COVID-19 has forced many businesses to transition their employees to remote work which implies some inquiries on what are the home office electrical needs must-haves. If you now find yourself working from home, it’s important to make sure the space that you are using as your home office is properly equipped. This goes beyond having the right computer, printer, and desk, but also includes making sure your home’s electrical system can handle the additional load. Here are some important points to consider when it comes to the electrical needs of your home office.

Getting Enough Power

When you start adding additional computers, displays, printers, and other office equipment you find yourself needing more and more plugs. Many times your first instinct is to pull out the power strip to get more plugs. However, many times this is not the best solution. Overloading a power strip can be a potential fire hazard (this includes plugging multiple power strips into each other). The more things you plug in, the more strain you are putting on your circuit.

This can be especially problematic when it comes to home offices since it is common for an entire room or wall to be on a single circuit. When your circuit becomes overloaded it can lead to tripped breakers and is again a fire hazard. If you find that you need additional plugs in your home office and it’s more than just a temporary solution, consider working with a professional to install proper outlets in your walls with higher grade wires and ensure your circuit will not become overloaded.

Dedicated Computer Circuits

If your home office setup is a more permanent one, consider getting a dedicated computer circuit. A dedicated circuit will ensure that your computer is getting the power it needs without putting additional strain on any other circuits in your office. In other words, using a dedicated computer circuit will help prevent overloading your existing circuits, blowing a fuse, or tripping a breaker (all events that take you away from your work).

Air Circulation

Just as important as having the power to run your work-from-home setup, is making sure it is running efficiently. When you set up your home office, it’s important to keep the need for air circulation in mind. Not giving electronics the proper ventilation and air circulation that they need can cause them to overheat. This can seriously damage or even destroy your electronics. While many times air circulation is a consideration with larger servers, it is important to keep in mind with your basic desktop and laptop too. Keep your computer vents free and make sure the room stays cool to keep your electronics from overheating.

Power Backup

To successfully work from home, you need to make sure you have a back-up plan for when things don’t go according to plan. This is one of the home office electrical needs that you should prioritize.

Unexpected power outages from summer storms or winter blizzards can wreak havoc on your productivity. To make sure that you can continue working and meeting deadlines. Despite unexpected power outages, consider purchasing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for your computer. Even a generator to supply power to your home office would be great.

A UPS is essentially a battery backup for your desktop computer. It will give you the few extra minutes you need to save documents, close programs, etc. You could even continue to use your desktop for up to an hour without power. If you opt to get a generator, a portable generator will likely be large enough to power your home office. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions. Properly use the generator with plenty of ventilation or even outdoors if possible.

Enlist the Help of a Professional for Your Home Office Electrical Needs

Do you find the suggestions overwhelming? Especially when you don’t have enough plugs or you keep tripping circuits. Do you need further guidance on you home office electrical needs?

Our team of professional electricians at Wire Craft Electric can help you. We will make sure your home office has the necessary power you need to keep your home office running smoothly. Call us at 206-542-0208 or request an appointment today!