By Facility Executive
From the June 2025 Issue of Facility Executive
Amid the digital age, the need for increasing energy to power professional and personal devices while maintaining critical building systems has never been greater. From powering artificial intelligence-based systems to charging devices, access to electricity is needed 24/7.
To learn more about how power systems are being intentionally integrated to support a productive workspace, Facility Executive spoke with Rigels Guni, Senior Product Manager, Legrand.
Factility Executive: How are workspaces being designed to accommodate the power demands of today?
Rigels Guni: Today’s modern workspaces are shaped by flexibility, mobility, and technology. As employees rely on more devices than ever before, the growing need for constant connectivity means the power and data solutions supporting these spaces must evolve to be just as dynamic, seamlessly adapting to shifting layouts, emerging technologies, and growing connectivity demands.
Instead of relying on traditional in-wall or ceiling-based electrical systems to meet this demand, many facility managers are turning to floor-based raceway solutions that can be easily accessed, reconfigured or scaled. These solutions significantly reduce installation time and labor costs while limiting disruption to the space compared to traditional methods.
Innovative products like the Connectrac Flex Raceway System make it easy to support evolving floorplans and the increase of device usage by delivering power and data anywhere it’s needed, all without the inconvenience of core drilling or trenching.
FE: What are some power/data solutions for workspaces that want to reconfigure their office spaces?
RG: Reconfigurable power solutions are essential in hybrid and activity-based office environments, where furniture and layouts shift frequently to meet changing team needs. These adaptable solutions allow facility managers to modify workspaces quickly and efficiently, without the expense or disruption of major renovations.
For example, modular, surface-mounted raceways offer the flexibility to relocate or expand power distribution with minimal impact to the building’s infrastructure, making them ideal for dynamic office settings.
For smaller or temporary configurations, plug-and-play solutions that connect to standard wall outlets offer a practical, cost-effective alternative. These products can be deployed quickly and are ideal for meeting spaces, collaboration zones and coworking setups.
FE: Safety is always a critical concern when it comes to electrical wiring. How are facility managers taking precautions to reduce tripping hazards, manage load balancing, and more?
RG: Tripping hazards remain a top safety issue, especially in high-traffic office environments. To mitigate this risk, facility managers can opt for low-profile, ramped raceways that reduce elevation and create smooth, seamless transitions across the floor.
Additionally, many facility teams are also investing in load-managed systems that ensure power is distributed efficiently across multiple circuits to prevent outages or overheating. Code compliance is always key, so choosing UL-listed, tested systems with proper grounding, cable management, and enclosure options is essential for safe, long-term use.
FE: New technologies can sometimes induce “noise,” like inrush currents, surges, and power quality impacts. This can enable an environment where lifecycles are accelerated, disruptions can occur more often and there are higher operating costs. How can facility executives carefully plan upgrades to ensure that new systems integrate seamlessly and don’t negatively impact existing systems?
RG: Planning for system compatibility and scalability is vital. Facility teams should involve IT professionals, electrical engineers, and furniture planners early in the process to evaluate power loads and identify potential interference risks.
Structured raceway systems also support this effort by organizing power and data cables into dedicated, shielded channels. This minimizes the risk of signal degradation or electromagnetic interference while making systems maintenance and troubleshooting more efficient for facility managers.
FE: What else should facility executives keep in mind when designing or reconfiguring electrical systems in office environments?
RG: One key consideration is futureproofing. Office environments, and the technology that powers them, are evolving quickly. Investing in adaptable electrical systems that support change without requiring major construction provides long-term value and flexibility.
Aesthetics and accessibility are also important. Power solutions should not only perform reliably, but also blend seamlessly with modern office designs and offer easy access for updates and maintenance.
Finally, lifecycle costs matter. Flexible, non-invasive systems can significantly reduce both upfront installation expenses and ongoing labor costs, especially in leased office spaces or offices that undergo frequent configurations.
By prioritizing these factors, facility managers can ensure their electrical infrastructure supports both their current needs and their future growth.
Do you have a comment? Share your thoughts by sending an e-mail to the Editor at jen@groupc.com.