Modular wiring systems

However, the cost of a modular system may appear higher when compared with a hard-wired system. Thus there is a great temptation to value engineer a product like modular wiring out without looking at the whole life-costing implication of such a decision. This raises two important, highly valid points:

• When price comparisons are carried out between modular and hard-wired systems, it is imperative to include installation time on-site. To simply compare product costs, without taking labour into account, is not comparing ‘like with like’. Modular wiring can reduce installation times significantly (and therefore labour costs), and this saving has to be factored into the overall equation.

• Modular wiring systems can help ‘future-proof’ installations by allowing easier, and therefore cheaper, reconfiguration and upgrading of the electrical system. Achieving the comparable result with a hard-wired installation could involve the expense and subsequent disruption of a complete re-wiring.

 Research carried out by Marshall-Tufflex International has shown that specifiers and installers rate ‘plug-and-play’ a more practical consideration than environmental performance. This means it can be unclipped and re-used, which is an important benefit in terms of efficiency and cost-savings. Modular buildings equipped with modular wiring are ultimately a safer and quicker solution.

Local tradesmen simply click the electrical system together before circuit-testing, thereby removing any uncertainty associated with hard wiring. However, some electrical contractors argue that the modular approach is reducing the demand for their skills.

What they fail to realise is that a qualified electrician is still required not only to circuit test and sign off, but also to oversee the project. All modular wiring systems require installation by qualified electricians to ensure they are fitted in accordance with the necessary regulations and specifications.

“Modular wiring systems eliminate the need for labour-intensive component assembly on-site. Not only does this reduce site time and have the potential to boost profit margins, it removes any element of installer error, delivering ‘right first time’ installations more quickly.

“There is no doubt that, for modern commercial projects and buildings with common footprints, such systems provide massive benefits. However, they also have much to offer right across the electrical installation sector,” concludes Masters.

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What is modular wiring?

Construction programmes dictate that electrical installations are undertaken efficiently and in the least possible time. With technology changing constantly, installations need to be readily adaptable and offer a high degree of flexibility.

Traditional fixed installations are labour intensive, offer little in flexibility and remain costly. Modular wiring is a rapid and easily installed, modular sub-circuit distribution system prefabricated off-site. A complete installation is achieved, from the distribution board to the furthest point of a circuit, by simply connecting the system components together.

A range of metal-clad cables is also available to complement the system. Total modular wiring design support can be provided, including AutoCAD layout designs, voltage drop calculations and record drawings. There are various systems available, depending on the application:

• Armoured: A lightweight armoured system to give strength and protection where needed. Suitable for both lighting and power applications, with armoured polycarbonate plugs.

• Unarmoured: Where mechanical protection is not a requirement.

• Branch cabling: Sub-mains distribution cable. Suitable for risers, corridors, tunnels, bridges etc.

More about Marshall-Tufflex

Marshall-Tufflex is the UK market leader in cable-management systems. It has been operating in the Gulf for more than 30 years, and has been specified on virtually every major project in the region. SnakeWay, a steel support system for cabling that is hand-bendable and faster to install than traditional wire basket or tray systems, was a big hit at the recent Middle East Electricity 2009.

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