Pluggable electrical installation for all construction methods

Text: Lieke van zuilekom I Images: Isolectra

The power of creation, innovation and timing 
‘Construction is modernising considerably’, notes Isolectra CEO Werner Hulst and Marketing Manager Casper Bontenbal. ‘Among other things, the shortage of technically skilled personnel, uncertain delivery times and the nitrogen issue call for new ways of thinking and working with an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. That’s the future, starting today! We’re keen on using our current knowledge to find future solutions.’ In order to reduce movements to and from as well as on construction sites, more and more prefabricated construction is taking place. ‘And that’s not surprising, as it increases the speed and quality of construction’, says Hulst. ‘Building systems and installations are assembled under the best climatic and working conditions. In addition, circular and detachable construction can be used. Secure installation fits in seamlessly with this, provided the necessary processes are in place.’ 

Pluggable electrical installation is only interesting if you consciously opt for it. Project managers, engineers as well as installation teams must be prepared to take precisely the measures appropriate to the construction method in question. ‘Each construction method requires different materials, compositions and delivery times’, stresses Hulst. ‘Moreover, specific rules apply to the connections of each construction method. Only when all rules are properly followed can we benefit from a safe and (cost-)efficient installation.’ 

Priority shifts forward 
With prefab construction in general – and pluggable electrical installation in particular – the priority shifts from execution to design and work preparation, he stresses. ‘Sufficient time must be allocated for this, which also applies to coordination with all stakeholders. What will the building look like? Which systems should be installed in which places? Especially in prefab concrete construction, tunnel formwork and cast construction, this is crucial, as retrofitting is difficult.’ 

Origin in dry construction 
Pluggable electrical installation has its origins in dry (finishing) construction. The founder of this innovative installation method is Isolectra, which has become the market leader in recent decades with the Wieland brand. ‘Our Wieland GST18® system is very trusted and appreciated in dry construction’, says Bontenbal. ‘And that’s not surprising, as this IP40-rated system is flexible, readily available, fast and efficient. It’s also being continuously developed and improved, based on new insights and wishes from the market. Wieland GST18^® is excellent for use in unit construction and timber frame construction, for example, as well as in numerous other projects working with hollow walls and/or hollow ceilings. To take sustainability and efficiency to an even higher level here, we are increasingly working with assemblies, where cable boxes are already supplied completely pre-assembled, glued and including GST18^® cords and WCDs or switches.” 

Pioneer in prefab concrete construction 
Soon after its introduction, demand arose to make the assemblies available for prefab concrete construction too. ‘However, when building components are assembled under wet conditions, an IP40 installation system is not suitable’, says Bontenbal. ‘Especially for these situations, we developed the IP66/68/69k RST20^® system, which guarantees excellent waterproofing and high-quality installation of plugs, flush-mounted boxes and other components in all building conditions. The RST20^® system is so robust and reliable that it is also certified to be cast directly, without pipes, into prefab concrete walls and floors! This allows electrical installers to experience the benefits of pluggable electrical installation in precast concrete construction as well.’ 

Evolution for tunnel formwork and cast construction 
Technical innovation also led to a system for tunnel formwork and cast construction, which are also subject to specific challenges. ‘Tunnel formwork and cast construction are much more on-site oriented’, says Hulst. ‘An important trend within these construction methods is to reduce labour time, but also putting staff to good use by making repetitive work more efficient. A third argument for choosing pluggable electrical installation here too is that electrical installers become less dependent on crane time. The light and compact installations can be very easily transported to the right places with a standard (construction) lift. Less time, less material and fewer tools on site result in fewer accidents, so pluggable electrical installation also improves safety.’ 

Suitable for extreme conditions 
In tunnel formwork and cast construction, extreme conditions are always in the forecast, as Bontenbal is well aware. ‘Work is done in all types of weather. Electrical installations are also fitted on the rebar (which people walk on), materials and tools are placed, concrete is poured and air bubbles are removed from the concrete using a vibrating device. Would the Wieland RST20^® system also be suitable for this? Together with Wieland, we investigated the possibilities and went through an extensive testing and certification process. We poured the RST20^® plugs into concrete and did extensive endurance testing under very strict conditions. Together with our sister company TKF, we have developed a cable for building shell construction environments. Hulst: ‘Also innovative is our adapter, which allows us to fit existing flush-mounted boxes with a cable instead of conduit. This better protects the cable in the cable box and ensures a correct connection.’ 

To make pluggable electrical installation successful in shell construction environments, it is important that electrical installers receive clear instruction. ‘Connections have to be made in the right way’, says Hulst. ‘Moreover, the covers should not be forgotten. There have been plenty of lessons learned which we are happy to share with the market.’ Interested? If so, contact your Isolectra Account Manager. 

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