New Roof Extension Project – Completed 2021

Distribution

A new sub main cable was installed and connected to the buildings busbar system. This feeds Three new Schneider distributions boards (Lighting, Power & Mechanical) all complete with MID approved metering.

Containment

We installed separate containment systems for the LV, ICT and fire alarm wiring. Co-ordinated with the others trades, especially the mechanical contractor meant we had no clashes and all was fully assessable once the project was completed.

Power

13amp socket outlets were provided throughout providing power to the workspaces, general areas, kitchen and meeting rooms. RCD protection was provided where required. Power was also provided for the new HVAC equipment as required.

Lighting

New Zumtobel LED lighting was installed throughout the new extension, predominantly slot lighting recessed into the plasterboard ceilings  providing a sleek look, but maximising the light output. Other Zumtobel products were used to light the corridor, breakout and communal areas too. All complete with Dali technology integrated into the Ex-Or intelligent lighting control solutions enabling full control and  allowing day light harvesting, reducing the energy consumed. Where some meeting rooms had folding partition walls the lighting control system was able to recognise when these were opened and change the amount of light fittings it controlled.

Emergi emergency lighting was installed, connected and commissioned onto the building’s existing monitoring platform

ICT Wiring & Outlets

All cat6 ICT wiring was installed to each workspace on new containment systems, terminating into  the data cabinet located within the newly formed comms room. New fibre optic cables were installed from an existing comms room to feed the new one. An audio & visual solution was provided for each of the meeting rooms.

Fire Alarm

A new fire alarm ‘loop’ was installed and connected for the extension, this included refuge points for people needing assistance, connected to the buildings existing system. Commissioned by Pyrotec.

Access Control  

New access control was installed where required, fully installed and commissioned Chris Lewis Fire & Security.

Lightning Protection 

The existing lightning protection to the building was adapted to suit the extension. Installed and tested by Horizon.

Other

Whilst the roof was having a new extension built we were also involved in creating Four new ‘video meeting pods’ , a first aid room, extending a freezer room, and repurposing existing offices to an open area work space. All of these areas had new lighting, power and ICT wiring as described above.

The Project received both a certificate commending it as one of Oxford’s best new buildings and the OPT Green Award in recognition of the project team’s efforts to create a more sustainable building

Links

https://www.kennedy.ox.ac.uk/news/the-kennedy-institute-completes-its-roof-extension

https://fathomarchitects.com/projects/medical-science-university-of-oxford/

https://estates.admin.ox.ac.uk/article/two-capital-projects-buildings-win-oxford-preservation-trust-awards

Electric Vehicle Charge Point – Residential Landlords – Complete 2022

Clients Requirement –

Our client wanted to take advantage of the governments OZEV grant fund – saving £350 on the cost of the installation(per Socket) by installing 2no. Sevadis Maxi Charger units to their residential property for visitors.

Solution/Installation –

We agreed to install and connect the new circuit from the existing distribution board located in our clients distribution board located in the plantroom. We installed a new SWA cable from the distribution board to a location agreed within the carpark. The chargers were mounted to pedestals and fixed securely to the floor.

We connected the new 32amp circuits complete with rcd to the charger, an earth rod wasn’t required as the Maxi Charger units incorporate PME fault protection. Electrical tests were carried out, and certification provided instantly using the NICEIC testing/certification web app. This helps us to provide the certificates instantly to our clients giving them peace of mind.

Help was given to our client in setting up an account to control the charger by the Sevadis engineer and we confirmed all was well and working before leaving site.

Technical –

Manufacturer – Sevadis

Model – Maxi Charger

22kW Mode 3 Fast Charging

IP65

App Controllable

Built-in LED Charging Status Indicator.

OCPP 1.6

4G/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/Ethernet

PME Fault Protection

RCD Protection

The refurbishment of the Christ Church Boat House – Completed 2019

Christ Church’s Boat House is located at the apex of the Cherwell and Thames. It is home the college’s famous Boat Club, first established in 1817.

This project by Montgomery Architects  and delivered by CBG Consultants and ourselves saw the complete renovation of the gym, modernisation of services within the boat store and workshops, and a new punt store extension created. The terrace and gym enjoy stunning views across the rivers, a nice respite from the tough training regimes for the rowing teams.

Electrical services were replaced, with new heating, ventilation , lighting, power, fire alarm and access control systems all installed. The project was completed over two phases, to reduce disruption to the rowers.

