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ENHANCING EXISTING ARCITECTURE


With new buildings being constructed and existing buildings upgraded with modern renovation techniques, it is important any upgrades to the outdoor infrastructure complements and enhances the surrounding architecture.

This is where the outdoor power units from Pop Up Power Supplies®, in the form of outdoor utility bollards, add value to specifications. They provide an outdoor power supply for events such as market days or charity fundraisers to provide electricity for temporary stalls, in elegant street furniture format.



How do outdoor utility bollards benefit urban environments?

Developments to urban infrastructure within the UK are crucial not only to the economy but also socially – enhancing the quality of life for the people who live and work within built-up environments, as well as more rural settings. Town centre regeneration projects are commonplace across the UK, where government and council initiatives look to drive local shoppers back to the high street to favour local, independent retailers and cafes.

Here, market days, craft and food festivals, charity fundraisers and other events are held in an attempt to engage communities and encourage shoppers to visit. In order for such events to be a success, the stalls require a reliable and safe source of electricity.

Image showing old fashioned petrol generators

Traditionally, portable petrol generators are used to power the stalls which do provide event organisers with an element of flexibility and versatility. However, the safety considerations of the generators are increasingly brought into question.

Importantly, petrol generators that are left in public spaces next to stalls pose a potential electrocution risk to nearby pedestrians. The units also pose a trip hazard too.

It isn’t just the safety aspect that are brought into question with the generators. Their impact on the environment and the local area is also viewed in a negative way by specifiers. This is because generators are noisy and produce fumes and other pollution, which can be oppressive for nearby people.

image showing three power bollards outside a university building

Because of these reasons, outdoor utility bollards are increasingly popular with architects and urban designers.

They not only provide a ‘cleaner’ source of electricity that doesn’t produce any kind of fumes or pollutants, in much more visually appealing unit that looks stylish within an urban setting. And all while in a much safer format for nearby pedestrians where there is no access to internal electrics as they are locked away in a secure bollard unit.

WHAT'S THE ALTERNATIVE?



A solution for a safe, more reliable, and cleaner outdoor power source is our range of outdoor electrical distribution units which are popular among UK specifiers. A solution for specifiers and event organisers is the range of outdoor power units from Pop Up Power Supplies®. We have three core weatherproof power units which are ideal for the built environment.

Power bollard open

DESIGN AND AESTHETICS


The designs of our bollards complement the architectural character of any town or city centre. And not only do they feature a stylish design but are available in a range of bespoke configurations to match your project requirements.

This includes including three standard diameters of 250mm, 325mm and 500mm. You also have the option to specify in four styles of bollard tops including parc paris top, domed top, sloping top, and button top.

Power bollard closed

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS AND FUNCTIONALITY

With our range of power bollards, you have the ability to lock away the power sockets from public interference. Each bollard can provide between 220 and 400 volts and 125A of power.

This means they have the capacity and suitable voltage and amperage to comfortably handle the electrical load requirements and successfully power outdoor events.

Four power bollard top options

MATERIAL SELECTION AND DURABILITY

Another benefit is the material selection - the stainless steel nature of the power bollards means they have a high degree of weather resistance and protection against the elements.

You can also specify in an additional finish, including crude (no finish), brushed, mirror polish, and powder coated to any RAL colour (contact us for more information).

With some of our bollard options, particularly the Button Top Supply Bollard, you can also specify in a custom paint finish or even have logos airbrushed onto the units.

Power bollard schematic plans

EASY TO INSTALL


The power bollards are also relatively straight forward to install for the landscaping or electrical sub-contractor.

They are surface mounted meaning they are simply fixed to the floor substrate, with no major digging required.

Pop Up Power Supplies Power Bollard installed in Gravesham

OUTDOOR UTILITY BOLLARDS, GRAVESHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL


Council planners at Gravesham Borough Council contacted Pop Up Power Supplies® with a requirements for a power supply for an area right outside the local civic centre. This area has grown popular in recent times for various festivals, outdoor gatherings and events.

The urban area desperately needed a reliable and secure power source and it was also paramount that the installation was sympathetic to the overall aesthetics of the area.

Our power bollards were specified and installed outside the local civic centre in Gravesham, Kent. Designed in a button top Supply Bollard style with hatch closure, the slim bollards are located around the perimeter area next to walls, and as a result have a limited impact on the outdoor area. They were manufactured using AISI 304 stainless steel (with AISI 316 also available for marine locations) with a plate thickness of 2mm.

READ THE CASE STUDY

Can we help with your requirements for a retractable power units for heritage sites?

Pop Up Power Supplies® provide a range of retractable service units for Heritage Sites across the UK. National trusts, estates departments, facilities managers, architects, contractors and electrical engineers appreciate our power units compared to traditional generators, due to the retractable nature of the units and the increased safety they bring to public areas. If you are working on a project which has a requirement for an outdoor power source, contact our team here at Pop Up Power Supplies® who will be happy to work out the best solution for you.
You can either call us on 020 8227 0208, or EMAIL US