Installation of Electrical Floor Boxes

Understanding office floor box options in an electrical installation

When having an electrical installation done for your office space consider all your options. One option to consider for floor installations are electrical floor boxes. Typically these are made of stainless steel and plastic. In addition floor boxes came in many different sizes and depths. This is because different floors require different types of boxes.

The type of office floor box required depends on multiple factors. These include the depth of the false floor void. Furthermore if there is a concrete floor screed that the floor box will be set in. However if the floor is raised you will have a large range of options of floor box finishes. Certain situations can also allow for above floor boxes.

Where can I use electrical floor boxes?

There are many different locations where floor boxes can be beneficial

These include

Offices
Hotels
Schools
Hospitals
Airports
Commercial spaces with floor traffic

Options for different electrical office floor boxes

Most electrical boxes you will find on the market are fairly similar to each other. Thus in terms of appearance, features, depth, and general functionality. Floor boxes are generally made out of either galvanized steel or stainless steel. Occasionally, you may find copper or brass used to make a floor box. However this is rare. Sometimes brass sockets and floor boxes will be used with certain wood floors to create an interesting architectural feature.

Modern floor boxes are designed to ensure easy installation and quick removal. In addition they can either be rectangular or round in frame shape. Most commonly you will use metal plates with the floor boxes. However the option to use either plastic or porcelain plates is available. Solid metal is generally recommended. This is because it is more durable and better handles wear and tear when walked over in high-traffic areas. It also provides a minimalist, clean, and uniform look for offices. In addition, floor boxes can be fitted with metal plates that have spring-loaded covers to seal when not in use.

The cover lids of most floor boxes will also have a separate cut out. That way, a matching carpet sample can be used to help hide the floor box. You could also use a sample of floor tile or wood. Thus the cut out helps the coverings blend in with the floor.

If you are wondering what kind of electrical equipment will suit your needs, our management team can provide recommendations and ensure a professional, secure installation.

Can office floor boxes be water proof?

Heavy duty floor boxes are available for specialist areas. These include both waterproof and dustproof floor boxes. The built-in inner box has an IP66 water and dust protection box. Thus this makes sure the floor box stays protected from outside elements.

You can often find these heavy duty floor boxes in specialist areas such as airports, shopping malls, museums, convention centers, etc. These high-traffic areas benefit from the heavy duty floor boxes.

How are floor boxes installed?

First: Select the floor box location and make an opening

Once you select the location for the floor box, you will need to make an opening in the floor. If you have a false floor, we will first cut the floor box into the floor tile. We will be careful to keep the floor box near the center of the tile to keep the structural integrity of the tile. The strength of the tile can be affected if you cut too close to the edge. If we do offset the floor box in the tile, this can allow for greater adjustment when moving the tiles into place top suit desk layouts.

If the floors are made out of concrete, then the floor will need to be broken out in order to accommodate the floor box. Throughs will also need to run from the floor boxes to local services, which could include running it back to either the power board or data cabinet. In addition, it could also include accessing local containment such as dado trunking or traywork.

In order to properly cut into a floor, you require a skilled professional that has the proper equipment and training. Our trained professionals know which tools to use and how to cut into your floor to ensure a proper and secure instillation. For example, if you need floor boxes installed into wood or tile floors, our professional will come equipped with the proper jigsaw. In the case of concrete floors, they will use a circular saw or concrete saw. After creating the opening, the floor boxes will be installed.

Second: Prep the floor box and place it

Before placing the floor box, you must check where the ground cables run to. Once this is known, you can remove the appropriate knockouts from the floor box units. These are round entry points where electrical and data cables enter the box. They are also protected with rubber grommets once taken out as a sharp edge can be left

Once you are ready, the floor box can be placed in the proper position on the floor to receive the electrical and data cabling connections.

Third: Press the box into the floor

Once the floor box has been properly places, lower it and press on both ends of the floor box firmly. You must also secure the latches and secure the box in place. Securing the latches on each side of the floor box makes sure it is easy to insert and remove when necessary.

Once the floor box has been placed into the floor, turn the screws to tighten the fox and make sure it is secure in its place.

Fourth: Fit the floor box lid and then trim

Metal, reusable lids are often already installed on many quick model floor boxes. This helps it stay in place during either the installation or removal process. You can also measure the lid and reduce it by pressing the area. The lid can be covered with matching carpet, tile, or wooden inserts to match the floor material.

Removing your floor box

If there is a point where you need to remove the floor box, the removal process will depend on the model. However, for most models, you can follow the general steps that follow:

Lift the floor box lock handles (if they are on your floor box model). This will make sure the floor box is no longer locked in place.
Lift the lid to open an area. Most floor box models should allow you to do this.
Insert a flat flat-blade screwdriver into the metal clips on either side of the box. Then, slide it out until the clip meets the molded stem.
Finally, use the lid handles to life the box down.

If the floor boxes are in concrete floors, this will require significant floor upheaval in order to remove them. Make sure to contact a qualified professional to help with any floor box removal necessities.

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