The important Mond building at Cambridge University has become the first educational establishment in the UK to feature MK Electric’s Echo range of self-powered, wireless and battery-less light switches. The Grade II rotunda-based building was designed in the early 1930s by architect HC Hughes as a laboratory for the Russian Nobel Prize winner Leonidovich Kapitza; and is one of the best examples of Modernist architecture in Cambridge. It notably features a plaque of nuclear physicist and building-sponsor Ernest Rutherford; and a crocodile carved into the external brickwork, both by the controversial Arts & Crafts sculptor Eric Gill.

The constraints of working with listed buildings, especially as part of a refurbishment – such as The Mond – made MK Electric’s Echo switches an ideal solution; as they obviate the need for chasing – or any – wiring in walls. Echo is a range of innovative ‘self powered’ switches that are entirely wireless and battery-free. The benefits of such technology include almost instant switch installation; total location flexibility of light switches within buildings; and easy relocation, re-installation and considerable cost-savings when ‘churning’ spaces.

The Echo lighting system essentially comprises two components: the ‘self powered’ switch, and an RF receiver. The receiver is installed at the lighting fixture and wired into to the lighting circuit at the time of ceiling installation.

The switch is then mounted, using either adhesive pads – for super-fast fixing or onto awkward surfaces like marble or glass – or with screws if additional security is necessary.

The switch is simply ‘aligned’ to the receiver by setting it into ‘learn mode’ and pressing the rocker. The switch is now wirelessly dedicated to the fixture in question. One receiver can be programmed so it can be operated by up to 30 switches; while, conversely, any number of receivers can be activated by a single switch. Where signals may be obstructed by impervious materials such as granite or steel, repeater units are available which will divert and/ or extend transmissions around a building.

On the University of Cambridge’s New Museums site, The Mond, a former science laboratory, has been converted into The Library for African Studies. Recent additional lighting control works included the installation of the MK Echo wireless light switches to control the myriad of existing lighting luminaires within the Library.

The consulting engineer was K J Tait Engineers and the contractor for the additional lighting control works was P A Collacott & Co of Cambridge.

K J Tait comments, “The MK Echo switches were chosen as they provided an easy and cost effective solution whilst also providing flexibility for future modifications to the lighting control philosophy. The simple wireless solution was ideal as the building contained many fair-faced or stone walls”.

Email: mk@facta.co.uk