BSEE SMART TECHNOLOGY


Making buildings smart isn’t just about introducing more automation and communication technologies. It’s also about taking a smarter approach to the basic infrastructure elements such as cabling, says Mark Redfern of Wieland Electric.


technological advances and partly by improved project delivery through initiatives such as Building Information Modelling (BIM). Crucially, these advances can – and should – make the ongoing operation and maintenance of the building more straightforward through its life. Indeed, this is the reasoning behind the government’s ‘soft landings’ philosophy. It is also true to say the advances that receive most publicity, and are the subject of most debate, are those that are perceived as ‘advanced’ – making them seem more exciting. However, those of us operating in the building services sector also understand the importance of the fundamental components that make up a building. As far as the building’s services go, you don’t get much more fundamental than the cabling. It’s absolutely essential for all of the relatively ‘mundane’ aspects of the building’s performance and habitability, as well being a necessity for the connectivity that is required for smart performance.


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Yet because cabling is such a familiar and commonplace component of the building it is actually quite easy to overlook the critical role it plays – in terms of its impact on construction schedules as well the building’s performance. In this context, as noted in the introduction but worth repeating, it is important to understand that the term ‘smart building’ actually applies to a number of different criteria – it isn’t just about automation! I would therefore argue that it’s important to apply the principles of intelligent construction to the cabling methodology applied to the building.


Reducing costs


One key advantage of a smart approach to cabling is the ability to reduce the overall costs of construction for the end client. Use of a structured wiring system with ‘plug and play’ connectivity, supplied complete to site for easy connection, has been shown to generate a significant reduction in installation time.


uOne key advantage of a smart approach to cabling is the ability to reduce the overall costs of construction for the end client.


Experience across many such projects has confirmed that savings of 70% in installation time are typical when structured wiring systems are used. When this data is analysed intelligently, by taking into account the slightly higher capital costs of structured wiring compared to traditional wiring, there is still typically an average 30% saving on final installed cost.


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BENEFITS OF STRUCTURED WIRING Adopting a smart approach to cabling


here can be little doubt that the design of buildings is becoming more ‘intelligent’ – partly driven by


These benefits were clearly illustrated during a refurbishment project at 30 Broadwick Street, where our Metalynx2 modular wiring system was the preferred choice for all power and lighting distribution. As Robert Biddle, Project Manager at BAM Construction commented: “We required a system that could be delivered to meet our tight deadlines and Wieland’s Metalynx2 system fitted our brief perfectly. Having a system arrive on site pre-tested and pre-wired allowed us to maximise the productivity on site.” Similarly, use of a structured wiring system in a major refurbishment at One Puddle Dock helped M&E contractor Gratte Brothers meet the project’s extremely tight deadlines. In support of this, the Metalynx2 system was boxed per circuit, per distribution board. This enabled electricians to select the required boxes, knowing they contained all the cables and associated parts required for each part of the job. Additional time savings can be achieved by making use of other innovative developments, such as a flat cable connection system that combines a flexible busbar and cable into one product. These use a safe tap-off adapter with a piercing contact that eliminates cutting and stripping of cable, thereby reducing installation time considerably.


Minimal disruption


Whilst 70% is an average saving across all types of project, there are certain project types where the benefits can be even greater. Obvious examples include high bay lighting in ‘shed’ type buildings with high roof spaces where any work on the lighting will require specialist access equipment.


In such cases, as well as reducing installation time and the risk assessment paperwork associated with working at height, additional savings are achieved by minimising disruption of the operations at ground level. All of which contributes to the aspirations of the construction industry and its customers to reduce the overall costs of construction. There are also clear benefits to integrating different types of cabling when possible to maximise the efficiency benefits. An example of this would be the use of structured wiring to not only connect the supply of light fittings, fan coil units, small power and cleaner sockets; but also integrate it with a DALI- based programmable control system.


Facilitating change


Whilst there are clear benefits that can be achieved during the initial installation of the services, there are further, ongoing benefits that structured wiring can bring to a building through its life.


For instance, it is very unlikely that any commercial industrial building will remain unchanged through its life. Typically there will be changes in building layout and usage every few years and the services will often need to be re-configured to accommodate these changes.


With traditional wiring, any such re-configuration would be time- consuming, expensive and disruptive to the activities in the building. In contrast,


18 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MARCH 2017


structured wiring brings an inherent flexibility that makes it very easy to reconfigure lighting or other small power to accommodate changes in building usage or layout.


This means the building operator can quickly adapt services to accommodate changes to the building and the way it is used, so that the services remain aligned to the requirements of the building’s occupants. This ability for ‘continuous commissioning’ is increasingly being demanded by more savvy building owners and operators.


Moreover, the components of a structured wiring system can be re-used, whereas with conventional wiring there is considerable waste during a re-wiring project. Consequently, structured wiring helps to reduce waste, meet recycling targets and supports the sustainability objectives of designing intelligent buildings.


Keeping pace with change


While structured wiring has an important role to play in providing a smarter approach than traditional cabling systems it is also important to be aware of any changing requirements that result from the introduction of new technologies.


A case in point is LED lighting, which is now the lighting technology of choice for the majority of new lighting installations and lighting upgrades. As well as the energy saving and longer life benefits of LED lighting, the smaller light sources also support the use of more discreet lighting systems with more compact luminaires.


However, if they are used in


conjunction with traditional bulky cabling these aesthetic benefits may not be realised. Structured wiring systems offer an alternative by making use of the latest generation of ‘micro-connectors’. These will fit into very small spaces and are therefore easy to hide. This can be particularly beneficial for applications such as showcases and display shelving as only small holes are required for the wiring.


Intelligent buildings are already a reality and smart construction processes will very quickly become the norm as BIM becomes the project delivery model of choice. In ensuring that a smart approach is applied at every level, structured cabling has a key role to play in both the construction and the ongoing management of these smarter buildings.


www.wieland.co.uk VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bsee.co.uk ‘ It is important


to understand that the term ‘smart building’ actually applies to a number of different criteria – it isn’t just about automation! I would therefore argue that it’s important to apply the principles of intelligent construction to the cabling methodology applied to the building.


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uA structured wiring system with ‘plug and play’ connectivity, supplied complete to site for easy connection, significantly reduces installation time.


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