Why we lay conduit in the slab before the concrete is poured.
Electrical deck work is laying electrical conduit and cast-in boxes on the formwork deck, among the reinforcing steel, before the concrete slab is poured. Once the concrete goes in, those conduits are set permanently in the structure, and we pull the cables through them later. Many electricians skip this step when a false ceiling will sit below the slab. Hills Electrical, a third-generation family business based in Roseville since 1948, does it as standard on concrete homes across the North Shore.
What electrical deck work involves
On the deck, we set out every conduit run and cast-in box from the electrical plans, fix them in place among the steel, and label each run with the circuit it will carry, such as kitchen power, cooktop, oven, air conditioning or a car charger. It is normally a couple of days on the deck for each pour, and it is finished before the concrete truck arrives.
Keeping ceiling and bulkhead space clear
Architects, builders and designers work hard to achieve the greatest possible ceiling height, in large homes and smaller spaces alike. That is good for the finished home, but it reduces the space in the ceiling and bulkheads. Mechanical services such as air conditioning, plumbing and electrical all need room in that same space.
With our conduit set in the slab, the electrical runs are no longer competing for it. That leaves more room for the other services and helps every trade maintain the minimum clearances the work requires. On a custom home, the slab deck is the moment to lay conduit, before the pour, so the routes are set and the ceiling and bulkhead space stays clear.
When deck work is the only option
On some homes, deck work is not optional. Architectural homes with off-form concrete ceilings, such as our current projects at Palm Beach, have no ceiling space at all. If the conduit is not in the slab before the pour, there is nowhere else for it to go.
We also carry out deck work on homes in Gordon and elsewhere on the North Shore, even where a ceiling could conceal the cables. Doing it consistently means our team has the experience to complete it efficiently and well when a home depends on it.
A neater, faster rough-in
Deck work is time invested early, and it is returned at rough-in. With the main runs already in the slab, the rough-in is neater and faster. Rough-ins on large concrete homes are demanding, and our team arrives better prepared and finishes stronger.
Working with the site team
Deck work depends on close cooperation with the concreters, steel fixers, formworkers and site foreman. Working alongside them on the deck builds good relationships on site, and it deepens our team’s understanding of how these homes are built.
Knowing the project earlier
We often price a project months before we start on site, sometimes eight months. Deck work brings us into the project much earlier and more often. We understand the plans sooner, review the detail more closely, and stay consistent from the slab through to fit-off. It is part of the design and construct approach we bring to architectural and custom homes.
Frequently asked questions
What is electrical deck work?
It is laying electrical conduit and cast-in boxes on the formwork deck, among the reinforcing steel, before the concrete slab is poured. Cables are pulled through the conduit later.
Why do deck work if there will be a false ceiling?
Ceiling and bulkhead space is shared by air conditioning, plumbing and electrical. Setting our conduit in the slab frees that space, helps every trade meet the required clearances, and makes the rough-in neater and faster.
When does deck work happen?
Before the concrete pour, while the formwork and steel are in place. It is normally a couple of days on the deck for each pour, coordinated with the concreters, steel fixers and formworkers.
Is the cable laid in the concrete?
No. We lay conduit and cast-in boxes in the slab. The cables are pulled through the conduit later, during rough-in.
Do you carry out deck work on the North Shore?
Yes. We carry out electrical deck work on concrete homes across Roseville, Wahroonga, Warrawee, St Ives, Turramurra, Lindfield, Killara, Pymble, Mosman, Balmoral, Terrey Hills and Beecroft.
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