Before you sign
- Available capacity: what service feeds the unit, and is there spare capacity for your equipment?
- Landlord work vs tenant work: who pays for the panel, distribution and lighting?
- Landlord rules: approved contractors, working hours, shutdown procedures, insurance requirements.
During design
- Dedicated circuits for kitchen, medical, IT or specialty equipment
- Lighting layout and controls (occupancy and daylight sensors)
- Emergency and exit lighting to the Fire Code
- Signage power and storefront lighting
- Data pathways and fire alarm coordination
Permits and close-out
Electrical work needs ESA notification and inspection; building permits are separate. At close-out you should receive panel schedules, as-built markups and test records for emergency lighting.
See commercial fit-outs.
Quick questions
Who pays for electrical in a fit-out?
It depends on the lease. Landlord's work and tenant's work are usually spelled out — check before you sign.
How long does fit-out electrical take?
Small units can be a few weeks; larger fit-outs follow the GC's schedule and permit timelines.
Do I need an engineer?
Larger or more complex fit-outs usually need stamped electrical drawings. Small ones can often be design-build.
