Feature Cabling Solutions for the future
Modular wiring systems are growing in popularity among UK electrical contractors, specifiers and end users as they can reduce on-site installation times by as much as 70%. Dave Lewis, MD of Apex Wiring Solutions, explains more about the technology and its benefits
Uptake The electrical wiring and accessories sector is evolving to meet the chal- lenges placed on it by the introduc- tion of new technologies,
the T
he UK’s approach to electrical installations remained rela- tively unchanged for decades, relying on traditional hard
wired systems, until the advent of modular wiring systems. These have really taken off recently and most large scale capital projects now involve modular solutions. The main difference between modu-
lar wiring systems and a more conven- tional approach is that it avoids the need for any on-site electrical connec- tions. The modular system is designed and produced off-site in a quality con- trolled environment. It is then sup- plied pre-assembled and fully tested. This also cuts the number of qualified electricians required to carry out installation work, with associated advantages in installation time and health and safety.
Key benefits The key advantage of a modular wiring system is that it provides the installer and end user with flexibility and ver- satility. The long term performance of a given project is improved as the risk element to the installer is reduced, while installation times and the amount of on-site skilled electrical labour are cut. Cable snagging and site waste are reduced while site safety is also improved. In addition, because product is fac-
tory assembled in a highly controlled production environment, quality levels are assured. A typical system might fea- ture pre-wired factory tested pluggable distribution boards for supplying light- ing and power over a large industrial site or multi-storey office complex.
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availability of affordable skilled labour and the latest methods of con- struction such as off-site pre-fabrica- tion, green and lean. So now, during the tough economic conditions we face not only here in the UK but also overseas, there’s more pressure than ever before on everybody within the supply chain to deliver projects on time and within budget, and achiev- ing cost savings in the process wher- ever possible. The UK has often led the way in
pioneering new electrical wiring technologies and solutions, and mod- ular wiring is no different - we are already leading the way in Europe and moving rapidly towards fully integrated systems similar to those found in the more mature markets of North America. Elsewhere, there are nascent markets in places like the Middle East, Asia and Australia, where mechanical and electrical specifiers are now beginning to look seriously at the benefits of the modu- lar approach with the adoption of some form of pluggable system.
Specification and installation In practical terms virtually any installation regardless of size and complexity, can be converted to a modular system. This includes pro- jects within the residential, retail, healthcare, commercial and educa- tion sectors. The flexibility of modular wiring
means that there’s no minimum project size. From single room solutions to the largest multi-million pound new build hospitals, systems can be either retro- fitted or newly installed to provide users with safe, reliable and convenient power and lighting services. The majority of specifications come
through a combination of mechanical and electrical contractors and consul- tants but we are also seeing building engineers and project managers on some of the large new build and PFI developments becoming involved in specifying product.
Qualified and skilled electricians
are generally required to oversee pro- jects but, because components are easy to install and pre-assembled off-site, the amount of skilled labour needed on-site to actually install is reduced. Therefore, low skilled operatives with minimal training can be used during the installation process.
Above: Dave Lewis, managing director of Apex Wiring Solutions
Left: a modular wiring system is designed and produced off-site in a quality controlled environment
Issues and barriers One of the biggest stumbling blocks to the uptake of modular wiring systems, and one that needs to be addressed, is the lack of early planning by the industry to accommodate a pluggable system at a project’s design stage. Specifiers and customers must under- stand what modular wiring offers and why planning for its inclusion should be considered from the outset if the benefits are to be fully realised.
Above: a modular wiring approach can help everybody within the supply chain to deliver projects on time and within budget
The future for modular wiring is
very exciting. The cost and time saving benefits are becoming increasingly recognised, enabling electrical contractors to complete even the most complex installations quicker and more efficiently than ever before. We will see modular wiring become more and more the norm with less input required by product suppliers, as the contractor becomes increasingly familiar with the concept and systems.
Apex Wiring Solutions
www.apexwiringsolutions.co.uk T: 0191 378 7900
Enter 213 MAY 2011 Electrical Engineering
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