Commercial electrical design is planning and creating interior and exterior electrical systems for commercial buildings like office spaces, retail stores, warehouses, and healthcare facilities. It involves designing a layout and selecting interior and exterior lighting components, power distribution, emergency backup power, fire alarms, security systems, communication systems, and HVAC.
Electrical engineers and designers follow codes and standards like the National Electrical Code (NEC) to ensure safety and efficiency. The end goal is an electrical system that meets the business’s unique needs while minimizing operating costs.
Commercial electrical design is important because it directly impacts the business’s functionality, efficiency, safety, and costs. A poorly designed system can lead to power outages, voltage fluctuations, safety hazards, and higher energy bills.
On the other hand, a strategic electrical design optimizes the placement of outlets, circuits, and equipment. It provides reliable power for daily operations and seamlessly integrates lighting, HVAC, fire alarms, and other systems. This enhances productivity and reduces disruptions from electrical issues.
Efficient electrical systems have a significant impact on the operating costs of a commercial facility. With rising energy prices, businesses can save significantly on utility bills through an optimized design.
Implementing energy-efficient lighting, appropriately sized HVAC equipment, occupant sensors, and premium-efficiency motors can reduce a facility’s kWh consumption by 20-30%. Minimizing voltage drops through proper wire and conduit sizing also prevents energy waste.
Some key components of an effective commercial electrical design include:
A critical component of an efficient commercial electrical design is properly distributing power throughout the space. Let’s examine two significant distribution strategies:
Efficient power distribution through proper load balancing ensures no single circuit or electrical component is overloaded. This prevents tripped breakers, voltage drops, or premature failure of equipment.
Load calculations should guide the design so lighting, receptacles, motors, and other loads are evenly distributed across circuits, panels, and phases.
Three-phase power allows more power to be transmitted over three smaller wires rather than one large wire. It also allows large motors and other equipment to operate more efficiently.
Electrical engineers specify three-phase power for extensive facilities with higher power demands. Proper sizing and isolation of the neutral wire are also critical.
Unless you’re an expert, it’s not always easy to spot signs your commercial electrical design needs an upgrade. Learn the indicators you should be watching for that signal it’s time to upgrade your system.
When designing electrical systems for commercial buildings, there are many techniques electrical engineers can utilize to maximize efficiency and reduce power usage. Careful considerations in energy-saving devices, advanced control systems, electrical system zoning, and metering, as well as the incorporation of renewable energy sources, can result in substantial improvements in the energy efficiency of commercial facilities.
Energy-saving devices like LED lighting, occupancy sensors, and smart thermostats can significantly reduce the amount of electricity consumed in a commercial building. For example, switching from fluorescent or incandescent lighting to LEDs can reduce lighting power usage by 50% or more. Occupancy sensors automatically turn lights on and off based on detected motion, preventing lights from being left on in unoccupied spaces.
Electrical engineers can specify many energy-saving devices and technologies in commercial building designs. LED lighting, as mentioned, offers major efficiency improvements over older lighting technologies. Newer variants like tunable LEDs allow color temperature adjustment to align with circadian rhythms and promote alertness and productivity.
Installing occupancy and daylight sensors ensures lighting is only on when spaces are occupied, and natural light is insufficient. Smart lighting control systems can also automate and optimize lighting based on schedules and other parameters.
Advanced control systems represent another opportunity to improve commercial building energy efficiency. Building automation systems can monitor and control HVAC, lighting, and other systems to optimize their usage and performance. Dashboards provide visibility into energy usage trends and profiles.
Power management systems can prioritize and shed non-critical loads during periods of peak demand to avoid spikes in energy costs. Smart breakers or outlets allow granular remote control over plug loads. These advanced controls provide electrical engineers much more flexibility in managing power usage.
Zoning the electrical system into segments aligned with building zones or uses allows for more targeted measurement and control over power consumption. Separate panelboards and meters can be installed for office spaces, production areas, HVAC equipment, plug loads, etc.
This zoning approach provides excellent visibility into the energy use profiles of different building functions. Based on this energy use data, system loads can be adjusted or optimized at a zone level.
Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or fuel cells into the electrical system design allows commercial facilities to generate a portion of their power. Photovoltaic solar panels have become an increasingly popular option for supplementing grid power.
Depending on the renewable energy sources utilized, electrical engineers may need to incorporate equipment like inverters, charge controllers, and batteries into the system design. Careful consideration must be given to the interactions between renewable sources, traditional utility power, and on-site loads.
Now let’s look at how your commercial electrical design can advance your operations:
A strategic electrical design incorporates many features to improve energy efficiency, such as:
Proper lighting enhances productivity and comfort by reducing eyestrain and allowing tasks to be performed accurately. Strategic placement of switches and lighting zones gives occupants control over their environment.
Smart HVAC and ventilation improve indoor air quality and keep temperature and humidity at optimal levels. This creates a comfortable work environment so employees can stay focused.
Automated shading integrated with HVAC and lighting adjusts to prevent glare and overheating. This further enhances working conditions for improved performance.
For 20+ years, CTI Electric has been Utah’s go-to commercial electrical design provider. Whether your building requires a complete overhaul or less intensive tweaks to improve efficiency, we ensure high-quality solutions and electrical safety. Contact us today to discuss your electrical design needs and begin developing a plan to address them.
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