CASE STUDY
Meter Box Replacement: ESB Case Study
About The Project
This case study highlights how Tricel’s meter box replacement solutions effectively solved the challenges of outdated meter boxes for ESB Networks with a robust and innovative solution. By integrating the Tricel Door Frame Kit with an adapter transition part, we ensured compliance with current safety standards, operational efficiency through preassembly, and significant cost savings. The process included:
- Assessment and Prototype Development: The old meter boxes were evaluated, and a prototype was developed using the K Frame and adapter transition part.
- Onsite Implementation: The prototype was installed with the involvement of ESB representatives and Tricel engineers.
Location: Shannon, Ireland
Industry Sector: Utility companies
Product Used: Customised Overbox Solutions for ESB
We work with:
How ESB Benefited from Meter Box Replacement
Sustainability Goals
Reduce energy consumption and support your sustainability objectives with Tricel’s eco-friendly upgrades.
Industry Compliance
Meet stringent safety and operational standards, avoiding fines and ensuring smooth operations.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Lower maintenance expenses with standardized, easy-to-maintain solutions that extend equipment life.
Enhanced Safety
Improve safety standards with solutions that mitigate risks associated with outdated infrastructure.
Future-Proofing Infrastructure
Tricel’s adaptable solutions ensure your infrastructure remains efficient and compliant with future advancements.
Problem Statement:
The meter boxes in Shannon, installed around 1975 by the now-defunct ERF in the UK, are outdated and nonstandard (See images below) . Key issues include the unavailability of meter box replacement doors since ERF is no longer in business, and size and fit issues with the existing Tricel Door Frame Kit (K Frame), which is too large to fit the old boxes properly, resulting in poor sealing. Efforts to retrofit the boxes led to inconsistent and time-consuming installations that failed to meet safety standards. Additionally, sharp edges and the lack of fire-retardant materials posed significant safety hazards.
Solution Overview:
Tricel proposed an innovative solution involving the use of an adapter transition part with the Tricel Door Frame Kit (K Frame) to address the challenges of outdated meter boxes. Initial attempts to replace the ERF boxes with the Tricel Door Frame Kit highlighted several issues: inconsistent installation practices, time-consuming processes, and safety hazards from sharp edges and lack of proper sealing. The proposed solution ensures adaptability by allowing the K Frame to fit the existing boxes perfectly, enhances safety with fire-retardant materials and adhesives, and future-proofs the system by allowing for easy replacement of doors and frames
Installation Process:
- Removing the Old Door: The old door was carefully removed to prepare the box for the new installation.
- Applying Fire-retardant Silicone: Fire-retardant silicone was applied to the inner lip of the box to ensure a proper seal.
- Inserting the New Door Frame Kit: The new Tricel Door Frame Kit and adapter transition part were inserted into place.
- Securing the Frame: The frame was secured to the old box with self-tapping screws, making the existing box and the new Door Frame Kit one unit.
- Sealing the Outer Frame: The outer frame was sealed to the wall to prevent water ingress.
- Closing the Door: The door was closed, completing the installation.
Why Choose Tricel ?
Customisation and Flexibility
Tailored solutions to meet your unique needs, whether for small-scale tests or full implementations.
Immediate Action and Demand Readiness
Rapid deployment of efficient solutions, ensuring your project timelines are met without delays.
Trusted Expertise and Quality Assurance
Industry-validated products you can trust, with rigorous testing ensuring reliability and performance.
Cost Savings and Efficiency
Achieve significant savings through minimized maintenance and hassle-free installations.
Feedback
All agreed that when we tweaked the prototype, the Shannon Overbox performed well. Tricel is confident in their solution, which can be supplied preassembled in a factory environment. We believe there are approximately 2,000 boxes that may need replacing. Oliver Kelly suggested a run of 50 to 100 Shannon Overboxes to validate the above. If successful, another batch could be manufactured and assembled.
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