New Whitecroft, Pro and ASD LED lighting was selected and installed providing a brighter and more efficient lighting solution. New power outlets were provided for the users and the training equipment. Low energy heaters were also installed keeping users comfortable.

The fire alarm system was upgraded providing greater protection to life and the building, linked to the main site.

Links

https://cbgc.com/projects/christ-church-boathouse/

The refurbishment of the St Edmund Hall Old Dining Hall and fit out of rear servery – Completed 2020

This project involved the refurbishment of the colleges dining hall and servery. Working with Original Field of Architecture  and Richard Ward Oxford we delivered a new lighting solution replacing the old failing electrical wiring, including the general power and fire alarm system. The servery adjacent to the dining hall had a new fit out too.

The new lighting was fitted as specified and designed by Francesco Miniati Lighting Design. iGuzzini fittings were selected and installed at high level to illuminate art work within the dining hall,  The Sattler ‘Ring’ fitting provides a beautiful architectural and functional  aspect to the space.

The existing servery had a electrical panel board within it, supplying numerous parts of the college. As part of our works we were able to co-ordinate and programme a series of shutdowns to move the electrical supplies to a new panel board located just outside of the room. This allowed the room to be fitted out to its maximum potential.

Links –

https://www.seh.ox.ac.uk/news/old-dining-hall-refurbishment

Upgrades to the LV distribution and cabling  – Completed 2020

Project description: The supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the
upgrade and replacement mains low Voltage (LV) distribution system

Large parts of the existing LV Distribution system has been installed for nearly 40years and is due for
upgrading. Some elements have been upgraded in recent years and this project is proposed to continue
this.

There is existing loose switchgear which contains asbestos which is due to be replaced in order for the
college to safely maintain the system. The majority of the college is currently fed from this switchgear.
In 2015 SSE contracting installed a new switchboard with the intention for this to replace the existing
switchgear.

The purposed of this project is to upgrade existing submains and connect these to the new switchboard
whilst also diverting some existing supplies to the new switchboard. The ultimate aim is the strip out and
safely dispose of the existing redundant switchgear.

Works: New cable tray containment systems were installed to various locations, externally, internally and within an underground service area, enabling the installation of new XLPE/SWA  submain cables. The cables, including 2no 185mm2 4core’s were installed on agreed dates and times with the college. Programming and achieving these works on the agreed date/time was essential to allow the college to continue to operate smoothly.  Some of the cable runs were well over 100 metres long! We carried out all necessary cable and protection device calculations.

Some builders works were required, core-hole drilling, access panels and fire stopping was all provided by our sub-contractor, Richard Ward Oxford Ltd

Our next task was to install new isolators and a switch panel-board, replacing the existing equipment. All new LV switchgear and protective devices have been manufactured by Schneider to provide compatibility with the existing installation.

Having consulted, planned and agreed electrical shutdown dates with St Edmund Hall, we formulated a programme and set to work swapping the supplies from existing to new. Firstly, the asbestos containing material(ACM’s)  were removed, we were then able to disconnect and remove the electrical equipment and connect the new. Some new cabling was connected to the existing switch-gear. This switch-gear is to be replaced as part of future projects.

Existing final circuits(sockets, lighting etc) were incorporated into the upgrade to. We installed new distribution boards, consolidating the existing final circuits, ensuring ongoing maintenance works can be carried out by the college as efficiently as possible.

New emergency lighting was installed throughout the plantroom, labelled and the college logbook updated to reflect the changes. Certification was provided too, as standard. Thorn ‘Aquaforce’ self contained 3hour fittings were selected.

Metering was installed and commissioned as part of the new installation. Readings can be viewed on the display screen but they also have Modbus protocol compatibility, enabling connection to a remote monitoring system.

Updated drawings, technical information and Electrical Installation Certification was provided.

Remodelling and refurbishment of residence – Completed 2020

Working with Stanhope Gate Architecture and West Hill Projects we carried out numerous electrical alterations to this fabulous residence in Berkshire. These consisted of –

• New feature lighting throughout, linked to the smart building controls
• Air-conditioning supplies
• A new increased electrical supply
• Additional socket and data outlets
• New external lighting
• New AV wiring and outlets throughout the building
• Complete fit out of the new security building
• New mechanical supplies
• Complete fit out of a new cinema room
• Full electrical inspection and conditioning report

Collaborating with the mechanical engineers,  joiners and decorators a superb solution and finish was achieved.

