Taking on a new industrial unit or warehouse is a big step for any business. The building might look ready, but in most cases the electrical installation decides how quickly you can actually start working in it. Get it right and the space works for you from day one. Get it wrong and you are living with tripping breakers, dark corners and extension leads for years.
As industrial electrical contractors based in Wakefield, we fit out factories, workshops and warehouses across Yorkshire and beyond. Here is how we approach a fit out, and what to think about before work starts.
Start With the Supply
Every fit out begins with a simple question: how much power will the site need, now and in five years’ time? We look at the machinery you plan to run, heating and ventilation, lighting, office areas, EV charging and any future expansion, then compare that demand with the capacity of the incoming supply.
If the supply falls short, it is far better to know at the start. Upgrades involving the Distribution Network Operator, which is Northern Powergrid across most of Yorkshire, can take time to arrange, so we raise them early to keep your move on track.
Distribution That Matches the Way You Work
A well designed distribution system makes a site safer and easier to manage. On a typical fit out we will:
- Install a main switchboard or distribution board sized for the full site load, with room for growth
- Add sub distribution boards close to production areas, so circuits stay short and easy to isolate
- Fit surge protection and RCBO protection, so a fault on one circuit does not take out a whole area
- Provide lockable isolators beside machinery, so equipment can be made safe for maintenance
Containment Done Properly
Cable containment is the backbone of an industrial installation. Cable tray, basket, trunking and conduit keep cables protected, organised and accessible. Good containment makes future changes quicker and cheaper, because new circuits can follow existing routes instead of starting from scratch.
For Saint Flooring Group, our containment carried power to machinery, CCTV and the data cabinet throughout their new distribution branch in Wakefield.
Lighting for Large Spaces
High bay LED lighting is now the standard for warehouses and factories. It gives bright, even light, switches on instantly and uses a fraction of the energy of older lamps. Presence sensors and daylight dimming cut costs further by keeping lights off or dimmed in areas that are not in use. We plan lighting layouts around racking, workstations and walkways, so the light ends up where people actually need it.
Power Where It Is Needed
Industrial units rarely need just a few sockets. Depending on the work, a fit out might include:
- 400V three phase outlets and direct supplies for machinery
- 110V outlets for site tools in workshop areas
- IP rated sockets and fittings where dust, moisture or fumes are present
- Supplies for roller shutter doors, extraction fans and heaters
- Emergency lighting and exit signs along escape routes
For Swan Civil Engineering in Liverpool, we fitted out a new workshop with a Schneider distribution board, LED high bay lighting, 230V, 110V and three phase outlets, fan controllers and IP rated sockets, all within a tight deadline.
Certification and Handover
When the work is complete, every circuit is inspected and tested, and you receive NICEIC certification along with a handover pack. Accurate circuit charts and certificates make life easier for your maintenance team, your insurer and anyone who works on the site in future.
Planning a Fit Out?
The earlier an electrical contractor is involved, the smoother a fit out tends to be. If you are taking on a new unit or reorganising an existing one, our team can handle the design, installation and certification under one roof. Read more about our industrial electrical services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide the electrical design?
Yes. We can design the installation from scratch or work from your consultant’s design, and we manage the project through to testing and certification.
Can you work while we move in?
Yes. We phase the work around deliveries, racking installers and other trades, so you can start using parts of the building as soon as they are ready.
Moving into a new unit or reorganising your site? Contact Econ Electrical to talk through your fit out with our team.
