Many Americans work outside their employer's office at least part of the time. But amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, more businesses are shifting to full-time remote operations. If you're among the growing number of individuals establishing a home office, learn more about your new space’s electrical wiring requirements to ensure it's both safe and efficient. 

How to Set up the Electrical Wiring in a Home Office

1. Install Surge Protectors

Power surges can be triggered by something as simple as running a hairdryer or turning on your microwave. While most are small and harmless, larger surges can permanently damage your electrical equipment if it isn't properly grounded.

To prevent this, connect your cords to power strips with built-in surge protectors, or have a whole-home surge protector installed to cover the electrical wiring throughout your house.

2. Provide Enough Outlets

Depending on your line of work, your home office may require numerous electrical devices, including computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, telephone systems, and lighting.

Traditional homes aren't typically wired to provide the outlets or voltage to safely run this many pieces of equipment. Hire an electrician to ensure your home's electrical circuits can handle the additional demand. You may need more outlets.

3. Hardwire Your Ethernet

Working from home can be challenging when you share your Wi-Fi connection with other members of the household. Sharing bandwidth with people streaming videos, gaming, or listening to music can slow down your connection, making it harder to host video conferences or perform your duties efficiently.

Hardwiring your ethernet connection provides a faster, more reliable network that doesn't get bogged down by household use. Because wired networks are physically connected to your computer, they're also less vulnerable to attacks than wireless alternatives. 

 

If you need help setting up your home office, contact the certified electricians at Oahu Electrical Services in Waimanalo, HI. Their knowledgeable team provides high-quality services for commercial and residential clients across Honolulu and Windward Oahu, including electrical wiring, repairs, and installations. Contact them today at (808) 321-5748 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.