Ebele Ubaka - Personal Blog

Tired of Tripping Over Wires? False Floors can Help!

In the modern world we live in, cables, cords or wires are everywhere, connecting our devices, and powering our technologies. Be it homes, offices, or public spaces, the abundance of exposed wires around can be a nuisance to sight and poses a potential hazard.

However, there is a solution that can help mitigate this problem for you: false floors. In this blog post, we will explore how this floor system can effectively address wire management and provide a safer and more organized interior environment.

I came upon the above picture on LinkedIn and the first thing that caught my attention was the electrical wires littering the aisle.

I can imagine the speaker being conscious of tripping over wires while focusing on what he is teaching. This can be frustrating, and the owners of the building might not even be aware of a possible solution to this.

As an Architect and an interior organizer, it bordered me and I chose this post to show you an alternative.

I will not go deep into basic floor systems as this is a case of flooring systems. The use of space (or should I say future use of space) determines the placement of electrical fittings.

I said future use because the space may not initially be made for a conference or lecture room. It may have been a simple, multi-purpose room/hall.

Read also The First Things Guests Notice about Your Guestroom Interior: How to Improve It.

As a Client, when you choose to make a created space have a defined use such as a business room, it is important to get an electrical floor wiring plan to suit the furniture (seating) arrangement for the space.

You may have done a fixed floor tile for the space, an alternative will be to use a false floor for your electrical wiring. Just as you have a false ceiling covered by a POP design or any ceiling board type, that allows your mechanical fittings for Air-Conditioning, special lighting, audio equipment, etc., the false floor serves the same function.

What is a False Floor?

A false floor is simply a raised floor, often from the original structural floor.  It is an (innovative flooring system), an elevated platform typically made of metal or concrete. It creates an empty space or a cavity that allows electrical and mechanical connections and services to pass through.

False floor layout basically requires pedestals, stringers, adhesives, nuts, bolts, and floor panels. These floor panels/tiles are held in place within the pedestals. They can be easily lifted up for ease of future repairs and maintenance.

At spots where a power socket is needed, openings will be cut off, with grommets fitted on the floor tile boards. It may be an expensive venture initially, but it’s worth it.

Benefits of adopting a False Floor?

Proper Wire Management:

Ability to conceal and hide bulk wires out of plain sight, enhancing safety, and giving a cleaner and more professional appearance.

Ease of Access:

You can easily raise a tile up for any desired maintenance without disrupting other activities.

Customizable Designs and Solutions:

False floor offers customizable solutions, allowing different wire configurations, multiple power outlets, and data connections. This also allows you to play with tile designs and for a complete overhaul with a new design if you are tired of the old ones, improving the aesthetics of the space.

Enhanced Safety:

Tripping over wires is not only frustrating but can also lead to accidents and injuries. False floors eliminate this risk by securely housing the wires beneath the surface. This safety improvement is essential in high-traffic areas where the presence of wires can pose a significant hazard.

Read Everything you need to know about false floors here.

Here are other things to consider when thinking of installing a false floor.

The Purpose and Use of Space.

First, determine what you want to use the space for, then you will understand your objectives for using a false floor. Make adequate plans for the space you are installing the false floor.

Electrical requirements.

You don’t want redundancy or space not being enough for future demands, so determine the electrical wiring that you need for the space, the type of wires, the number and types of power outlets, data ports, and other connections that will be installed within the false floor.

Initial Cost and Maintenance.

Check your budget and consider the long-term cost of maintaining the floor. Plan for regular inspections and cleaning if you desire the longevity and functionality of the floor you wish to install.

Building Codes and Regulations.

Check the codes, regulations, and permits that apply to false floor installation for your area. Legal compliance with existing guidelines is necessary for your safety.

The Structural Integrity of the floor.

This evaluates the load-bearing capacity of your existing floor to ensure it can carry your new false floor and all equipment and people that will be placed on it. To do this, you will need the services of a structural engineer to access the feasibility and safety of installing a false floor for you.

Acoustics.

This has to do with sound for the space you are working on. The choice of materials used here can increase noise or cause echo. So you want to work with materials that absorb or block sound for spaces such as a recording studio or a home theater, etc.

Fire Safety.

In your material selection, ensure they have a good fire rating. You are dealing with lots of electrical wires, so use fire-resistant materials and consider a fire-detecting and suppressing system.

False Floor Height.

Your desired height for the false floor will be determined based on the type of cables or wires you are installing and the ventilation required for the cavity. The height should not interfere with doorways, windows, or other structural elements.

Cable Management.

Consider incorporating cable management systems, such as grommets, raceways (also known as conduits), or channels within the false floor to facilitate easy installation and future modifications.

Airflow and Ventilation.

A false floor houses equipment that generates heat and if this heat builds up with no escape route, that could be disastrous for your facility. Let professionals provide the design that allows an effective airflow system within your floor.

Read Everything you need to know about false floors and its Installation here.

Never forget that each space you are dealing with is unique and has its own specific requirements. Engage the services of professionals such as Architects and Engineers to guide you and ensure a successful false floor installation.

In conclusion, the world is becoming reliant on technology, and your space is not left out. Effectively managing the placement of wires around your space is essential for improved safety and enhanced aesthetics. Adopting false floors reduces the risks associated with loose cables lying around, embraces convenience, and says goodbye to the frustration that comes with tripping over wires.