What a fit-out usually involves
Every commercial space is different, but most fit-outs in Wagga's CBD, the shopping strips and the business parks need some mix of:
- Power at the right spots: workstations, reception, the POS counter, the staff kitchen, the server or comms cupboard, display areas and signage.
- Lighting that suits the work: bright, even light for offices and clinics, accent and track lighting for retail, high bays for showrooms and warehouses. See commercial lighting.
- Data points for computers, printers, EFTPOS, phones and Wi-Fi access points. See data and TV points.
- Dedicated circuits for equipment like coffee machines, commercial fridges, ovens, compressors or a split-system air conditioner.
- Switchboard changes: new circuits, a new board, or more capacity for the tenancy.
- Make-safe and strip-out of the previous tenant's wiring, so nothing dead or unknown is left in the ceiling.
How Nelson runs a fit-out
- Site visit and walk-through. With you, and with your builder or shopfitter if you have one. What goes where, what equipment you're bringing, and when you need to open.
- Check the existing installation. Old switchboard? Enough capacity? Single or three-phase? Previous tenant's leftovers in the ceiling?
- Written quote before any work starts.
- Rough-in in step with the partition walls and ceilings going up.
- Fit-off once the joinery, ceilings and paint are done.
- Test, label and certify. Every circuit tested, the switchboard labelled so you and the next electrician know what's what, and the CCEW lodged.
If the work has to happen around trading, tell us when you call so the timing is sorted out before the quote, not after.
Capacity, three-phase and the network
A café with an espresso machine, ovens, fridges and air-conditioning uses far more power than the hairdresser or office that was there before. If the new fit-out adds significant load, it's worth checking early, because some of it involves Essential Energy:
- Under the NSW Service and Installation Rules (April 2026 edition), you need a written connection application when an alteration would raise the maximum demand above the existing connection agreement. It includes a maximum demand calculation to AS/NZS 3000.
- Supplies over 100 A per phase must be three-phase, and the imbalance between phases can't exceed 25 A.
- New or upgraded service lines, service fuses and metering are Level 2 Accredited Service Provider (ASP) work. We don't do that part, but we can work out what's needed and coordinate with the ASP.
If you're unsure whether you need three-phase, our three-phase power guide explains it.
Workplace safety duties
Once you're trading, the premises are a workplace, and the NSW WHS Regulation 2025 applies (it replaced the 2017 Regulation in August 2025).
- RCD protection for some plug-in equipment. Under section 164, plug-in equipment needs RCD protection where it's used in conditions likely to damage it (moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust), is moved often, or is moved between places where damage is likely. A commercial kitchen or workshop area often fits that description.
- RCD testing. In workplaces, the person with management or control must have RCDs tested regularly by a competent person, and keep records of tests other than push-button tests until the next test.
- Test and tag. Even dry, clean offices and shops may still need equipment inspected and tested, just less often than hostile environments. We do that too: see test and tag or our commercial maintenance page.
Paperwork
Every fit-out gets a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW). Since 1 July 2026 it's lodged through the Building Commission NSW eCert portal no later than 7 days after testing. If your landlord or centre manager asks for it, you'll have a copy by email. Our contractor licence number is 374694C.
Cost
Fit-outs are quoted from a site visit or plans. Call 0416 085 416 or send the job through with the floor plan, the equipment list and your opening date, and you'll get a written quote before work starts.
Common questions
How early should I involve an electrician in a fit-out?
As soon as you have a lease and a rough layout. Capacity and three-phase questions can take time to sort out with the network, and power and data locations are easiest to change on paper.
Do I need three-phase power for my shop?
Not always. It depends on your equipment and total load. Commercial kitchens, workshops and larger air-conditioning systems are the usual reasons. Supplies over 100 A per phase must be three-phase in NSW. We'll work out the load from your equipment list.
Can the work be done while we keep trading?
Ask Nelson. It depends on the job and how much power has to be off at once. Tell us your trading hours when you call and we'll work through the timing before you get the quote.
Does an office need test and tag?
Under the WHS Regulation, equipment in hostile environments must be regularly tested. Lower-risk spaces like dry, clean offices may still need inspection and testing, just less often. We can set you up with a test register as part of the fit-out.
What happens to the old tenant's wiring?
We find out what's live, make safe and remove what's not needed, and make sure the switchboard is labelled for the new layout. Unknown dead cables in a ceiling only cause confusion later.