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Wiring accessories meet disability needs in new Business Park
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21st Century Contract Services Ltd, the electrical contractor for a major Thames-side Business Park in South East London chose Eaton?s new clip-on plate wiring accessories to satisfy a requirement for switches and socket-outlets that meet modern disability requirements.
The Dagenham-based contractor was faced with the challenge of finding a cost-effective range of switches and socket-outlets that would satisfy the demands of the Disability Discrimination Act in 24 industrial units on the Crossways Business Park in Dartford, Kent. After looking at several manufacturers? offerings, it was shown Eaton?s new COPA Clip-on Plate Accessory range. This is offered with a choice of different coloured clip-on face plates to conceal the fixing screws.
COPA accessories with a grey face plate were presented to the client who readily accepted the solution, says Stephan Halls, 21st Century?s Project Manager. The grey plates stand out against the light colour of the walls, without being obtrusive, while the white moulded rockers are easily located. The price difference between these and traditional moulded accessories was significantly less than for other accessories considered.
The clip-on plates offered a number of additional benefits, says Stephan. The accessories were installed at the second fix stage, without the face plates, and the installation was safe to energise. The walls were painted without the face plates, so avoiding getting paint on the plates. The plates were then clipped into place shortly before handover.
?When using conventional accessories we always have issues with the decorating, with either paint being left on the face plate or painters unscrewing the face plates to avoid paint getting on them? he says. ?With Eaton?s new COPA Clip-on Plate Accessory range the decorators can go right up to the accessories. So the amount of work required in clipping on the COPA plates was no greater than it would have been.?
?The use of clip-on plates also means that tenants can choose to change the colour of the plates if they wish, without changing the accessories. Plates can also be removed safely when re-decorating.?
21st Century Contract Services Ltd is so pleased with the COPA accessories; it is recommending them for future major projects.
Crossways Business Park is a mixed-use business park owned by Legal & General and occupying a 128ha (315 acre) site alongside the M25 and Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in Dartford, SE London. 21st Century Contract Services Ltd has carried out all the electrical work, including mains distribution, containment, lighting and power, and fire alarm systems, on six major buildings which house a total of 24 industrial units of varying size, each with associated offices. The main contractor was Fitzpatrick Contractors Ltd.
