High visibility for wiring accessories in landmark London school
Wiring accessories with clip-on cover plates that meet the visibility requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act are being used in a new school in the London Borough of Lambeth. They also provide significant installation benefits. Some 14 000 COPA accessories have been installed in the first phase of the project, and a further 16 000 will be installed in the second phase, due for completion in September 2010.
Five years ago, Stockwell Park High School was underperforming, but has since received an ‘outstanding’ rating in an OFSTED report. The school is being totally rebuilt under the Building Schools for the Future programme and will eventually accommodate 1200 pupils, a third more than the present capacity.
The extensive use of modern IT equipment for teachers and pupils requires the extensive provision of socket outlets and data-connection facilities. Teaching areas have at least one teaching wall equipped with conventional whiteboards and interactive projection facilities. Socket outlets and data-connection units are installed in wall boxes and 2-compartment trunking and below-floor access units.
Architects Sheppard Robson specifies that electrical accessories should contrast with their surroundings to ensure compliance with the visibility requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act. After considering various options, Richard Gilbert of M&E contractor EIC selected Eaton’s COPA clip-on plate accessories. They are clearly visible when installed in white walls and uPVC trunking.
There is a choice of 10 different plate finishes, and they can be installed, tested and left energised before the cover plates are fitted.