Commissioned by East Sussex County Council, the Seahaven Academy school in Newhaven has been upgraded to accommodate 900 pupils up from 750. The new development has included a new two-storey extension to the northern side of the school building, a new entrance area, administration suite, standard teaching classrooms, ICT/ Multi-use classrooms, Activity Studio and replacement of staff offices.
Independent M&E contractors J&B Hopkins Ltd were appointed for the electrical installation and they chose Centaur Manufacturing for the supply of the dado PVCu cable management.
Wanting a supplier to listen to their requirements regarding product selection, service and support, certain criteria were asked to be met to ensure a successful installation. Such criteria included samples and datasheets for the approval process, quotations that could be given and quickly updated as further needs identified, Part M of the Building Regulations compliant, and competitive tender and speedy lead times.
Centaur’s Area Sales Manager made several site visits to confirm they could meet all the requirements for the project. This was followed up by providing samples and data sheets to ensure the best and most appropriate products were selected. The Meridian range of three compartment trunking was chosen which boasts a number of features including: hinged clip-on outer covers, adjustable internal and external bends and Cat 6 data cabling compliance.
Quotations were consequently generated with the caveat that any additional items not initially covered would also enjoy the contract terms. As a public building Approved Document M of the Building Regulations was applicable. For the assistance of the partially sighted it is necessary to provide clear identification of the positions of electrical socket outlets and switches and for them to contrast to their immediate surroundings. This was cost effectively achieved by specifying the use of a grey coloured centre lid section to the dado trunking.
Availability was also very important to the success of the contract and Centaur’s large stocks and 24-hour shift system ensured product was supplied as and when required.
“Centaur ticked all the boxes”, said Gerry Fitzgerald Project Manager for J&B Hopkins, “they were competitive on price, could provide a Part M solution and delivered when we wanted it. They were also there if we need any additional support”.
For more information about the project, visit the Centaur website.
