News: Solutions On Stage Provides Hot Power Installation to Thornden Hall

Having first opened in 2003, Thornden Hall Arts Centre provides support for the Performing Arts Departments in Thornden School, as well as playing host to local amateur groups and professional companies. This multi-purpose venue has a capacity of 386 and its versatility means it can be readily adapted for music, dance, drama, conferences, presentations and cinema. In addition, there are specialist music, drama and dance studios, as well as a foyer and licensed bar. In recent years, the venue decided to upgrade the traditional tungsten fixtures within its main performance space to LED technology – a process that has been supported by Solutions On Stage. As such, the company was called upon to alter the Hall’s existing dimming system to become an LED lighting infrastructure – drawing on a hot power solution. 

The Manager of Thornden Hall Arts Centre is Neil Daykin, who, alongside the day-to-day running of the venue, is responsible for overseeing its technical system. He comments: “We have a long-standing relationship with Solutions On Stage – particularly their Technical Director Darren Williams. I know they are able to provide a service that is of the highest standard – and one that fits our budget. For a number of years, they’ve provided us with EICR and LOLER inspections and, given their knowledge and experience, were the obvious choice when it came to upgrading our existing lighting infrastructure”.

With an upgrade programme of LED lighting fixtures already underway, the brief given to Solutions On Stage was to replace Thornden’s current dimming system with something more suitable for these new fixtures. Darren explains: “Neil wanted a simple solution that would not result in an excessively electronic infrastructure, as well as match his budgetary requirements. We recognised that additions such as DMX controlled switching were not really a necessity and therefore decided to go with the more fundamental system of grid switches and RCBOs”.

Following a site visit, the team spent several days at the venue installing the new infrastructure. This included removing eight existing dimmer supplies and associated accessories. Four existing dimmers were removed with two retained; with the remaining pair fitted with a 32A mains supply and 2 Socapex connectors to allow selected circuits to continue to be dimmed as required. All multicore cabling that was currently terminated within the dimmers was removed, rerouted and re- terminated to new, 30way grid switch assemblies. This allowed existing circuits to be switched on and off, in pairs, as required.

The company then installed two 32A interlock sockets to the stage truss and two 32A interlock sockets to the Front-of-House truss; enabling the use of temporary power for truss mounted dimmers if required. They also provided and installed new containment and cabling infrastructure where required, using existing cables where possible. Following this, the team carried out a full electrical and mechanical inspection, conducting relevant tests in accordance with PUWER, LOLER and EAWR. The necessary certifications, along with operating and maintenance manuals, were also provided.

When it comes to the impact the upgrade has made within the venue, Neil comments: “The new set-up has made a huge difference. As the majority of our rig is now LED, the switching system is simple, robust and logical. We've done away with having to locally power non-dim items and find domestic 13a supplies to feed them - instead now having an entirely considered and unified approach. Solutions On Stage also came up with additional solutions for those locations that still require dimmers to ensure that our ongoing transition remains as smooth and seamless as possible.

He concludes: “As always, Gareth, Darren and the team were prompt, clear and polite. They managed to fit around our busy schedule and work quickly and efficiently when doing so. It’s fair to say that Solutions On Stage have become an important part of what we’re trying to achieve here at Thornden - and we're grateful for their continued support”.

If your performance venue requires any upgrade works, then please feel free to contact our friendly team at enquiries@solutionsonstage.co.uk.