Depending on the type of business operations, a commercial building’s electrical system is often the most crucial element within it. Manufacturers require reliable electronics to operate their machinery, office buildings need them to run computers and related electronics, and nearly any commercial operation requires lighting and HVAC services.

Given its critical role in business operations, anyone developing a new commercial building in the Tallahassee area needs to ensure that its electrical system will reliably meet all business needs. From a construction standpoint, it is also essential to ensure that the electrical contractor and their work adhere to all applicable codes and regulations.

The commercial electricians of Meeks Electrical Services in Tallahassee will tell you that one of the first things you should do when initiating a commercial build is to vet your chosen electrical contractor to confirm that they are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and that they have worker’s compensation coverage as required by law. Once confirmed, you should ask them to detail their electrical checklist for successfully incorporating the electrical system into your new Tallahassee commercial building. As an example of what an electrical checklist should look like, we’ve highlighted their key features in this blog. Please note that specific checklist items may vary depending on project scope, building type, and other relevant factors.

Pre-Construction Phase: Electrical Design, Planning, and Permitting

Due to Florida law and local regulations, your commercial electrician cannot begin any electrical work on your commercial building until you’ve received the necessary permits. These permits will require the submission of electrical plans that conform to the 2023 Florida Building Code, 8th Edition, which incorporates elements of national electrical codes and Florida Energy Conservation codes.

Electrical plan details and specifications that will need to be submitted with your electrical permit application typically include:

• Panel schedules, including circuit breaker sizes and load distribution.
• Load calculations for service and feeder conductors.
• Location and wattage of every transformer or appliance to be installed.
• Location, voltage, kilowatt, or similar ratings of every motor controller or disconnect switch.
• Grounding and bonding details.
• Details on working spaces around electrical equipment.
• Emergency and standby power system designs, if applicable.
• Energy efficiency specifications.

This information must be supported by an electrical riser diagram that includes the service voltage, meter location, and equipment ratings. The permit application must also be signed and sealed by a Florida-registered architect or engineer. Note that after relevant electrical permits have been approved, you must secure a certified copy of the Notice of Commencement before the first inspection.

Electrical Service and Distribution

Because your commercial electrical needs will likely require the services of a utility, you’re going to have to coordinate with either the City of Tallahassee Utilities or the Talquin Electrical Cooperative, depending on the project location. Your work with the utility will likely involve the following:

• Determine the service voltage based on the building’s load requirements.
• Coordinating the installation of utility-approved meter bases, electrical panels, and the grounding and bonding of the electrode systems.
• Installing a properly sized service entrance conductor and main disconnect switch.

Wiring and Conduit Installation

Once you’re ready to be powered up by your utility, you can begin working on the wiring and conduit installation of your commercial building. Primary wiring and conduit installation considerations include:

• Whether electrical services will be delivered underground and what methodologies to use to optimize cost efficiency, minimize surface disruption, and meet codes.
• Appropriate conduit types based on environmental factors and code requirements.
• Determining conductor sizing and type to account for ampacity, voltage drop, ambient temperature corrections, and codes.
• The installation of fire alarm systems integrated with electrical systems to comply with codes.
• The use of fire-rated cables and other fire-resistant materials as needed for safety and code compliance.

Lighting and Equipment Install

When you reach the lighting and equipment installation phase of commercial building, you are typically entering the final stages of electrical installation. This work normally includes, but is not limited to:

• Installing energy-efficient lighting and lighting controls to meet Florida Energy Conservation Code requirements.
• Wiring appliances and machinery according to manufacturer specifications.
• Ensuring the motor controllers and disconnects comply with applicable ratings codes.
• Wiring and ensuring code compliance of any specialty systems like data cabling, solar installations, and generators.
• Ensuring that outdoor lighting complies with local ordinances to control light pollution.

Testing and Inspections

During the electrical work in your new commercial building, you’ll need to conduct frequent testing and undergo several inspections to ensure safety and compliance with codes. Inspections typically include:

• A rough-in inspection to verify the viable installation of wiring, conduits, and other electronics that may be concealed by subsequent construction.
• Service inspection to confirm service entrance and metering compliance.
• Final inspection to ensure electrical system completion and compliance with code.

Post Construction

Once the electrical work and other construction are completed, the owner will need to obtain final approval in the form of a “certificate of occupancy” from the Tallahassee or Leon County building department. This confirms that all electrical components meet the code requirements necessary for usage and occupancy.

Contact Meeks For Your Commercial Electrical Needs in Tallahassee

If you’re developing a commercial building in Tallahassee, turn to Meeks Electrical Services for expert installation of its electrical components. We’ve been helping Tallahassee-area businesses power up their commercial operations for over 45 years with outstanding electrical installation services. To learn more about how we can help efficiently install the electrical system needed for your commercial building, contact us at (850) 575-3201.