Project Overview

The project involved the design, supply, and installation of the electrical infrastructure for two new refrigeration plants at sister chicken processing facilities. Each site required a robust electrical installation to support the heavy-duty refrigeration systems essential for poultry storage and processing.

Refrigeration Plant Electrical Installation

Scope of Works

The electrical scope included:

  • Installation of a heavy-duty ladder rack containment system for high-capacity cable management
  • Installation and termination of SWA (Steel Wire Armoured) cabling for both power and control circuits
  • Supply, installation, and commissioning of control panels for refrigeration plant operation
  • Integration of the electrical system with refrigeration plant equipment including compressors, condensers, evaporators, and associated auxiliary systems
  • Earthing and bonding to ensure compliance with BS 7671 wiring regulations

Containment System Installation

Designed and installed galvanised steel heavy-duty ladder rack to support high volumes of SWA cabling. Containment was mounted on bespoke bracketry fixed to the structural steel frame of the plant room. Routes were carefully planned to maintain segregation between power, control, and data cabling.

Heavy-Duty Containment System
Ladder Rack Installation
Structural Mounting

SWA Cabling Installation

Pulled and terminated high-capacity SWA cables ranging from 25mm² to 150mm² to supply refrigeration compressors and auxiliary systems. Control SWA cabling was installed to connect sensors, actuators, and monitoring equipment back to the control panels.

Control Panel Installation

Custom-built control panels were installed to house MCCBs, contactors, and overload relays for plant motors, PLCs for refrigeration plant automation, and HMI touchscreens for operator interface. Panels were installed on raised plinths to avoid water ingress and underwent pre-commissioning tests.

Health & Safety

Works carried out under strict RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements). Hot works permits were issued where necessary. Cable pulling and ladder rack installation were carried out using MEWPs and scaffolding under full fall protection.

Testing & Commissioning

Electrical installation tested in accordance with BS 7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations). Verification included insulation resistance, continuity, polarity, RCD testing, and functional operation of all plant equipment.

Project Outcomes

Both refrigeration plants were successfully powered and commissioned on time and within budget. Installation provided a robust and future-proof electrical infrastructure, capable of handling increased load demands.

Key Features

  • Heavy-duty ladder rack containment designed for scalability
  • Large-capacity SWA cabling installations providing reliable power distribution
  • Custom-built refrigeration control panels with integrated automation
  • Compliance with industry standards and food processing requirements

Conclusion

This project demonstrates the capability to deliver large-scale industrial electrical installations in complex food production environments. The completed refrigeration plants provide reliable, efficient, and safe cold storage, supporting the client's ongoing operations and future growth.