Case Study

Fairfields Water Level Sluice Gate – MCC enclosure

 

When Fairfield Control Systems required a robust and reliable enclosure to house a Motor Control Centre (MCC) to operate adjacent sluice gates, they turned to Fibaform for their expertise in providing high-quality GRP builds.

Tasked with ensuring the smooth regulation of water levels in an outdoor environment, Fairfields needed an enclosure that could withstand the elements, protect critical electrical components, and provide long-term, reliable operation. Water level management and flow control technologies are used extensively to normalise levels to benefit both people and wildlife. Fibaform’s custom-built GRP enclosure delivered the perfect solution—offering superior protection against corrosion and water ingress while requiring minimal maintenance.

Fairfields sluice gate project by Fibaform

The Application

The Fairfields group is a multi-disciplinary engineering team providing turnkey Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation (MEICA) solutions. They deliver comprehensive services, from front-end engineering design to delivery, commissioning and ongoing maintenance. Although this MCC installation was Fibaform’s first quote and project with Fairfields, it is a relationship with a positive foundation, and both companies are currently exploring future opportunities together.

An MMC (Motor Control Centre) is used to control motors from a central point in big industrial and commercial applications. Every control system, be it simple or complex, needs a home, and this is where Fibaform’s GRP enclosures come in. The full assembly needs to meet statutory standards and certifications while also meeting the needs, specifications, and expectations of Fairfield’s diverse client base.

Fairfields has years of experience engineering electrical and automation solutions for marine-based projects, including high-profile installations such as Tower Bridge, the Anderton Boat Lift and the Falkirk Wheel Boat Lift. Their vital equipment provides flood risk reduction and water quality management. The Fibaform GRP kiosk was used to house a MCC to operate adjacent sluice gates to control water levels. In addition to providing the housing, Fibaform’s electricians were able to fit the enclosure with the client’s complex electronics assembly, working to a precise, detailed brief.

Interior of Fairfields motor control centre GRP enclosure

The Solution

Designed for strength, durability, and resilience, GRP cabinets provide superior protection for critical equipment in demanding environments where corrosion, moisture, and external elements pose significant risks.

  • Corrosion Resistance: Unlike traditional metal enclosures, GRP cabinets are immune to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for long-term use in wet, humid, or coastal environments.
  • Lightweight yet Strong: GRP’s lightweight nature makes installation easier, while its high tensile strength ensures it can withstand impact and environmental stress without compromise.
  • Weatherproof Design: GRP enclosures provide protection against water ingress, ensuring sensitive electronics remain dry and operational, even in adverse weather conditions.
  • Electrical Insulation: GRP’s non-conductive properties ensure safety in housing electrical components, reducing the risk of short circuits or electrical hazards.
  • Low Maintenance: These cabinets require minimal upkeep, delivering cost savings over time, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access locations like water treatment facilities.

These qualities make a GRP cabinet ideal for many water-based environments, including pump stations, irrigation systems and water treatment plants.

Sluice gate mcc housing enclosure ready for the client

The partnership between Fairfield Control and Fibaform on this project highlights the strength of combining expert engineering with high-quality, durable solutions. Fibaform’s GRP enclosures proved to be the ideal solution for MCC housing. Fibaform’s expertise in custom design and installation contributed to a successful delivery and paved the way for future collaboration.

A Fibaform GRP enclosure being craned into place at Fairfields