Hollywell is the registered electrical contracting firm for Trenitalia c2c Limited, which operates the Essex Thameside railway franchise. We asked Robert Martin, an electrician with Hollywell, to talk us through his experience of installing Schneider Electric’s Acti9 Isobar P range of distribution boards on the line.
What is your favourite feature of the Acti9 Isobar P?
Same with all Schneider boards, it’s got the slider on the board itself so you can isolate the breakout for extra safety.
How user-friendly is the range?
It’s really user-friendly – it’s nice having the earth bar right at the top, making it easier to dress the earth terminal.
Was it easy to install?
Idiot-proof to be honest!
Its plug-on RCBO capability is designed to reduce installation time by up to half – have you found this to be the case?
I would say half is probably about right, maybe slightly more. When I first started with the RCBO module I hadn’t used it before, but after 15-20 minutes they were pinging on quick as a flash. It certainly shortens installation time.
Using fewer connections, it is intended to reduce the potential for cabling errors – how important is this for projects like c2c?
It’s much easier not having to faff about with quite so many terminations; it makes it easier to work on.
Installer safety was a big consideration in the development of the range – did you feel confident and safe in its use?
Completely safe. Once it was built, main switch was on and the busbar link shields were fitted then there was no issue at all – we know once we’ve got the sliders over there’s no chance of faults.
The devices have been designed to be easily removed and replaced should the need arise. If you had to make any changes to the installation, was this ease noticeable?
It was so much easier with the clip-on RCBO modules because you’re not having to worry about all the trailing leads everywhere.
How does it compare to similar products on the market?
Schneider would be my first choice every day of the week. I’ve been working on boards as a sparks now for 20 plus years – every time you get a Schneider board, you know there won’t be any issues with it whatsoever. So, from a personal point of view, if I could I’d have Schneider every time.
Would you be happy to use the Acti9 Isobar P again for future projects and would you recommend the range to others?
Most definitely – I love it.
What would you say to anyone else thinking of installing the product?
It’s pretty much idiot-proof. The only advice I would give anyone is, if you’re not familiar with the kit, read through the instructions – they tell you how to install it without leaving anything to the imagination; it’s all there in front of you.
Is there anything else you’ve learned about the board?
Every time I’ve used one it’s just simplicity itself; you can’t go wrong.