EasyConnect cable
basket from Unitrunk’s RIS (Rapid Installation Systems) range has been used for
the electrical fit-out of two vehicle storage car parks at Southampton Docks,
enabling electrical contractor, Rigfone Electrics, to make substantial savings
on both the cost of the installation and the programme.
Constructed
as part of a £450 million investment in upgrading the seafront and improving
the ferry terminals in Southampton, new multi-deck car parks will enable import
and export vehicles to be stored securely prior to their onward journey.
Rigfone
specified Unitrunk’s EasyConnect after using the company’s RIS systems on a
Ministry of Defence project. The contractor was so impressed by the speed and
ease of installation provided by Unitrunk EasyConnect cable basket that the
system was used for all submains, power, lighting control and lighting
containment requirements on multi-decks 6 and 7.
At
ground floor level, each multi-deck features a 5m floor to ceiling height and
there are 3m ceiling heights for levels 1-4, creating significant working at
height challenges.
John
Hubbard from Rigfone Electrics comments: “With a project involving such high
ceilings, simplicity of design and installation are critical. For this project,
that had to be combined with a robust and hardwearing installation, capable of
meeting the client’s stipulation of a 10-year minimum service life.
“Unitrunk’s
specification support, onsite training and simple to use EasyConnect cable
basket not only helped us to meet project requirements within the designated
programme but also enabled us to save a couple of minutes and a couple of pence
on every 3m length of tray – considerable savings on a project totalling 20km.”
The
EasyConnect basket was specified in hot dip galvanised steel with stainless
steel fixings. Due to the high ceilings on each level, the cable management
system was suspended from the concrete slab by metal rods, which were inserted
into holes drilled into the slab at 1.5m intervals and fixed in place with
resin; a system that is guaranteed for a minimum of ten years.
John
Hubbard adds: “Not only was the EasyConnect system fast and simple to install
but the use of basket throughout the multi-decks ensures ease of access to
cabling for maintenance, delivering a facility that offers true operational
efficiency.”
