10 April 08 - National Trust Jewel illuminated by Drew & Co
Saltram House, the 1740’s Grade 1 listed Georgian mansion and one of the National Trust’s most prestigious properties, has undergone a substantial rewiring exercise which sees it safely lit and fire protected for the next 50 years thanks to Plymouth based electrical contractors Drew & Co.
The project was awarded to The Millfields based business following a competitive tender exercise led by consultants Building Mechanical Electrical Ltd (BME). BME had undertaken a detailed survey of the house after The National Trust made a policy decision to upgrade the level of fire protection required and renew some of the very outdated 30 year old electrics.
A 15 strong project team undertook a painstaking 6 months project, which saw every one of the 100 rooms in the House assessed prior to installation work and precious irreplaceable contents carefully protected and packed away.
The old wiring was replaced with ultra robust Mineral Insulated Copper Cable with PVC sheathing together with new switchgear and accessories. In all, an astonishing 6.8 miles of cable was used.
In addition to the electrical work, the original fire detection system has been replaced with a modern solution, which would track the spread of the fire throughout the house, if such an event occurred.
“We were honoured to be entrusted with such a significant project on one of the South West’s most historic buildings. It was an extremely complicated and challenging contract for us but one that we absolutely relished. It shows that Drew & Co has the skills right here in the South West to undertake electrical work of the highest complexity,” said Andrew Boterill, Managing Director of Drew & Co.
Carol Murrin, The National Trust’s Property Manager for Saltram House commented, ”We have been utterly delighted with the team from Drew & Co. From the outset the company has demonstrated a genuine interest and commitment to working with the Trust to carry out the works with sensitivity and delicacy in such a fragile location. The team have become as excited as us when we revealed historic wallpapers, pits of bones, old cigarette packets and even Victorian shoes! We really could not have had a better team on board.”
“The work has been achieved both on time and on budget due to total commitment from Drew & Co, The National Trust and ourselves. We are delighted to have played our part in a true team effort that makes Saltram House safe for thousands of visitors in years to come.” Said Peter Horne of consultants BME.