Kennet & Avon Canal Trust: Commercial Rewire & Electrical Upgrade
Nulectrics completed a full commercial rewire and electrical system upgrade for the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust in Devizes, Wiltshire. The work followed a failed EICR and covered new consumer units, distribution boards, LED and emergency lighting, a fire alarm upgrade, a data rack with network cabling, and a new supply to the site’s pumping station.
Products & Materials Used
- Consumer units and distribution boards New commercial-grade boards
- LED Ceiling panels and emergency lighting
- Fire alarm system Upgraded panel and cabling
- Data rack Network cabinet with multiple data points
The Challenge: A Failed EICR and a Live Museum Building
Nulectrics completed a full electrical rewire and system upgrade for the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust in Devizes. The project included new consumer units, distribution boards, LED lighting, emergency systems, and data points to ensure the building met modern compliance standards and user needs.
A Failed EICR and a Full Building Rewire
The building had failed its Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), requiring a full rewire. The main challenge was rewiring from the mains at one end of the building to the far end, with multiple rooms branching off the route.
The project also had to be completed while parts of the museum remained operational, requiring careful planning and minimal disruption.
Concealed Cabling Above the Fire Barrier
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Ran new wiring by cutting into plasterboard along the front edge of the building, following joist lines, instead of lifting flooring.
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Installed all cabling above the plaster ceiling and fire barrier for compliance and a tidier finish.
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Integrated fire alarm system cabling above ceiling for safety.
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Replaced oversized recessed lights with new LED panels, adapting the ceiling with custom bevelled wooden inserts painted to match.
The Solution: Full Rewire with Fire-Compliant Concealed Cabling
Nulectrics carried out a full rewire to bring the building up to modern electrical standards. Key upgrades included:
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New consumer units and distribution boards
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Installation of LED and emergency lighting with fire-compliant fixings
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Fire alarm system upgrade
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Data rack and network cabling with multiple data points
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New supply for the site’s pumping station
By concealing all cabling above the fire barrier, the installation is both compliant and visually cleaner. The electrical upgrade provides staff, visitors, and event organisers with a safe, reliable, and modern system.
The Result: A Satisfactory EICR and a Museum That Stayed Open
This long-term commercial rewire improved the safety, compliance, and usability of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust building. The result is a reliable electrical system designed for durability, supporting both day-to-day operations and public events.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
What happens after a commercial property fails an EICR?
The report lists every observation with a code. C1 and C2 items must be remedied to achieve a Satisfactory result. Your contractor quotes the remedial work, which on a widespread failure may total more than a planned rewire. Once complete and certified, the installation is retested.
Can a museum stay open during a rewire?
Usually yes, with phased works. Areas are taken out of use in sequence rather than all at once, with temporary supplies keeping essential systems live. Displays and collections need protection from dust and physical damage, which is planned into the method statement rather than handled ad hoc.
What is fire-compliant concealed cabling?
Cabling installed so that it does not compromise fire compartmentation, using correctly rated cable, fire-stopped penetrations where it passes through walls or floors, and metallic fixings on escape routes so cables cannot fall and obstruct evacuation if plastic clips fail in a fire.
How long does a commercial rewire take for a building of this size?
For a building of this scale, expect several weeks on site plus design and procurement beforehand. Total programme from first survey to final certificate is typically three to four months. Distribution board lead times are currently the most common cause of delay.
Do charities get any concession on electrical work?
Not on VAT for general electrical work, which remains standard-rated. Some charity-owned buildings qualify for reduced rates on specific energy-saving measures. Worth checking eligibility with your accountant, since the rules turn on the nature of the work rather than the status of the organisation.
