What is Modular Wiring?
Developments in the area of renewable energy and the Internet of Things aside, the electrical wiring sector has seen little by way of significant change for some time. For the most part, many electricians are still adopting the same traditional wiring methods used decades ago. An alternative, innovative solution to the time-consuming, hard wired installation is now here. Modular wiring systems complement forward thinking technologies and save time and money in the delivery of electrical fitouts.
How do modular wiring systems work?
Modular wiring replaces traditional methods involved in the electrical fit-out by manufacturing a modular electrical system offsite to enable a rapid, easily installed and fully tested assembly onsite. A complete plug-and-play installation is achieved quickly and safely by simply connecting the system components together. The project-specific system that gets delivered to site includes home run cables from the main distribution board, cut to the exact size required and pre-terminated to plugs, with a series of Master Distribution Boxes (or MDBs) to plug into, bringing power all the way to your power outlets and lighting. And while modular wiring is now the innovative approach to the electrical fit-out, it still adheres to all the same regulations and electrical standards.
What problems do Modular Wiring Systems Solve?
Not only do modular wiring systems deliver maximum future flexibility to building occupiers, they also solve several problems for project designers and electrical contractors, when compared to the traditional wiring approach.
Lower Cost
Firstly, up to 75% savings can be made to labour costs by adopting a modular wiring approach. There is less waste as all cables are cut to size before arriving onsite. There is also a greater level of cost certainty as the entire modular wiring system is accounted for at the design and production stages. When compared to a traditional wiring approach, while cost of materials is a little higher, overall project delivery savings achieved will be in the region of 10-15% by installing a modular wiring system.
Programme Certainty
Programmes are constantly being squeezed as project teams are challenged with working to tighter delivery schedules with fewer human resources onsite. This, as well as problems with the supply chain, often lead to delays. As modular wiring systems arrive to site completely ‘plug-and-play’, they allow for a rapid electrical fit-out. As the main contractor is constructing onsite, the modular electrical system is being assembled offsite. This parallel processing allows for significant reductions in programme delivery.
Skilled Labour Shortage
A common problem for many contractors is not having access to enough skilled labour. With modular wiring systems, smaller teams are required onsite because most of the labour-intensive elements of the electrical fit-out are carried out offsite. And, as all the wiring terminations are already made, there are less highly qualified electricians required onsite too.
Reduces Health and Safety Risk
The health and safety of onsite personnel is always a top priority. As the installation of modular wiring systems are less labour-intensive for onsite teams, particularly as they will be required to spend far less time working at heights, improvements around health and safety can be gained. No specialist tools are required to install and there is no need to pull individual wires through conduit. Fixing the cable to the wall is done using standard cable ties and can also be routed in ducts or containment if required.
Highest Quality Installation
Modular wiring systems are produced in a safe and controlled factory-environment, adhering to all the relevant wiring regulations and standards. “Quality is always assured as our facility is ISO audited and certified. All products must pass a rigorous testing procedure before leaving the factory”, says Niall Donovan, Chief Operations Officer at MODULA. This delivers added piece-of-mind, knowing that the installation is certified before it is even delivered, meaning pre-handover snagging or fault-finding is eliminated.
MODULA was created by engineers who believed there was a better way of working. We pioneered the modular wiring concept in Ireland and are the market leaders in the delivery of modular wiring systems. Our engineers would be delighted to discuss your next project’s requirements.