Recently, we had the great privilege of working on a prestigious project at The Café at the Palace, located in the serene grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, just the other side of Queen’s Park from our office in Meadowbank. You could say we’re practically neighbours (well nearly!)
Electrical installation at Holyrood Palace
This project presented unique challenges and opportunities, allowing us to showcase our experience in electrical installations, rewiring, design, installing commercial lighting followed by testing and commissioning at this unique property.
The Café at the Palace is a popular spot for visitors to the historic palace, offering refreshments in a charming and welcoming setting. Our task was to ensure that the electrical system was modern, efficient, and reliable, meeting the high standards expected in such a prominent location.
Here’s a closer look at what we accomplished during this project.
External power supplies to the grounds of the palace
The initial task on this project was the installation of power supplies to a horse box, which has been repurposed to serve tea, coffee, and food to the palace’s visitors.
This mobile serving unit required a dedicated, safe, and mechanical protected power supply ran in SY braided cable, ensuring that it could handle the demands of serving large numbers of customers daily and provided the adequate protection to the public and Holyrood Palace staff.
We installed an industrial 32A commando socket, connected to a fuse board inside the horse box. This fuse board distributes power to multiple circuits within, ensuring reliable and safe operation for all the equipment like coffee machines, fridges and cooking facilities.
Rewiring and upgrading the serving area
Inside the café’s serving area, we rewired sockets and circuits to accommodate the new layout and appliances. We installed new 13 amp twin sockets, 20 amp isolators, and dedicated 32 amp supplies for the coffee machines and other catering equipment.
We installed continuous LED tape surrounding the counter and bespoke heat lamps to keep any food warm built into the new cabinets.
The area was originally lit by outdated lighting, which we upgraded to contemporary LED track lighting suspended from beams beneath the glass roof.
This new suspended lighting really brightens the space and also adds a sleek, modern touch that enhances the café’s overall aesthetic.
Adapting and upgrading existing lighting to LED
A key part of our work involved adapting the existing lighting to make it more energy-efficient with LED technology. Some of the old lights in the entrance area were preferred by the client for their historic value and were not to be replaced.
By replacing older lighting with LED lighting wherever possible, we significantly reduced the café’s energy consumption while bringing great light to the area. This benefits the environment and lowers energy costs for the café.
Rewiring and installing new dining room lighting
We upgraded the lighting in the dining room to create a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for our guests and staff. This involved rewiring the existing wiring and installing new lighting fixtures.
Chandeliers were chosen to add a touch of elegance to the room and provide the right amount of light for dining. To complement them, we added modern LED lights that fit well with the décor and ensure the room is well-lit.
One of the key features we included is continuous LED tape around the perimeter of the room. This gives off a soft, upward glow that adds a nice touch without being too bright.
We’re really happy with how this commercial lighting has turned out. The lighting makes the dining room feel warm and welcoming whilst matching the overall look and feel of the café.
We believe this install will make the dining experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Testing, commissioning, and certification
After completing the installation and rewiring work, we carried out a full electrical test to ensure everything was functioning perfectly and was safe to use.
With the testing complete, we provided certification for the project, which gives the Holyrood estate team peace of mind knowing that their electrical systems are safe, efficient, and compliant with all relevant regulations.
Efficient collaboration under tight timelines
This project required us to work within a tight timeline, coordinating with other trades to ensure that everything was completed on schedule. Despite the time constraints, our team worked efficiently, maintaining high standards of workmanship throughout.
We understand the importance of minimising disruption, especially in a setting as busy as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and we took great care to work discreetly and professionally.
Trusted electricians in Edinburgh
Our success in this project was down to our skilled Edinburgh electricians and the other trades involved.
We are proud of the work we have done and the positive impact it will have on the cafe’s and Palace of Holyroodhouse operations.
We are committed to providing exceptional electrical services, whether it’s a small residential job or a commercial project like this one.
If you’re looking for reliable, professional electricians in Edinburgh, please do get in touch.
We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
