Prefabricated wiring completes the circuit

Darren Harper points out the pluggability of the system

A new pluggable wiring solution is expected to revolutionise electrical installation practice in the MEP sector. Prime Electrical Manufacturing (PEM) engineering and business development manager Darren Harper highlights the benefits for contractors.

Harper says the pluggable system from Apex Wiring Solutions of the UK “has been demonstrated locally to save at least 70% of the installation time on-site.”

MEP contractor BK Gulf has already deployed the system successfully at Al Zeina, a precinct of Aldar’s Al Raha Beach development in Abu Dhabi.

PEM is now in talks with local and international MEP contractors for hospitals, hotels, residential and commercial developments within the region.

PEM’s advantage is that it already understands manufacturing and the integrated project management required to effectively provide this type of Solution.

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“We already manufacture the supporting systems such as switchgear, MCCs and control systems, so when the opportunity arose to introduce a pre-manufactured wiring solution to our portfolio, it made perfect sense. The Apex Wiring system is a natural progression for us, as well as the Middle East construction industry. We manufacture all of the products locally to ensure adequate product lead time to actively support our clients.”

Harper says the system has already garnered all the necessary Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) approvals and complies with DEWA regulations. The systems have already been successfully implemented in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on a number of projects. “We are currently looking to increase the roll out in these regions, and will be expanding into Al Ain with Saudi Arabia close behind.”

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So how does the system work? In terms of traditional wiring installed in any type of building, be it a villa or high-rise complex, single-core cables are pulled through PVC or metallic conduits and terminated at the distribution board (DB), sockets and switches.

This requires a significant amount of labour onsite to complete the tasks within the required programme. There is also major material waste due to unused off-cuts, theft and loss. “The Apex system negates all of this due to the manufacturing and installation process used,” says Harper.

PEM provides a fully pluggable solution from DB to final connection

“We make all the wiring accessories and light fittings pluggable, as they are assembled away from site in our purpose-made manufacturing facility. Pre-wired, flexible, pluggable conduit (available in PVC and metal) is also made to specific lengths, and facilitates the connection between the wiring accessories and the DB. Once materials are on-site, the system is installed quickly and simply plugs together. In a single visit, both cable and conduit is installed, and the final connection is made by simply pushing two connectors together. No tools; no waste; no mess; no damage,” stresses Harper.

The reduction in on-site labour inherently reduces the cost of installation. This is achieved by reducing the number of workers required to install the product, therefore reducing the amount of supervision, and whilst the obvious benefit would be the reduction in wages, Harper highlights the additional cascade benefits to the client.