How It Works

How Softwiring Works

Commercial softwiring is a modular cable management system. Unlike traditional hard-wiring, softwiring uses pre-terminated connectors that can be plugged and unplugged without an electrician. This makes it ideal for commercial office fitouts where flexibility matters.

The System Components

1. Floor Box

The floor box is the fixed connection point. It's installed in the floor slab and connects to the building's electrical infrastructure via a hard-wired circuit. The floor box provides a single entry point for all services — power, data, and AV — that can then be distributed to individual workstations.

CMS Electracom floor boxes are available in 1, 2, 3 and 4 compartment configurations with stainless steel or plastic lids. They are designed to work with modular softwiring connectors to AS/NZS 61535.1.

2. Umbilical

The umbilical is the cable that runs from the floor box up to the workstation. It connects to the floor box via a pre-terminated plug and routes cables under the desk or through a desk pod.

CMS Electracom umbilicals are available in single and dual compartment configurations. The Trax and Cirqlate ranges cover standard and deep floor box installations.

3. Power Rail

The power rail is the primary power distribution unit at the workstation. It mounts under the desk surface or on top of a bench run and provides multiple power outlets, USB chargers, and data ports. Power rails connect to the building infrastructure via the umbilical.

CMS Electracom power rails are available in multiple configurations: standard GPO only, GPO with USB-A, GPO with USB-C PD, and combo units with both AC and USB charging. All CMS Electracom power rails are certified to AS/NZS 61535.1.

4. In-Desk Modules

In-desk modules are installed flush into the desk surface and provide direct access to power, USB charging, and data connections at the workstation. They are ideal for hot-desk environments or executive furniture where a visible power rail is not desired.

The CMS Electracom Echo and LUX ranges cover in-desk USB charging modules with outputs from 30W to 140W.

5. Cable Management

Wire baskets, cable clips, cable tails and cable shutes complete the installation by managing cables between connection points. Proper cable management keeps the installation clean, compliant and safe.

Why AS/NZS 61535.1 Matters

AS/NZS 61535.1 is the Australian standard for modular wiring connectors. Products certified to this standard have been tested for safety, durability and compatibility in Australian commercial installations. Using non-certified components in a softwiring system can void insurance and create safety risks.

CMS Electracom products are certified to AS/NZS 61535.1. Ask your electrician to verify certification if you're comparing suppliers.

What You Need to Order

To specify a softwiring system for a commercial fitout, you need to know:

The number of workstations
The number of power outlets and USB chargers per workstation
The number of data points per workstation
Whether your floor boxes are single, double or multi-compartment
The desk configuration (single, bench, hot-desk)