In a major refurbishment, the installation
of lighting and power is possibly the most important element to get right first time.
Glare - especially over computer terminals - and lighting levels that are task orientated
have become critically important and occupy much space in environmental health
requirements. In addition, with the vast growth in the use of work stations incorporating
IT and complex communication systems, under-floor networks are now common. Britefox
Limited will guide you within the cost parameters you lay down.
Lighting
Lighting may seem a simple, easily considered field for most office
environments and choosing a style and type of lighting unit may generally be considered as
not too complicated.However,
minimum lighting levels are governed by law - measured at desk height or the work-plane -
and achieving this level requires just a little know-how. The wise purchaser will take
advice to be sure of complying. |
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The range of
commercial lighting units is vast, and can be quite complicated. The difficulty in
choosing should not be underestimated. Different lights give out different levels of light
and different colours, also heat. The latter often an expensive waste. Light units may
also need to adjust their output, perhaps for different areas within the occupied floor
space. Also as daylight improves, so internal lighting should become less intense and, of
course, less expensive. It is
true to say, cheap lighting can be very expensive lighting. |
Power
Power distribution needs to be accessible, flexible and available. In a new
unoccupied office environment, this is not a difficult proposition. It nonetheless
requires careful planning. Floor ducting, by far the most utilised means of distribution,
should be considered as a network of continuous energy than can be tapped into at any
point. These systems exist with multiple channels with anti-induction facilities and
provide a continuous route for electrical cables, telephone cables and computer networks.Fitted flush with the floor finish, they do not
intrude into the work space and are totally accessible. Outlet points can be taken out and
replaced within a fixed module - usually 12ft (3.66m) but can be more or less - and much
of this can be done without interrupting the work flow.
Such sophistication does not, of course, suit
all situations. Essential over-the-ceiling wiring extensions are still carried out in
existing, occupied space. In these cases, great care is needed to ensure a high standard
of safety by using only fully qualified personnel. Britefox Limited only
ever employ fully trained and proven technicians.
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