Ingenieur Vol 89 2022 | Page 50

FEATURE
INGENIEUR

FEATURE

INGENIEUR

MODULAR WIRING SYSTEM

By Dato ’ Ir . Dr Abu Hashim Abd Ghani

Electrical installations have remained relatively unchanged for decades , relying on traditional hard-wired systems which are labour intensive , offer little in flexibility , and are not cost-effective or time efficient .

The concept of using prefabricated components in the construction industry is certainly not new and continues to be cost-effective and efficient . While great strides have been made in fasttracking many building construction tasks , simplifying electricity installations remains slow and engineers have been reluctant to uptake modern trends such as modular wiring systems . Buildings can go up in double-quick time , but fitting-out the electrical installation takes just as long as a traditional hard-wired electrical installation .
Modular wiring systems have been in existence for more than two decades in the UK , Europe and North America , leading the way to modular wiring installations . The Petronas Twin Towers in KLCC , the ERICCSON Head Office in Cyberjaya , the Securities Commission HQ in Damansara , Bank Negara Financial & Resource Centre in Bank Negara and the NUCLEUS Tower in Mutiara Damansara are among the first few projects here in Malaysia where modular wiring systems have been used .
Nevertheless , today many practising engineers and contractors still resist using modular wiring systems . This usually stems from a lack of knowledge and familiarity with the design and installation of prefabricated wiring systems . The biggest impediment to adopting modular wiring systems is the reluctance to change and try something new . They see any change in approach as a potential risk .
Given only a promise of increased efficiency and better use of resources , most engineers are reluctant to try something new and comfortably fall back on the same old traditional method of hard-wired installations due to familiarity and a proven track record .
In Malaysia , the construction industry is experiencing a labour shortage because it is very much dependent on cheap foreign labour . In the current COVID-19 situation , these resources are being repatriated to their respective home countries and have created a huge vacuum that local resources are just not available to fill .
With the COVID-19 situation remaining for some time , our industries should reflect on the future , and not rely on the traditional hard-wired system and cheap foreign labour . The industry should move forward and embrace available new technologies . Given the inevitable shortage of labour and semi-skilled workers , local industry players should resort to prefabricated components and not rely on traditional hard-wired systems .
What is Modular Wiring System ?
Modular wiring systems are the perfect solution to avoid intensive labour usage and they offer flexibility and cost-savings . The modular system is designed and prefabricated off-site in a manufacturing facility that ensures quality
48 VOL 89 JANUARY-MARCH 2022