J.J.B. Stadium, Wigan

Background

The design of the ambitious J.J.B. stadium included the provision of 62 Cistermiser Infra Red (IRC) mains-powered urinal flush control valves. Following handover of the new stadium, a service visit from Cistermiser was requested as it was noted that some of the IRC valves were opening of their own volition - rather than as a result of someone breaking the infra red beam - and generating flushes unnecessarily, affecting the metered water & sewerage charges.

Solution

Cistermiser Technical staff visited the stadium and conducted tests on each of the suspect units - all were found to be in full working order and no product fault could be identified. While in a corridor, adjacent to one of the Gents toilets, our Engineer heard some electrical equipment switch on in a nearby plant room - immediately followed by the sound of an IRC in the toilet letting water by into the auto-flush cistern. Further investigation revealed that the electrical equipment was refrigeration plant for the bars and serveries, and that each of the suspect IRC's was close to a similar set of electrical plant. It became apparent that the frequent switching of the refrigeration equipment was causing electrical 'spikes' which were triggering the IRC valves. No detailed electrical drawings were available, and the electrical contractor who had installed the refrigeration equipment could not be contacted at that time.

Outcome

While it was established that there was no problem with the IRC units, it was apparent that the loadings imposed on the electrical system by the refrigeration equipment were the root cause of the "rogue" activations, but would involve time to resolve. It was decided that the IRC's should all be disconnected from the electrical supply, and reverted to batterypower instead. This was a straightforward process, as the existing IRC units could remain in place due to their unique feature of offering mains or battery power in the same product.

All 62 IRC's were disconnected from mains power and fitted with Duracell Long Life (Gold Top) Alkaline batteries, and immediately proved to be in full and effective working order. Stadium management scheduled a routine battery change, during the football close season, every 3 years - anticipated battery life being greater than the usual 18 months due to main periods of operation being restricted to home match days.