Gas Detection System Installation – Completed 2020

Alongside International Gas Detectors (IGD) we delivered a whole building Gas Detection system to protect the people working within the building against hazardous gases used.

We installed a total of 45 CO2 sensors to multiple labs spread across the building, each unit was connected to a room status indicator and sounder-beacon, ensuring the lab users were warned of dangerous levels of gas both before or after entering a room dependant on the levels being monitored.

Each room status indicator has its own unique identification and is wired to a central system controller for that level/floor.  All controllers are linked to each other and a 15″ monitor located at the reception desk, enabling a complete overview of the whole system at a touch of a screen, and of course an alert of any dangerous levels.

The warning systems did not stop there. We also interfaced each controller into the buildings management system so that the building management team received an alert via email and text message too!

The installation was wired in low smoke, zero halogen thermoplastic sheath FP200 Gold cable, fixed to the containment systems throughout the building.

The University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute were working at unprecedented speed to develop and deliver the The Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine within the building whilst we were carrying out our installation. A strict programme of works were put in place so that we never caused any inconvenience to the teams working on this vital vaccine.

Library Refurbishment Project – Completed 2020

Working with Kingerlee Ltd, we carried out the installation of new distribution, power, access control, fire alarm and lighting including emergency, within the Department of Oriental Institute library,the refurbished works were located in the reception, research room and offices.

We used suspended luminaires supplied by Zumtobel lighting, complete with Hostwave Emergency lights, all controlled via a sensor control system from Ex-Or.

The architectural nature of the library meant we installed power coated containment to blend into its environment. The Distribution system was upgraded with new Distribution boards being installed complete with Rayleigh meters and Dehn Surge protection units.

New power installation was installed for the new layout complete with additional fire detection devices commissioned by Pyrotec services.

Salto door access equipment was installed and commissioned by Chris Lewis Security.

Now the library has been transformed into the ideal space for all users!  A reception area, divided away from the reading areas and glass walls creating an open plan feel but also providing quiet reading areas.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Acting as the main contractor on this phase of works, we have started on site having issued our Construction Phase Plan.

Site setup consisting of  protection to Cathedral artifacts, welfare facilities including hand sanitising stations and access equipment(scaffolding) has been carried out and works are underway.

We’re currently installing both FP200 and MICC (fire resistant) cable along the clerestory cable containment system, between the new LED light fittings final location’s in the Latin Chapel, North Aisle, Lady Chapel, South Transept, Central Tower and the power and control devices that are to be installed in a serviceable location.

Final designs of the Mike Stoane luminaires have been submitted  for approval to put into manufacture.

Principal Designer – Purcell

CDM Consultant – Andrew Alder Associates Ltd

Lighting Design – Sutton Vane Associates

Electrical Consultant – CBG

Clients Requirement –

Our client had purchased a Tesla Wall Connector  and wanted a new electrical supply installed and connected to the unit. We installed the Wall Connector too.

Solution/Installation –

The existing distribution board we agreed to install the new circuit from unfortunately didn’t have any spare capacity, therefore we had to replace this. We installed a Proteus 12way unit that incorporates Surge Protection. We recommend that Surge Protection is always installed to our clients electrical installation. This protects valuable electrical items, including your shiny new car!!

The new distribution board fitted nicely within the existing IP rated adaptable box. We installed and connected a new 32amp circuit complete with rcd protection from the distribution board to the Tesla Wall Connector, the cable was installed within a uPVC conduit to provide mechanical protection. An earth rod was installed to provide the correct earthing arrangement and  all of the existing circuits re-connected. Electrical tests were carried out and certification provided.

Particular Challenges –

Tesla EV chargers do not incorporate 6mA DC fault current protection, therefore this ether needed to be provided/installed separately or a type A rcd provided. We discussed this with the client and decided that a type A rcd shall be installed.

Technical –

Manufacturer – Tesla

Model – Wall Connector

Mode 3 Superfast Charging.

Up to 4 Wall Connectors can share available power, perfect for families with more than one EV

Customizable power levels and compatible with every different grid connection

Recommended for Model X, Model S and Model 3

Proteus 12 Way 100A Isolator Incomer Metal Clad Consumer Unit with Type 2+3 SPD