Short answer: Plan the electrics of a shop, cafe or office fit-out before you sign off the design. Check what the lease says about electrical work and approvals, whether the switchboard and supply can handle your equipment, and where every power, data and lighting point goes. Commercial fit-outs often also need emergency and exit lighting, workplace test and tag, and coordination with the landlord, builder and certifier.
Small businesses in the Inner West often take on tired shopfronts on King Street, Marrickville Road or Norton Street, or old warehouse units in Marrickville and St Peters. The electrical side of a fit-out can make or break the opening date. Here’s how to plan it.
Before you sign the lease
Ask the landlord or agent:
- What’s the existing supply? Single phase or three phase, and what capacity?
- Where’s the switchboard? Is it dedicated to your tenancy or shared?
- What’s the condition? Old boards, missing safety switches or past fit-out leftovers are common.
- What can you change? Many leases require landlord approval for electrical work and specify approved contractors.
- Who pays for upgrades? Supply and switchboard upgrades can be significant, so negotiate early.
If your equipment needs more supply than the building has, a supply upgrade is network-side work involving a Level 2 Accredited Service Provider and Ausgrid. Blue Link is not Level 2 accredited, but we can assess your load and tell you if an upgrade is likely. See what is a Level 2 electrician.
Build an equipment list
| Business type | Typical electrical needs |
|---|---|
| Cafe | Coffee machine, grinders, fridges, dishwasher, ovens; often dedicated circuits and possibly three phase |
| Retail | Feature lighting, POS, security, signage |
| Office | Lots of power and data at desks, server or network cabinet, air conditioning |
| Salon | Hair dryers, basins with heaters, good task lighting |
| Studio or workshop | Machinery, dust extraction, workshop power |
The equipment list drives the circuit design. Check each item’s manual for its electrical requirements.
Plan points room by room
- Power: at counters, desks, display walls and equipment positions. Add spare outlets.
- Data: at POS, desks, printers, cameras and Wi-Fi access points. Fixed data cabling needs a registered cabler under the ACMA rules.
- Lighting: general lighting, feature lighting on products, signage and window displays. LEDs keep running costs down.
- Security: cameras and alarms. Paid installation of security equipment in NSW needs a Class 2C security licence, as NSW Police explains. See security cameras.
Safety and compliance items
Emergency and exit lighting
Most commercial premises need emergency and exit lighting that’s installed and maintained to AS/NZS 2293. A fit-out that moves walls or exits may need it changed. See emergency and exit lighting requirements.
Safety switches
New circuits must be protected by safety switches where the Wiring Rules require them. Older boards may need upgrading.
Test and tag
Plug-in equipment used in harsh conditions, like commercial kitchens, must be regularly inspected and tested under WHS rules. See test and tag in NSW.
Certificates
All electrical work must be tested and a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work lodged within 7 days of testing. See CCEW explained. Keep copies for the landlord and your records.
Timing: fit the electrician into the program
- Design: layout, equipment list and lighting plan
- Approvals: landlord, strata and certifier where required
- Strip-out: old circuits made safe and removed
- Rough-in: cables, conduits and boxes before walls and ceilings close
- Ceilings, joinery and finishes
- Fit-off: power, data, lights and equipment connected
- Testing, CCEW and handover
Long lead times on switchboards, lighting or supply upgrades can delay opening, so order early.
Keep trading during work
If you’re refitting a business that’s already open, plan staged work, after-hours shutdowns and temporary power for fridges and POS. Tell your electrician your trading hours upfront.
Fitting out a shop, cafe or office in the Inner West? Talk to us early about supply, switchboards, lighting and power. See commercial electrical in Marrickville or call 0421 772 661.
We do commercial electrical work in Ashfield, Petersham, Dulwich Hill and Leichhardt.
Frequently asked questions
When should I involve an electrician in a fit-out?
Before finalising the design and ideally before signing the lease, so supply, switchboard and equipment needs are known early.
Do I need landlord approval for electrical work in a shop?
Often, yes. Most commercial leases require approval for alterations, including electrical work. Check your lease.
Does a small shop need emergency lighting?
Many commercial premises do, depending on the building classification and layout. Your certifier or fire safety practitioner can confirm.
Can my cafe run on single phase power?
Some can. Cafes with large coffee machines, ovens and refrigeration may need three phase. An electrician can assess your equipment list.