Planning for the next generation of electrical installations

Commercial electrical requirements have shifted significantly in the past decade. Increase in demand and the wider use of portable electronics through digitalisation and bring your own device (BYOD) initiatives has given rise to new considerations for planning electrical installations. Here, Simon Pinkney, Offering Management Director for MK Electric, explains how contractors can stay ahead of the market.

The move to BYOD has been a long time in the making. Data from Statista indicates that 45% of UK businesses permitted BYOD programs in 2018. The global BYOD market is projected to be valued at US$587.3 billion by 2030, reflecting a wider business acceptance of personal devices in the workplace. This growth is, in part, driven by tightening budgets – something that is particularly evident in the education sector.

Schools and universities have faced tighter budgets for many years. In fact, ahead of the pandemic, a report by the School Cuts coalition concluded that more than 80% of schools would have less funding per pupil in 2020 than they did in 2015. BYOD programs made equipment costs more manageable for schools and universities, which is why such initiatives have proven popular – according to 2019 research, 80% of students and 79% of staff at UK universities were already using their own devices. Post-COVID-19, this is even more important as a means of providing students with uninterrupted access to material via their devices, at a time when absences remain high.

Contractors have an essential role to play in facilitating the rise in BYOD, as well as the broader increase in the number of electronics in buildings. Charging these devices requires more cable runs and effective cable management to support suitable availability of electrical and data outlets where they are needed most.

Often, this will need to be installed quickly with minimal disruption, which typically makes retrofitting PVC trunking on perimeter walls the best option compared to alternatives such as channelling walls. This means electricians need to consider the installation environment when choosing an ideal cable management solution. For example, running trunking around corners requires consideration of how much bend is permissible without exceeding the bend radii required for Cat 6, 6a and 7 cable compliance.

Addressing installations in this way only accounts for the short-term requirements of a building. As technology develops, so too do the requirements of buildings catering to numerous devices. A prime example of this is the trend towards USB-C, which is quickly becoming the norm for charging and data transfer in portable devices, owing to its high data transfer rates and capacity to carry up to 100W of power. As such, commercial electrical installations are increasingly involving the use of USB integrated sockets. This is just one example; in terms of cable management, having the flexibility to support various cable types such as Cat 6 and Cat 7 is invaluable.

Meeting the present and future demands of installations does not need to be costly or time-consuming for contractors. As with any project specification, selecting the right products for the job is key. “Contractors can play a key role in helping businesses meet the growing electrical requirements and demands emerging from BYOD programs”

For trunking, the ideal product would be a versatile PVCu trunking that can be installed quickly and easily to improve project delivery times. MK Electric’s Prestige 3D three-compartment trunking is one such range designed to meet these requirements, with features such as ‘open box’ mounting frames and divider knockouts to provide unhindered tool-free cable entry, as well as pre-drilled trunking bases for ease of fixing. The range supports Cat 6, 6a and 7 structured cabling and, for corner runs, can accommodate +/-5° tolerance on 90° bends that eliminate the need to cut or trim the profile to fit.

This trunking also allows contractors to effectively run cabling into USB-C integrated socket outlets. When considering Part M of the Building Regulations, MK offers products than can support, for example, its Logic Plus USB-C Integrated socket that is available in a choice of white or graphite finishes. Additionally, Prestige 3D coloured socket spacers and flanges are also available.

It may not be immediately apparent, but contractors can play a key role in helping businesses meet the growing electrical requirements and demands emerging from BYOD programs. The key to this is recommending the best products for the job. Luckily for electricians, this doesn’t need to add to project costs – specifying properly can bring lasting benefits to customers and contractors alike.