and dangerous mistakes it is recommended that you consult
with an electrical engineer. For simple installations a general electrical contractor
may suffice.
If your space is presently powered to support panel systems or if your moving into
raw space, when specifying systems furniture the following tips are sure to help;
 Tip: Interfaces are where the building's power is connected
to the panel's power system.
Tip: Each cluster of stations requires an interface.
Tip: Rule of thumb is six cubicles per interface, however
more can be added if power demand is low.
Tip: Power is drawn most commonly from the floor, less
likely the ceiling. In certain locations power is drawn from wall connections, but
this practice is discouraged.
Tip: Plan to locate your receptacles under the worksurface,
but not behind storage components. The placement of grommets (for wire pass-through)
in the worksurface should be determined by receptacle locales.
Tip: Your building will most likely determine whether
you,ll be using 3 or 4 circuit power cables. Older buildings were designed to accommodate
3-circuit wiring. With the demand for power increasing in the age of information,
4 circuit powerways are more desirable.
Tip: National Electrical Codes allow for a total of
13 receptacles per 20-amp circuit. Receptacles can have up to three outlets, allowing
for sufficient power access in most cases.
Tip: To determine your receptacle needs, add up the
amperage needed for your equipment. Whenever you need more than 60 amps, add an
additional circuit.
Tip: If only wattage is known, divide by 120 to determine
the amps.
Tip: Devices requiring continuous power should be placed
on their own circuit.
Tip: It is most sensible to divide your circuits among
specific equipment, keeping power sensitive equipment such as computers, on a dedicated
line.
Tip: Larger items such as copiers should be placed
on their own receptacle directly from the building power source (wall outlet, doghouse
etc.)
Tip: Count the number of outlets you will need per
cubicle. Don,t forget to leave at least one for the users personal items, such as
a radio. Don,t forget computers, CRTs, calculators, and task lights.
Tip: Insufficient accounting of power requirements
will necessitate power strips which are sloppy, and defeat the purpose of effective
power distribution.
Tip: If sufficient cubicle outlets are not readily
available you may want to consider positioning additional receptacles in inconspicuous
areas outside your cubicles to provide power for maintenance crews.
Tip: Certain panel sizes and shapes will only accommodate
pass-through power or no power at all. Be sure to review your furniture manual,
or consult with a qualified furniture representative.
Tip: To bring power and communication plug-ins to worksurface
height, systems manufacturers design panels with cable channels at that height.
Simpler, less costly devices exist, which plug into the base of the panel in an
existing outlet. These gadgets are then hung on the panel, or installed within a
grommet.
The power codes of New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles all require specific power
componentry available with every system. No matter where your office is located,
review any electrical plan with a qualified electrician or your dealer before installation.
Continue: Worksurfaces
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