ANTICIPATING ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
The design of modern buildings, whether for commercial or domestic purposes, utilizes basic principles from which stem the infinite variations included under the loose term of "modern architecture". These principles are cleanness of line, temperance in the use of ornamentation, standardisation of details, and simplification of planning within the requirements of the buildings. The straightforward attractiveness of most of the buildings recently erected in Hong Kong illustrates how efficiently and competently our architects adhere to these basic principles of design.
It is, however, necessary to bear in mind that the detailing of interior fittings and fixtures requires the same conscientious care and attention as the general design, otherwise the whole effect may be spoiled by small details overlooked in the original planning which, though unimportant in themselves, intrude upon and upset the harmony of the whole. The chief offender in this matter is very often the electrical installation, and it is observed with regret that architects tend to treat the electrical installation as of little moment, with the result that switches, fuse boxes and meter positions are placed in positions which are inconvenient to the tenants, a headache to the electrical contractor and an eyesore to the observer.
If the following points are kept in mind during the planning of the building, much of this unsatisfactory work can be eliminated.
Office Blocks
In many new buildings of any size, the power companies now require that a transformer room be provided into which the high tension supply can be brought. This system assures the occupants of a constant voltage and a much more reliable supply. Unfortunately, the only space allocated for such transformer equipment is usually situated in the basement or some other very inconvenient position, and heavy apparatus must then be installed or removed by block and tackle. It would be of considerable benefit to everyone, if in planning the building, the architect allocates a conveniently accessible area for this essential purpose.
The only custom of running rising mains in the lift shaft or stairway has been discontinued and ducts are now provided. Unfortunately, these ducts are usually shared by sanitary, telephone and electrical installations, and the recommended baffle plates at each floor level must therefore be omitted. Messrs. Henley Ltd. produce a brochure which should be seen by all architects.
With reference to the metering of supplies to individual offices, it is now usual to provide meter rooms for a large building and recesses in the case of a small one. The size of the recess required is most important and can be ascertained from the power company, by stating the number of offices per floor. In cases where recesses have been provided without previous consultation, they were invariably found to be far too small, and resulted in the service fuses for the floor having to be mounted outside, on the wall, thus defeating the object for which the recess was originally designed.
In the individual office, it is essential that the main switches shall be readily accessible, at a central point, properly marked and at a suitable height. The question of appearance
Actual photograph of an ideal terminal box for small flats.
may be overcome by a suitable recess with a hinged cover. These covers can be made flush fitting and toned to match the surrounding wall. There is no reason, if the siting and planning is done in advance, to situate the main switches in dark, inaccessible corners, or above high cupboards or filing cabinets.
Domestic Installations
In block of flats, other than tenement dwellings, it is now customary to fix meters on each floor. These are normally located on landings of front or rear staircases and, in such cases, a suitable recess is a great advantage. Not only does such provision improve the appearance of the building but it prevents possible damage to meters when heavy furniture is moved.
In connection with the interior wiring, it is obviously better to radiate the circuits from a central point than to have irge accumulating groups of wires running through the apartment to the fuse boxes in the kitchen or rear passage way. The distribution point should therefore be central, and use made of a camouflaged recess where necessary.
It is considered essential nowadays to give the fullest care and attention to the planning of such secondary details as built-in wardrobes, box rooms, drying rooms, wall panel heating, etc.. in order to coordinate conveniently and unobtrusively the various domestic services. This principle should be carried a step further to embrace the service installation.
DEXION ANGLE
Ed. A. Keller & Co., Ltd. of Edinburgh House have drawn our attention to a product which they have just started to import and which we feel sure will soon find a ready market in Hong Kong.
The product, which is known as Dexion Angle is based the principle of standard constructional units, as for example the well-known "Meccano". Dexion Angle simply
on
Storage shelves at A. S. Watson & Co., built of Dexion Angles.
consists of lengths of special patented slotted angle which are bolted together to build up all manner of extremely useful things.
Dexion Angle is an amazingly useful and economical material for building all kinds of structures: frameworks of small buildings, fencing, machine guards, belt guards, storage racks, work benches, stands for small machines, guard rails, staging for erection and repairs, jigs, trolleys, bins, shelves, etc. are but a few possible applications.
Dexion Angle is made in light alloy and weighs less than lb. per ft. The alloy is in its natural state and is non- corroding. The size of the angle is 3′′ X 14′′ X 104" and is supplied in 10 ft. lengths, in packets of 100 feet. 75 rust- proofed nuts and bolts (more than sufficient for most jobs) are included with each 100 feet. Also available for manu- facturing various units are steel panels for shelving, tables, etc., and compo rubber and cast iron castors.
In building up Dexion Angle units no skilled labour is required. You do not need a carpenter or engineer. No special tools are required, only a hacksaw and a spanner. There is no drilling or measuring. The preparation of special drawings is unnecessary. Alterations and additions are extremely simple to carry out at any time.
There is no waste, all odd lengths may be used in other equipment. Equipment no longer required may be dismantled and the parts used for other purposes.
No matter how many times the Dexion Angle is used it does not deteriorate. Depreciation is nil in contrast to wooden structures, which are expensive enough in the first place and have limited salvage value. Dexion Angle is considerably stronger than wood, yet owing to its structure, it is sur- prisingly light and, of course, it is fire, vermin and insect- proof.
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