Desk power can look like a relatively small part of an office fit-out, but it affects far more than simply deciding how many sockets to put on each workstation.
Power distribution, USB charging, cable routing, data cabling and the way furniture is connected all need to work together as part of the finished installation.
For UK workplace projects, BS 6396:2022 is an important standard to understand when electrical systems are incorporated into furniture.
This article looks at BS 6396 from the perspective of an office fit-out team: what to think about during specification, common decisions that should be made early and how to avoid treating desk power as an afterthought.
What is BS 6396:2022?
BS 6396:2022 is the British Standard titled Electrical systems in furniture. Specification. It covers requirements for the provision and assembly of electrical power, data and telecommunications distribution systems incorporated into furniture.
The important point for a workplace project is that BS 6396 is concerned with the furniture electrical system as a whole, rather than simply whether an individual desk power unit carries a particular label.
For a more detailed overview of the standard, including installation considerations and frequently asked questions, see our complete BS 6396:2022 desk power guide.
1. Plan desk power early in the fit-out
Desk power is easiest to specify when it is considered alongside the furniture layout rather than after desks have already been ordered or installed.
Before selecting products, establish:
- How many workstations are being installed?
- Where will power enter each desk or bank of desks?
- How many mains sockets are required per user?
- Is USB-C charging required?
- Will users need data or other connectivity at the desk?
- Will power be on the desktop, integrated into the desk or concealed underneath?
- How will cables travel between the building supply and the furniture?
Answering these questions early helps avoid a situation where suitable desk power products have been chosen individually but the overall installation is difficult to route, connect or maintain.
2. Think about the complete furniture power system
A typical workstation may contain several different elements.
For example, an installation could include a desktop or integrated desk power unit, an under-desk distribution unit, interconnecting leads, a mains supply lead and cable management beneath the desk.
These components should be considered together.
This is particularly important when specifying BS 6396-related projects. Compliance is not simply created by purchasing one individual component described as suitable for BS 6396 installations. The design, assembly, protection, routing and testing of the complete furniture electrical system all matter.
3. Decide how users will actually use the desk
The right specification depends heavily on the equipment that will be connected.
A workstation used primarily with a desktop PC may have different requirements from a hot-desk where users arrive with laptops, phones and other USB-C devices.
Consider the likely combination of:
- Desktop computers or laptop docking stations
- One or more monitors
- Phone chargers
- USB-C laptop charging
- Desk lamps and other accessories
- AV or meeting-room equipment
This will help determine both the number of mains outlets required and the appropriate USB charging specification.
4. Don't overlook USB-C when calculating demand
Modern desk power increasingly includes high-output USB-C charging. That can reduce the number of separate plug-in chargers required and create a much cleaner workstation, but USB charging still forms part of the electrical demand of the installation.
The difference between basic device charging and higher-output USB-C suitable for laptops can be significant.
When specifying a larger office, it is therefore worth considering both how many USB charging points will be installed and what charging output users actually need, rather than simply specifying USB because it appears on a product list.
We will cover USB-C wattages in more detail in a separate guide.
5. Plan power and data routes together
Power is only one part of the desk infrastructure.
Many commercial workspaces also require data, AV or telecommunications connections. The routes for these services should be considered as part of the furniture design rather than allowing power and data cables to accumulate underneath the desk after installation.
A planned cable route makes it easier to keep the installation organised, appropriately supported and accessible for future maintenance.
Our desk cable management range includes products designed to help route and support cabling around office furniture.
6. Consider what happens underneath the desk
The desktop power unit tends to be the visible part of an installation, but much of the important infrastructure is underneath it.
Depending on the project, this can include:
- Under-desk power distribution
- Mains power leads
- Interconnecting power cables
- Data cabling
- Cable baskets or trays
- Vertical cable management between the desk and floor
A well-planned installation should avoid unsupported cables, unnecessary tension on connections and large bundles of loose wiring hanging below the workstation.
This is particularly worth considering with height-adjustable desks, where the cable route also needs sufficient controlled movement as the desk changes height.
7. Allow for future office changes
Workplaces rarely remain completely static.
Desks are moved, teams grow, layouts change and equipment is replaced. A furniture power system that works well on installation day should ideally make future reconfiguration manageable too.
Modular power systems can be useful in this respect because individual components can be specified around the furniture layout. However, changes to the layout or electrical system should still be reviewed appropriately rather than assuming an existing installation can simply be extended indefinitely.
8. Make inspection and testing part of the project
Specification does not end when the products arrive on site.
The completed furniture power installation needs to be assembled correctly and inspected and tested as appropriate for the project.
The relevant electrician, electrical contractor or project professional should determine the protection, testing and certification requirements for the specific installation.
For exact technical requirements, project teams should always refer to the full current edition of BS 6396 rather than relying solely on summaries or product descriptions.
A simple desk power checklist for fit-out teams
Before placing a desk power order, it is useful to confirm:
- The final desk and workstation layout
- Number of users and sockets required
- On-desk, in-desk or under-desk power requirements
- Required USB-C charging output
- Power entry point for each desk or bank of desks
- Interconnecting cable lengths
- Power and data cable routes
- Under-desk cable management
- Requirements for height-adjustable furniture
- Future expansion or reconfiguration
- Installation, inspection and testing responsibilities
Important: This article is intended as general guidance for workplace power specification and does not reproduce or replace BS 6396:2022. Always refer to the current standard and consult a qualified electrician or relevant project professional for requirements specific to an installation.