Flexicon Flexible Conduit Protects Power & Data for LU's Blackfriars Station

LU London Underground Approved Flexible Conduit - Flexicon

Flexicon Flexible Conduits - Interactive Catalogue

Balfour Beatty will be using Flexicon’s flexible conduit to protect all of the cabling for lighting, power, signalling and communications for the major redevelopment of Blackfriars station, part of the LU London Underground rail system.

The rail project includes the creation of a common entrance at the north end of the rail bridge spanning the River Thames, increasing the length of the platforms to accommodate 50 percent longer trains, the refurbishment of the underground station and the construction of a new station on the South Bank of the Thames.

The Tube station will be the first one to span the entire width of the River Thames. It will also feature over 4,400 of photovoltaic panels that will produce over 1MW of electricity.

All of the services have been left visible as part of the design, so Flexicon’s LFHUBRD flexible conduit has been specified since its grade 316 stainless steel overbraid provides both protection and aesthetic appeal. The system has high abrasion resistance and high mechanical strength, is highly flexible and has an ingress protection rating of up to IP65.

In addition, the flexible conduit meets all of Transport for London’s fire requirements, with details listed on LUL product registration certificate No 297. As a low fire hazard product it is highly flame retardant, has low smoke emissions, low toxicity and is halogen free.

It also provides EMC screening, which is vital for communications and signalling. Says Roy Wood, project engineer for Balfour Beatty: “Blackfriars station is a major investment to help increase rail capacity on this major cross London artery.

To cope with more trains and passengers, power and data is essential and the cabling needs protection to ensure safety and convenience. Aesthetics was also important with the architect for the scheme wanting to leave services exposed to view.”

Flexicon Flexible Conduit, Metallic Conduit - The Flexicon Range

• Flexicon FU/SSU Flexible Steel Conduit & Fittings
• Flexicon FSU/FNU Flexible Coated Steel Conduit & Fittings
• Flexicon LFHU/FPU Flexible Coated Steel Conduit & Fittings
• Flexicon LTP/LTPHC/LTPUL/LTPE Liquid Tight Flexible Coated Conduit
• Flexicon LTPSS/LTPPU/LTBRDP/LTBRDLFH Liquid Tight Coated Conduit
• Flexicon EXD Flameproof Conduit Fittings
• Flexicon FL/FLP Pliable Steel Conduit & Fittings
• Flexicon FSB/LFHUBRD Flexible Coated Steel Conduit Overbraided & Fittings
• Flexicon FB/FUSSB Flexible Steel Conduit Overbraid & Fittings
• Flexicon LTPBRD Flexible Coated Steel Conduit Overbraided & Fittings
• Flexicon FPRSS/FPRTC/FPISS/FPIHSS Flexible Nylon Overbraid Conduit
• Flexicon FTCB Braided Sleeving

Pictured : Blackfriars Underground Station Worksite During Thameslink Programme Rebuild

Flexicon Flexible Conduit construction industry applications include facility wiring, underfloor wiring distribution, CCTV, access control, exterior lighting, BMS, structured cable networks, machine and process equipment.

Flexible conduits used within the Rail Sector are extremely technically demanding, requiring a comprehensive offer to meet a variety of applications and performance characteristics.

Considerations for cable management regarding IP ratings, pull off characteristics, weight and corrosion resistance are all important factors. Flexicon have demonstrated technical capabilities by securing Infrastructure and rolling stock projects internationally - this includes LU London Underground, National Express Trains, Tibet Rail, Eurotunnel and Austrailia Sydney Rail Tunnel Project.