Rental factories are typically equipped with only a basic electrical system designed to meet general operational needs, while each factory owner may have different power requirements. As a result, the installation or upgrade of the electrical system during the factory fit-out phase must be carefully planned to ensure safe and stable production.
Assess power needs and evaluate existing capacity
It’s essential for the investor to define the power demand of all machinery and production lines from the outset. Without accurate and comprehensive calculations, the post-fit-out electrical system may lack sufficient capacity, leading to production disruptions or unnecessary overspending.
Identifying the power consumption requirements of all equipment and production lines is one of the most critical steps in any factory fit-out project.
In addition, assessing the maximum available power capacity of the rental facility is just as important. Key factors to review during the site survey include the existing transformer station capacity, potential for upgrades, and the availability of supplementary power sources if needed. Comparing actual demand with available supply provides a clear basis for determining whether the current system needs to be upgraded.
If the existing capacity is insufficient, the investor should consider solutions such as replacing the main circuit breaker, expanding the power distribution network, or exploring the feasibility of connecting to nearby power sources. Close coordination with the landlord is necessary to ensure a stable power supply that meets long-term needs while optimizing costs.
Notes on electrical panel and cable connection
Rental factories are usually equipped with only one main electrical panel per block, provided in a standby configuration. As a result, the investor leasing the factory will need to install a complete MEP system tailored to their production requirements. Incoming power cables and conduits from the external source to the factory are typically routed underground to ensure safety and avoid interference with the building structure. Meanwhile, internal wiring and power cables running from the distribution panels to machinery and MEP equipment are often installed exposed on cable trays or routed along the ceiling to allow easy access for inspection, maintenance, and repairs.
The system must be carefully calculated, especially regarding conductor cross-sectional area, to ensure proper load capacity, prevent overheating, and minimize voltage drop. During connection and maintenance of the factory’s electrical system, special attention must be paid to the load-bearing capacity of each cable segment to avoid overloading, which could result in short circuits or fire hazards.
Backup power system and power supply stability
To prevent production downtime in the event of a grid power outage, the factory should be equipped with a backup generator of suitable capacity. The generator must be capable of quick start-up and provide stable power to priority loads such as smoke extraction systems, fire protection systems (FPP), production areas, and office spaces.
In most rental factory fit-out projects, generators are typically selected with a capacity ranging from 100 to 150 kVA – sufficient to supply backup power for the fire protection system of a standard factory. However, if the investor intends to maintain operations in the office area or continue running production lines during an outage, the total load must be recalculated, and a higher-capacity generator should be selected to ensure continuous and stable operation.
See more: Optimizing costs & efficiency of factory renovation & upgrading
See more: 4 criteria to help investors choose the optimal factory fit-out plan for 2025
