both enclosure types in pairs, side by side.
In such a configuration any misalignment
is immediately obvious and looks less than
smart.
“Unfortunately, with precast concrete
panels the enclosures could be positioned
well within tolerance and still look visually
out of true. So we asked Spelsberg for
possible ideas for overcoming this.”
The solution agreed upon was to use
special face plates that would fit over both
enclosures, which would make discerning
any misalignment virtually impossible.
Finally, following Ministry of Justice
guidelines, the face plates were mounted
with one-way screws rather than the
standard type. The asymmetric screw
heads can be tightened using a normal
screwdriver but need a special tool to undo
them, preventing men for unscrewing the
face plates and vandalising the electrical
fittings inside or hiding contraband.
The Spelsberg solution reduces build time when using prefabricated,
reinforced concrete panels.
The UK government is engaged in a
programme of prison building to relieve
overcrowding and modernise the estate.
Economies of scale can be realised by
building large establishments. By breaking
these down into smaller housing blocks
and the blocks into even smaller sections
a sense of community can be created. This
fosters good relations between occupants
and also with the staff, reduces destructive
behaviour and encourages long-term
rehabilitation.
Steve concludes: “The Ministry of Justice
has generated a futuristic model in the
standardisation of a design that could
be used for future building without the
cost and time associated with developing
new solutions. HM Prison Berwyn is at
the cutting-edge of social reform and as
such should do a lot towards reducing
reoffending and the creation of career
criminals.”
About Spelsberg
Spelsberg is one of the largest
manufacturers of electrical
enclosures in the world. With
over 4,000 enclosures available
as standard and further
customisation possible, it
offers solutions for almost any
application.
The modular design of the IBT range offers excellent flexibility.
The British Standard series of enclosures
is designed so that it is suitable for
permanently casting into position in
concrete panels. The BS1 is 86mm x 86mm
x 60mm deep and is designed to have a
single socket outlet fitted to the front of
the unit. The BS2 is bigger at 146mm x
866mm x 60mm and is designed to have
a double socket outlet fitted to the front
of the unit. Both units are designed for
flexibility of use and come with an earthing
screw as standard.
Additionally, Spelsberg supplied bespoke
cast-in back boxes to facilitate the two-way
intercom between the room interior and
the adjacent corridor or landing so that
the men can contact the staff should the
need arise. The corridor back box also
incorporated a call light and reset button.
Steve Williams of PCS says Spelsberg were
very helpful on this project. “Where rooms
have two men, we needed to double up
the electrical services. This meant installing
With the largest supply of non-
metallic enclosures, ex-stock in
the UK, its products are often
available for delivery within 24
hours; customisation is possible
on any product, including bespoke
entries, engraved corporate logos
or fitted terminals, within 48
hours. Products can be ordered
direct from Spelsberg or from
most leading supply specialists
including RS, Rapid, Farnell and
CPC.
www.spelsberg.co.uk
Issue 35 PECM
95