Prysmian FP200 Gold cable is being installed in a ground-breaking refurbishment project to turn a 1960s West London town house into an energy efficient eco home.

The eco upgrade has been designed by architect, Leigh Bowen of 50º North. “It will be a showcase for clients who want to save money and help the environment, which is an increasing priority in today’s energy conscious world” says Leigh. “All new homes should incorporate low carbon technologies and there’s no reason why refurbishments can’t too.”

The house is designed to naturally minimise the impact of the man-made electromagnetic fields inside the building. “Prysmian FP200 Gold is ideal because the cable is shielded. The shield holds the electrical field within the cable, so that people and equipment are protected from it,” explains Leigh.

FP200 Gold is being used to power the lighting along with all other electrical circuits in the house. Bob Harris, of Earthdome Ltd, who is overseeing the project, says: “The cable is rigid but offers flexibility, which makes it very easy to install. It also has the added advantage of being low smoke, fire resistant and contains no PVC, making it ecologically sound.”

The electrical circuit design is based on prudent avoidance of the electromagnetic field, making sure everything is switched off so that the house is both safe and energy efficient.

Electrical engineer, Rob Beere of Beere Electrical Services Ltd, explains how it works: “We’re using switched radial circuits for the electric supplies to power outlets in the building, which reduce the magnetic effects when compared to ring main type circuits. The use of power isolator switches adjacent to the light switches will reduce energy consumption as it allows the occupants to switch off the electrical supply to individual rooms, like in a hotel.”

All services for the home run through a screened metal central riser inside the building and power other energy efficiency measures including low energy lighting, solar panels, A-rated appliances and a zero carbon wood pellet boiler heating system.

Email: cables.marketing.uk@prysmian.com