Commercial wireless charging is moving from novelty to expectation in modern offices, lobbies, and shared workspaces. 59% of smartphone users worldwide now charge wirelessly (Wireless Power Consortium, 2025), and 48% of global enterprises have already implemented wireless charging-enabled workspaces (IndustryResearch.biz, 2025). Over 80% of flagship smartphones support Qi, making under-surface charging a broadly compatible amenity for any commercial space. If you are a contractor, interior designer, or facilities manager planning a fit-out, understanding how under-surface wireless charging works at scale is essential to getting the specification right the first time.
Commercial wireless charging uses Qi-standard transmitters mounted beneath non-metallic surfaces to deliver 5W to 10W of power to smartphones and tablets. The technology works through wood, glass, granite, quartz, and most engineered surfaces up to 30mm (1.18 in) thick. Metal surfaces and surfaces exceeding 30mm will block the signal entirely. Getting the surface material and thickness right is the single most important step in a commercial installation.
Surface compatibility for commercial projects
Most commercial surfaces work with under-surface wireless charging, but thickness and material matter more than brand or finish. Qi signals pass through wood, glass, marble, granite, quartz, Corian, laminate, and most engineered stones without issue. The maximum effective range for reliable charging is 30mm (1.18 in), though 18mm to 25mm (0.71 in to 0.98 in) delivers the best performance. Metal surfaces, surfaces with embedded metal mesh, and concrete thicker than 20mm will block the signal.
Conference tables often use veneer over MDF or particleboard, both of which transmit Qi signals well. Reception desks with stone tops work as long as the stone thickness stays within range. Before specifying, always measure the actual surface thickness at the planned charging locations.
Power planning and electrical requirements
Each wireless charging point needs a dedicated power connection, but multi-charger setups can share a single outlet with the right adapter. A standard under-surface charger draws 24V at 1.0A from its power supply. Products like the InvisQi wireless charger include a power adapter that runs from a standard AC outlet. For installations with four or more charging points in one area, a quad power supply lets you run multiple chargers from a single outlet, reducing cable management complexity.
Plan power routing during the rough-in phase, not after surfaces are installed. Running cables through table legs, along cable trays, or through desk grommets is far simpler before furniture is in place. Each charging point needs only a USB or low-voltage cable routed to the underside of the surface.
Installation in offices and conference rooms
Under-surface chargers mount with adhesive or screws and take less than ten minutes per unit to install. The typical process is: measure the surface thickness, choose the charging location, attach the unit to the underside with the included 3M adhesive or security screws, run the power cable, and place the alignment sticker on top. No routing, drilling, or modification to the surface is required.
In conference rooms, the most effective placement is one charging point per two to three seats, centered on the table where participants naturally place their phones. For individual desks, a single charging point works best positioned near the keyboard area where the phone sits during the workday.
Scaling across a commercial project
Larger installations benefit from standardized placement, bulk purchasing, and phased rollout. For projects requiring 10 or more units, contact manufacturers directly about volume pricing and project support. Companies like Shield Casework have integrated over 250 units across multiple production runs, demonstrating that under-surface charging scales reliably in commercial environments.
Start with high-traffic areas: reception desks, conference rooms, and executive offices. These deliver the most visible return and generate internal demand for wider rollout. Track usage informally by observing sticker wear patterns at charging spots.
Specifying wireless charging in your project documents
Include wireless charging as a line item in your electrical and furniture specifications, not as an afterthought. Specify the surface material and thickness, the number of charging points per area, the power delivery method, and the charging standard (Qi with 7.5W Apple and 10W Samsung fast charging). Reference the maximum charging distance of 30mm (1.18 in) and note that iPhone 12 and newer models with MagSafe require surfaces of 20mm (0.79 in) or less for optimal alignment.
Frequently asked questions
Does commercial wireless charging work through granite countertops?
Yes. Qi wireless charging works through granite up to 30mm (1.18 in) thick. Most commercial granite countertops fall within this range, making them compatible with under-surface chargers without any modification.
How many wireless charging points does a typical office need?
Plan for one charging point per two to three seats in shared spaces like conference rooms, and one per desk in individual workstations. A 20-person office typically needs 15 to 25 units depending on layout.
Can wireless chargers be installed after construction is complete?
Yes. Under-surface chargers attach with adhesive and require only a nearby power outlet. They can be added to existing furniture and surfaces at any time without construction or modification.
