Hamilton | Contour Consumer Unit Upgrade

In this case study article we discover the reasons behind Sandwell Council’s decision to upgrade its council houses with Hamilton Contour consumer units.

Earlier this year Hamilton began working in conjunction with Sandwell Council’s investment division, repairs and maintenance, and voids teams to provide circuit protection equipment to BS 7671:2008 Amendment 3; enabling the completion of a £500m investment programme that will upgrade 29,000 council homes, plus maintain and repair these properties across the Black Country.

The renovation programme includes electrical wiring improvements and the upgrading of circuit protection equipment to BS 7671:2008 Amendment 3 regulations.

Brief
To achieve the council’s aim and provide the safest option for occupants, a dependable, high-quality and fast-moving supplier was sought. Electrical accessories manufacturer Hamilton was selected and invited to supply high integrity boards and isolating switch fuses for the colossal renovation programme.

Solution
Hamilton recommended the use of its Contour consumer unit that, with a couple of bespoke alterations, met the council’s rigorous requirements.

The Contour metal consumer unit complies with BS 7671:2008 Amendment 3 regulations and with safety the highest priority, Hamilton’s consumer unit has unique fireproof gland adaptors to help improve fire containment, including a fail-safe drop-down lid. To ensure that the Contour consumer unit met the exacting requirements of Sandwell Council, an earth stud was fitted to the switch fuse and the RCD board locations were altered.

Meanwhile, Hamilton had already spent a lot of time ensuring that the consumer unit is a stylish solution. This means that it can befitted in an area on show, rather than being restricted to somewhere hidden from sight. The unit is finished in a tough, scratch resistant matt white paint that makes it suitable for hard-wearing applications.

Ease of installation was also a priority when Hamilton developed the product. It has large accessible wiring space with knockouts to the rear and removable gland plates at the top and bottom, both of which are retained by two screws. Cable entries are positioned for easy access to devices.

Results
With the ten-year project well underway, Sandwell Council has been extremely impressed with the Contour consumer unit and its ease of installation. The unique gland adapter system in particular has delivered beyond the client’s expectation and is helping improve the speed of the renovations.

Hamilton is a valued supplier in this significant renovation, repairs and maintenance project and feedback from Sandwell Council’s Electrical Team stated: “We needed a supplier that can deliver quality products that are intuitive and easy to install while being the safest possible option for our tenants – Hamilton and its consumer unit have done just that.

He continued: “We’ve received fantastic feedback from our installers who have found the product very easy to use. The Hamilton team has done a great job of supporting us, particularly in ensuring that the units are customised with our particular requirements.” “Understanding the challenges for both installers and end users allowed us to develop the Contour consumer unit, and we’re delighted that it will be fitted in so many homes in the Black Country in the coming years,” adds Gavin Willliams, Marketing Manager at Hamilton Litestat.

“Its safety aspects and look, easy-to-fit installation process and innovative functionality makes this a particular standout product on the market and it’s great for this to be recognised by Sandwell Council and utilised in such a large area of housing.”