Pyrotenax cables, from Tyco Thermal Controls, have been employed throughout in the transformation of a 1920s coachworks into an art gallery for the Louise T. Blouin Institute in Olaf Street, West London. The £20million conversion to a 35,0002ft art gallery has been privately funded by Louise T. Blouin McBain and provides a showcase for both established and emerging contemporary artists and performance art, as well as being the operating base for the Louise Blouin Foundation. Instant and dramatic impact is provided by the façade, which has a spectacular artwork in lighting commissioned from the widely acclaimed artist James Turrell.
Developers Arup specified the use of MICC cable – the only ‘true’ fire-survival cable technology - for the emergency lighting and other critical fire-rated circuits, and for all general wiring chose MultiPlus lightweight pre-wired conduit, which offered the installer Jets Electrical Contractors significant installation advantages with its exceptional handling characteristics and space, time and cost savings.
Pyrotenax MI, the MICC cable chosen for this project, is totally inorganic, manufactured from non-combustible materials, so will not burn or emit harmful gasses but does maintain its structure and will withstand and survive the full dynamics of a major fire event. It can carry current and data signals at temperatures up to 1083°C and offers the ultimate fire survival cable performance. Pyrotenax MI is also installer-friendly as the ‘rock and ore’ insulation will retain circuit integrity without the need to fit trunking or other mechanical protection. The cable has inherent protection for use above false walls and ceilings and will neatly follow the contours of beams and structures.
For the general wiring, Pyrotenax Multi-Plus LSF, is a high performance multi-purpose, lightweight cable system designed to meet the needs of building services installers. This pre-wired conduit is the ‘smart’ alternative to installing single-core cables in plastic/metal conduit and small size armoured cables, and is suitable for a wide range of applications. The exceptional handling characteristics of Multi-Plus LSF make it quick and easy to install and terminate. Although 66% lighter than 1kV armoured, it is flexible yet robust, and retains its installed shape and position.
This cable offers outstanding electrical and safety performance and has a Low Smoke and Fume (LSF) outer sheath for excellent fire performance. Rated at 600/1000V, Multi-Plus LSF has an aluminium screen that significantly reduces electrical interference to meet EMC requirements and delivers significant space savings by eliminating the need for compartmental trunking.
The Multi-Plus LSF cable system can be fixed to all common building surfaces and installed on cable trays, in roof space, in ducts and within partition walls. It is ideal for a wide range of electrical cable installations including: lighting systems; ring main small power wiring; HVAC control systems; communication systems; sub mains; EPOS systems and signage.
The Louise T. Blouin Institute opened its doors with an inaugural exhibition James Turrell: A Life in Light, the first major survey exhibition of the acclaimed artist’s work in London since 1993.

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