Planning Electrical Work for a New Business Premises

Moving into a new shop, office, or restaurant is exciting — but it’s also a big project with lots of details to get right. Electrical work is one of the most important. Without safe, reliable wiring, your business can’t operate properly.

This guide takes you through the essentials of planning electrical work when you’re setting up a new commercial premises, so you can avoid last-minute surprises and costly mistakes.

Step 1: Understand your business needs

Before anyone lifts a tool, think about how your space will actually be used.

• Power demand — How many computers, tills, or kitchen appliances will you need?
• Lighting — Do you need bright, practical lighting or softer, customer-friendly ambience?
• Heating & hot water — Will staff and customers rely on boilers or immersion heaters?
• Data & internet — Where will phones, routers, and network cabling go?
• Safety systems — Don’t forget emergency lighting, fire alarms, or security wiring.

A little planning now means your installation will be fit for purpose, not just “good enough”.

Step 2: Timeline — when to tackle electrical work

Electrical work should be one of the first jobs scheduled in your fit-out. Here’s a rough guide:

• 3 months before opening
  Walk through the premises with your electrician. Identify circuits, sockets, lighting, and compliance needs. Get quotes early.
• 1 month before opening
  Major installations and rewiring completed. Testing and certification in progress.
• 1 week before opening
  Final checks. Emergency lighting, alarms, and signage tested. Any cosmetic work finished.

Electrical delays often hold up entire refits. Book early and keep electrics at the top of your project list.

Step 3: Avoid common pitfalls

Here are the mistakes we see most often when businesses move into new premises:

• Leaving electrics until last — plastering, flooring, or furniture often needs undoing if electrics are overlooked.
• Underestimating load requirements — a café might think a single circuit will run all appliances, only to trip the system on day one.
• Ignoring compliance — missed emergency lighting or outdated wiring can cause costly delays when inspected.
• DIY shortcuts — makeshift wiring might seem cheaper now, but it leads to breakdowns, safety risks, and insurance issues.

Step 4: Questions to ask your electrician

When planning your move, here are key questions to ask:

• Is the existing wiring safe and compliant?
• Will I need a new distribution board?
• How many circuits will I need for my equipment?
• Do I need three-phase power for heavy loads?
• Where should sockets and data points go for best workflow?
• What’s the realistic timeline and budget?

Step 5: Build in flexibility

Your business will grow and change. A good installation should allow for:

• Extra circuits for new equipment.
• Additional sockets or data points in future.
• Upgraded lighting controls.
• Capacity for expansion without a full rewire.

Future-proofing saves money and disruption later.

When to call a professional

If you’re moving into a new commercial premises, don’t leave electrics to chance. At Volta Spark, we help businesses across south-west London set up safe, reliable electrical systems from day one — with clear advice and tidy, compliant installations.