What services do the Electrical Team undertake?

Power Distribution

The university have a number of supply points around the campus, totalling around 10MW availability. In addition the new Southgate development will see this extended in the near future.

We operate a significant high voltage distribution system, which has seen significant investment over the last 6 years.

In brief we operate 10 Substations, 12 transformers, approx. 1 ½ miles of HV cabling, 28 Main distribution points, 1 Diesel generator, 4 critical supply Uninterruptable Power supplies. In addition there are the many hundred local distribution systems throughout the diverse campus.

 

Life Safety Systems

The University has statutory requirements for life safety systems across the estate. These include:

Fire alarms

We operate 50 fire alarm panels covering the entire site 24/7. Across the estate smoke, heat, air sampling and interfaces devices connected to these panels, which provide early indication of smoke or fire and notify the building users and security of the production of smoke, which occasionally is from a toaster!!

Smoke Ventilation

There are 9 smoke clearance systems in buildings through the campus, which vary in style and nature depending on specific needs. These ensure the building escape routes are clear for escape and for fire fighting purposes as required.

Gas Extinguishing systems

Some of the critical systems and facilities on site have automated fire fighting systems using FM200 or Novec gas. The systems are designed to detect the early evidence of a fire starting and discharge the gas to extinguish the fire and stop damage to delicate or valuable equipment.

Emergency lighting

In the event of emergency, power to a room, area or building may be lost. At home you would use a torch, phone or moon light to continue your activity, or leave the house. The University has an extensive range (1000s) of self-contained, or centralised emergency lighting systems, which will maintain a lighting level within the buildings to allow escape from all areas, even if the mains fails, or significant damage has occurred to a part of the building.

Emergency Evacuation Phones

We have a number of refuge points in the more recent buildings which have fire rated communication systems for part escape purposes, for those with limited mobility. Should a full evacuation be required these systems allow communication from a control position.

Lightning Protection systems

The high rise building on site have a network of earthed metallic tapes which in the event of a thunder and lightning storm would direct the energy down to the ground rather than through the conductive elements of the building, causing fire or explosion.

 

Vertical Transportation Systems

The University currently have 58 lifts, ranging from a traditional motor room with sheaf and gear box drive, to machine room less systems and platform lifts. The equipment varied in age, but due to an aggressive replacement schedule all are kept well under expected operating life.

Maintenance of Systems

Across all the systems operated by the University’s Electrical team we carryout extensive maintenance of the equipment, including Electrical condition reports, Emergency lighting testing, fire alarm testing, smoke vent testing, external lighting checks, operation check, inspections, oil changes, Insurance inspections, load checks etc.

New Build and Modifications

Over the last ¼ century the University’s estate has changed considerably with high levels of condition A & B rooms available to staff and students. The Electrical team have been extensively involved in thousands of changes, from an additional data point to the acquisition and clearance of the new Southgate campus. We are experienced electrical designers and still occasionally know how to use a screwdriver when needs must. There are multiple new technologies presented which require planning and consideration to ensure we operate a safe, working value for money electrical estate. These systems have been embraced by the team.