Our electrical infrastructure project for Newham University
Hospital, part of Barts Health NHS Trust, focused on
replacing and upgrading outdated equipment for extra
capacity and resilience, futureproofing the site and allowing
for easier maintenance.
The electrical works are part of a broader net-zero and
energy efficiency programme, aiming to reduce carbon
emissions, save money on energy bills, and ensure the
reliability and security of electrical supply.
We replaced and upgraded two 800kVA transformers
with two 1600kVA transformers – essentially doubling the
power capacity for the estate – migrating across existing
High Voltage (HV) cabling.
Two Low Voltage (LV) 2500amp panels were built and
installed to replace the existing 1600amp panels.
The cables from the transformer powering the panel were three
individual 500mm AWA (Aluminium Wire Armour) per phase.
From the LV panels to the hospital areas more robust SWA
(Steel Wire Armour) cabling was specified, varying from
10mm 2-core to three 400mm 4-core cables.
The LV panels were installed and commissioned one at a
time to ensure the hospital was able to continue running as
normal. The new panels are ‘Form 4’ and have the highest
level of internal separation, ensuring maximum safety and
isolation of live parts.
This means if there is an electrical problem (eg short circuit,
overload etc) you can separate the faulty section and
work on it without having to isolate the whole panel. The
panels therefore are more robust and reliable and allow for
smoother power distribution, as well as easier installation
and maintenance.
“The new infrastructure supports the entire NHS side of
the hospital,” explains Simon Holder, Electrical Project
Manager for Barton Knight Contracting. “There is a separate
section of the estate – the Barts Health London Private
Care centre – which is not NHS and has its own equipment,
although there was some cross-over to be managed.”
This multi-phase project started in 2023 and was
successfully delivered to budget in April 2025, with all
transformers and panels live
