CP Electronics have played a pivotal role in achieving the required energy savings for an iconic new building in the centre of Hull. The company’s MWS-1 microwave presence detectors have been used throughout Queens Court, a complex consisting of 115 executive apartments and two floors of penthouse apartments, all finished to an exceptionally high standard in a contemporary design. The seven storey building is also home to the regional headquarters of the BBC.

Queens is at the very heart of the city centre, and located in a convenient position for the major retail centre, central business district and city universities. Managing agents, Garness Jones for Queens Court carried out all the preparatory work and cost benefit analysis for the build and appointed local electrical company Merlx Electrical to carry out the installation.

CP’s MWS-1 presence detectors were installed by Merlx, who was responsible for all electrical installations within the complex. The MWS-1 was chosen for its wide detection range of up to 30 metres which meant that less detectors were required to cover a larger area. The sensor provides automatic control of lighting and can also be connected to control heating and ventilation, making it ideal for use in a variety of applications. No external control boxes are required for the MWS-1, making it easy to install and very cost effective, plus the sensor has no external lenses making it unobtrusive.

A total of 53 MWS-1 sensors were installed within corridors in 21 areas of the complex, enabling lights to automatically switch on and off when people enter and exit the buildings’ shared areas. The sensors leave stairwells and emergency lighting areas unaffected.

Following the installation, Merlx proprieter Tony Douglass commented “This was a fabulous job to carry out as the customer achieved a direct saving – it is anticipated that the saving will be £10,000 – 12,000 per year. In this current climate a technology that can save money relatively simply and quickly (it took three to four weeks to install) is very positive.