The Details
PROJECT OVERVIEW
IDES Electrical Services were appointed to deliver the complete electrical design and installation package for a new Volvo bodyshop facility at Royal Portbury Docks, Bristol. The project involved the fit-out of a brand-new automotive repair facility, requiring a robust electrical infrastructure capable of supporting specialist bodyshop operations together with EV charging infrastructure to support future vehicle requirements.
THE CHALLENGE
The project involved the delivery of a complete electrical installation within a new-build shell, including the design and installation of power, lighting and containment systems to support a modern automotive repair environment.
A key challenge of the project was the building’s non-standard tensile roof construction, which differed significantly from a traditional industrial roof structure. The roof design required careful consideration of containment routes and lighting installation methods, particularly where high-performance workshop lighting and emergency lighting systems were required throughout the facility.
The installation also needed to accommodate specialist bodyshop equipment, vehicle lifts and EV charging infrastructure while maintaining a practical and efficient layout throughout the workshop.
OUR SOLUTION
IDES provided a complete design-and-build solution, undertaking site surveys, lighting calculations, electrical design and installation works. The project included the installation of galvanised containment systems, new electrical distribution infrastructure, power supplies for specialist bodyshop equipment and a bespoke lighting scheme tailored to the operational requirements of the facility.
To overcome the challenges presented by the roof structure, IDES designed and installed a suspended trunking system to support both the AUTOLUX lighting installation and emergency lighting infrastructure throughout the workshop. This approach enabled the required lighting levels to be achieved while maintaining a practical and robust installation solution.
The facility was illuminated using IDES’ AUTOLUX LED lighting system, delivering approximately 1,000 lux at floor level throughout the workshop. The installation also included supplies for vehicle lifts, external LED floodlighting and two AC electric vehicle charging points.
SERVICES DELIVERED
- Site Survey & Electrical Design
- Lighting Calculations & Design
- Electrical Distribution Design
- Full Electrical Wiring & Distribution
- Galvanised Trunking, Tray & Ladder Containment
- Suspended Trunking System Installation
- AUTOLUX LED Lighting Installation
- Emergency Lighting Systems
- Vehicle Lift Power Supplies
- External LED Floodlighting
- EV Charging Installation
- Testing & Commissioning
PROJECT OUTCOME
The project was successfully completed within the three-week programme, delivering a modern, energy-efficient electrical installation tailored to the operational requirements of Volvo’s new bodyshop facility. The completed installation provides high-performance workshop lighting, specialist equipment supplies, EV charging infrastructure and robust electrical distribution systems designed to support efficient vehicle repair operations.
Through the use of a bespoke suspended lighting solution, IDES successfully overcame the challenges presented by the building’s unique roof structure while maintaining the lighting performance and safety standards required within a professional automotive environment.
PROJECT DETAILS
Sector: Automotive
Location: Royal Portbury Docks, Bristol
Programme Duration: 3 Weeks