Whether you’re setting up a new home office or upgrading an existing one, understanding the electrical setup in your space is essential. In this guide to your home office’s electrical setup, our team at Lightning Bug Electric will explore the basics of what you need for powering your devices and equipment as well as safety tips for ensuring that everything runs smoothly. We’ll also look at ways to save energy and money by making smart choices when it comes to your electrical needs.
Powering Your Home Office
While at the beginning of the pandemic, many had to settle for a laptop on the couch as their home office, a designated space not only boosts productivity but can also provide more work/life balance. When creating the home office of your dreams, consider:
- Lighting: Does the space have sufficient lighting? If not, you made need to install proper overhead lighting to ensure easy reading. Additionally, you can invest in small desk lamps to provide more focused lighting wherever needed.
- Computer Needs: While some professions can get by with just a laptop, many people find a desktop necessary. Personal computers can vary drastically in their power and cooling needs depending on your tower’s setup, with high-end systems having incredible computing power thanks to increases in the amount of RAM, CPU and GPU power, and graphics card quality. Depending on your computer’s power needs, installing a designated computer circuit might be useful. Additionally, while many towers have fans built-in, adding a ceiling fan to your room can ensure that your office doesn’t become sweltering.
- Monitor Requirements: Gone are the days of the single-monitor setup. If you like the idea of having multiple screens going at once, it’s important to remember that this will come with increased power demands and cables. This can make installing electronic component surge protectors or power surge protectors important.
- Cable Organization: While surge protectors can be a great way to keep all your cords heading to the same space, keeping these cords organized will not only create a more aesthetically pleasing space but also a safer one.
Electrical Safety Tips for Your Home Office
Electrical safety should be a top priority for any home office setup. Unsafe wiring or poor equipment maintenance can lead to serious electrical hazards, including shock and fire risks. To stay safe, it’s important to ensure that all electrical cords are in good condition and not frayed, as this can be a source of shorts and arcing. You should also only use cords that are rated for the voltage and wattage of your equipment, and you should avoid overloading any outlets with multiple adapters.
If you live in an older home, it is also a good idea to install ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets near areas where water may be present, such as around your desk. (No one wants an accidental coffee spill to lead to a safety hazard.)
In order to get the power you need, consider how many outlets you will require and the wattage of your equipment. Remember that a typical wall outlet can only provide up to 1,200 watts in total. If your devices draw more than this, you may want to install additional dedicated circuits or use a surge protector with built-in features.
Ways to Save Energy in Your Home Office
One way to save energy—and money on utility bills—in your home office is to use smart power strips. These systems can detect when equipment is turned off and will automatically shut off the power to that device or equipment. This prevents phantom energy usage, which occurs when devices are plugged in and not being used but still draw electricity from the wall outlet. Additionally, using energy-efficient LED light bulbs can further reduce your electricity bill. Finally, remember to keep all your electrical equipment clean and free of dust and debris. While this may seem like a small step, this helps prevent overheating and extends the life of your devices, saving you money in premature replacements.
At Lightning Bug Electric, we offer reliable, fast, and affordable electrical solutions and can walk you through the process of getting your home office up and running in no time. From lighting and surge protection to circuit installation and outlet repairs, our electricians have you covered. If you live in Murietta or any of the surrounding areas, call us at (404) 471-3847 or fill out our online contact form.