The electrical system in the building is similar to the plumbing system. Once the contractors finish laying down all the plumbing and wiring, moving fixtures and appliances can be time-consuming and very expensive when deciding on remodeling. That is why planning ahead is essential for every infrastructure, especially electrical systems. The electrical walk-through helps ensure that everything is in the right place at first.
What is an Electrical Walk-Through?
An electrical walk-through is an inspection of all the physical layouts of the electrical system. Once the building structural framing is finished and is ready to have an electrical connection, this is the time an electrical walk-through occurs. During the walk-through, the property owner and the contractors or electricians in the building will discuss and mark the placements and positions of all electrical switches, outlets, and light fixtures. These essential details allow the electricians or the contractor to temporarily place the wirings, electrical fixtures, and components such as Plastic General access doors in the wall and ceilings before sealing them with drywalls or materials.
Here’s how an electrical walk-through benefits any construction project:
1. Minimizes the Chance to Move the Wiring System
Conducting a rework for the newly installed electrical wiring can be expensive, messy, and damaging. Adequate electrical planning and conducting electrical walk-through in the building project can minimize these costly changes of electrical wirings and fixtures.
2. Enables Reconsiderations About Lighting Scheme Remodeling
Without conducting project walk-throughs, there is a big possibility that the property owner will think and plan about the optimal lighting scheme to remodel. For instance, the owner is uncomfortable with the positions and placements of light fixtures and switches as it obstructs the appliances and furniture. Electrical walk-throughs will minimize these possibilities as it allows the property owner to know the actual wiring layouts and placements of all electrical lighting fixtures, switches, breakers, etc.
3. Provides Enough Time to Refine Electrical Plan
Conducting an electrical walk-through in the project will give the property owners, contractors, and electricians enough time to refine the electrical wiring plan, including lighting fixtures position and placements, and help the project personnel not feel rushed.
4. Helps to Prevent Project Delays
Conducting an installation without an electrical walk-through can increase the chance of performing reworks on the electrical system after the assessment. Any reworks can be messy and time-consuming, especially for the electrical system, and will significantly affect and delay the project’s target completion date. However, performing an electrical walk-through before the final concealment of electrical connections and fixtures will prevent rework on the system and make the electrical work finish faster.
5. Prevents Additional Expenses
In any construction project, any minor rework is costly as some of those materials will get damaged and become of no use. It is more likely to get replacements in electrical reworks in the building, significantly affecting the overall project cost. Conducting an electrical walk-through can mitigate this issue. It will provide a thorough assessment of all essential details of the project’s electrical system, which will help to prevent any electrical reworks and save a significant amount of money.
Here are some tips when conducting an electrical walk-through in the project:
1. Bring the Electrical Plan
Bringing the electrical plan during the walk-through will help the owner, electrician, and contractor measure and locate the exact placement of the fixtures. They can easily calculate if it requires some adjustments between the plan and the actual supposed location of the electrical fixtures and cables. It will also help the owner check if the physical installation follows the proposed design plan.
2. Consider the Architectural Details
Architectural features such as ceiling caves, overhangs, and arched ceilings can capture, block and reflect the light. In this case, the property owner and the contractor can discuss those essential concerns to achieve the best results on the project depending on the lighting mood the owner wants to capture.
3. Consider to Invite an Interior Designer
Partnering with an interior designer with the electrician during the electrical walk-through is a brilliant idea. It will help create a more flexible lighting fixture design and can balance the colors to harmonize the selection of switches and fixtures. Interior designers can help the property owner express the theme the owner wants to create and adjust electrical fixtures based on the client’s preferences.
Conducting an electrical walk-through in every project is necessary because it benefits the property owners, contractors, and electricians. It can aid in performing the tasks correctly without any reworks on the job. It also gives a chance and enough time to adjust the proposed electrical plans regarding their actual placements. Ensure to conduct electrical walk-throughs in every building construction project to prevent costly and messy electrical reworks on the project. Lastly, it would be best to purchase high-quality products and materials from reputable companies recommended by your trusted experts.
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