Wired for Productivity: Electrical Planning Tips for Your Commercial Renovation

Your electrical system powers more than just lights—it’s the backbone of your daily operations. Without thoughtful planning, your workspace can quickly become inefficient, uncomfortable, or even unsafe.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• Downtime and lost productivity from overloaded circuits or underpowered equipment
• Safety hazards from outdated wiring or inadequate lighting
• Limitations on future growth due to short-sighted infrastructure
• Code violations and failed inspections that delay your renovation

Planning ahead prevents problems later. That’s where Stripped Electrical comes in.

1. Start with Your Business Goals

Before any wires are run, it's crucial to understand the functional needs of your business. Your electrical plan should support:

• Your workforce (how many people will work in the space, and what are their equipment needs?)
• Your technology (computers, servers, printers, smart boards, etc.)
• Your lighting (task lighting, ambient lighting, security lighting)
• Your customers (do you need USB ports, self-serve kiosks, or digital signage?)

At Stripped Electrical, we take time to listen. Your renovation isn't just about code compliance—it's about designing a system that works for you.

2. Assess Your Existing Infrastructure

If you're working within an older commercial building, it's likely the existing electrical system wasn’t designed for today’s energy demands.

Ask yourself:

• Is your electrical panel capable of handling additional load?
• Are your wires, conduits, and outlets up to modern standards?
• Are there tripping breakers, flickering lights, or unexplained outages?

Many businesses are shocked to discover their wiring is 20+ years old—or that they’re still operating with 100-amp service when they need 200 or more. Don’t wait until something fails.

A professional assessment by Stripped Electrical gives you clarity and direction.

3. Prioritize Energy Efficiency

Energy costs can drain your profits. That’s why smart electrical planning includes energy-efficient solutions that pay off over time.

Consider:

• LED lighting systems with dimmers or motion sensors
• Energy Star-rated appliances and equipment
• Programmable thermostats and smart HVAC integrations
• Timed lighting controls for parking lots, signage, or low-traffic areas
• Daylight harvesting in open office areas

By building efficiency into your electrical design, you lower utility bills and qualify for rebates—while reducing your environmental footprint.

4. Plan for Flexibility and Future Growth

Renovations should solve today’s problems and anticipate tomorrow’s.

Ask:

• Will you be hiring more employees?
• Adding servers or cloud storage infrastructure?
• Installing new machinery, kitchen appliances, or production tools?
• Transitioning to a hybrid office or remote workstation model?

At Stripped Electrical, we future-proof your space with:

• Extra circuits and conduit runs for easy expansion
• Dedicated outlets for large equipment
• EV charging station infrastructure
• Server room ventilation and power redundancy
• Battery backup systems or UPS units

5. Design with Lighting in Mind

Lighting does more than illuminate a room—it shapes how your business looks and feels. We can also incorporate smart lighting controls that adjust brightness automatically, reduce energy consumption, and enhance security after hours.

6. Don't Forget Safety & Compliance

Commercial spaces are subject to stringent building codes, workplace safety rules, and accessibility standards. That means your renovation must comply with:

• Canadian Electrical Code (CEC)
• Fire alarm and emergency lighting regulations
• Building permits and electrical inspection requirements
• Accessibility codes for lighting, outlet height, and automation

Our team is trained to navigate the red tape, secure permits, schedule inspections, and get your project approved the first time.

7. Implement Smart Tech the Right Way

From automated lighting to remote-controlled HVAC systems, modern commercial spaces are smarter than ever. But smart systems rely heavily on dependable electrical infrastructure.

We help you design and install:

• Smart lighting and dimming systems
• Occupancy sensors and motion detectors
• Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats
• Commercial-grade network cabling and power supply
• Security camera systems and alarm circuits

You get more than just convenience—you get a fully integrated workspace where efficiency meets innovation.

8. Schedule Strategically to Minimize Disruption

Renovations can be disruptive, especially in operating businesses. That's why Stripped Electrical offers flexible scheduling to minimize interference with your operations.

We often schedule major work:

• After business hours
• On weekends
• In stages or zones

We’ll work closely with your general contractor and project manager to ensure your renovation runs on time and on budget.

Real-World Example: Office Reno Success

A local marketing agency in downtown Edmonton reached out to Stripped Electrical when upgrading their 1970s office. They needed:

• More power for 30+ desktop workstations
• A new server room with its own circuit and ventilation
• LED lighting throughout for energy efficiency
• A boardroom with integrated A/V and charging ports

We delivered all of it—on a tight timeline—while keeping their team running during the day.

Now? They're enjoying lower utility bills, happier employees, and a professional space that impresses clients from the moment they walk in.

Work With Stripped Electrical for Smarter Renovations

At Stripped Electrical, we’re more than just your local electricians—we’re dedicated professionals who are passionate about lighting up lives and spaces. We take the time to understand your unique goals and challenges so we can deliver electrical solutions tailored specifically to your business.

Whether you’re building from the ground up or revitalizing an old space, we’re here to make sure your renovation is wired for productivity, safety, and success.

Let’s Get to Work

📧 Email us at hello@strippedelectrical.ca
📞 Call 780-932-1776 to schedule a consultation

Together, we’ll strip down the old and power up the new. Ready to build the commercial space your business deserves? Let’s light the way.

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