Protecting Cotswold Heritage at Newark Park
Nestled within the Gloucestershire countryside, Newark Park is a Grade I listed National Trust property renowned for its rich heritage, historic architecture, and valuable cultural collections. Protecting a building of such national significance requires life safety systems that can maintain uninterrupted operation during a fire, whilst supporting the long-term preservation of the delicate physical structure.
As part of an extensive upgrade to the property’s life safety infrastructure in 2012, Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC) supplied 300 metres of 2-core 2.5mm² white Mineral Insulated Copper Clad (MICC) cable. Specified to power critical smoke monitoring equipment throughout the property, the installation continues to deliver dependable, maintenance-free fire survival performance more than a decade after commissioning.
Key Project Specification Summary
- Project Location: Newark Park, Gloucestershire
- Property Owner: The National Trust
- Building Status: Grade I Listed Heritage Property
- Cable Manufacturer: Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC)
- Installation Year: 2012 (Over 10 years of active service)
- Cable Specification: 300 metres of 2-core 2.5mm² White MICC Cable
- Application: Powering building wide smoke monitoring equipment
- Service & Support: Specialist site training and technical termination guidance provided by WMC
The Challenge: Safeguarding Irreplaceable Architecture and Collections
Protecting historic buildings from fire presents a unique set of engineering and conservation challenges. Beyond safeguarding occupants and staff, life safety infrastructure must prevent flame spread and protect irreplaceable period architecture, historical artefacts, and cultural heritage.
For Newark Park, the project team required a specialised cabling solution capable of meeting stringent heritage and safety criteria:
- Zero Flame Spread: Eliminate any risk of cabling contributing to flame spread across timber frames and historical fabrics.
- Continuous Circuit Integrity: Ensure smoke monitoring equipment remains operational during a genuine fire event.
- Invasive Work Prevention: Avoid future maintenance or cable replacement that could damage delicate Grade I listed building elements.
- Discreet Aesthetics: Blend seamlessly into the historical interiors using a clean, white sheath finish.
Because smoke detection and monitoring provide the vital first line of defense in heritage buildings, the cabling powering these systems must perform flawlessly under direct fire conditions.
The Solution: Uncompromised Fire Survival with WMC MICC Cable
To meet these demanding conditions, Mineral Insulated Copper Clad (MICC) cable was specified for its proven fire survival performance and ability to maintain electrical circuit integrity under extreme heat.
Unlike conventional polymeric cables, MICC contains no organic or combustible insulation. Constructed entirely from an inorganic copper sheath and magnesium oxide insulation, MICC:
- Does not burn, ignite, or feed flames.
- Emits no toxic smoke or corrosive fumes.
- Continues functioning under extreme fire conditions, ensuring smoke monitoring networks remain active when needed most.
Specialist On-Site Training and Technical Support
Although the project team at Newark Park was familiar with MICC’s superior fire-resistant capabilities, this project marked their first hands-on installation using this cable type. To guarantee a seamless installation, Wrexham Mineral Cables provided specialist training and technical guidance on-site, focusing on proper MICC termination techniques and best practises.
Project Lead Endorsement: World-Class Technical Support
Reflecting on the successful installation and support provided by Wrexham Mineral Cables, Project Lead Andy Humphries commented:
"The support from Wrexham Mineral Cables with regards to training and termination techniques of MICC was second to none. I would highly recommend them to anyone in the industry."
— Andy Humphries, Project Lead
Key Project Results and Long-Term Value
- 300 Metres Installed: 2-core 2.5mm² white MICC cable successfully installed across critical zones.
- True Fire Survival: Dedicated power supply to vital smoke monitoring equipment.
- 10+ Years of Proven Reliability: The system remains fully functional and operational more than a decade after installation.
- Heritage Protection: Zero contribution to fuel load or flame spread within a Grade I listed structure.
- Expert Knowledge Transfer: Specialist termination training and technical guidance provided directly by WMC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is MICC cable specified for National Trust and Grade I listed properties?
MICC cable is non-combustible and will not contribute to flame spread, smoke generation, or toxic gas emissions during a fire. Its exceptional lifespan and durability mean it does not require frequent replacement, preserving delicate historical building fabrics from repeated building works.
How does MICC cable protect smoke monitoring systems during a fire?
Because MICC consists entirely of inorganic materials (copper and magnesium oxide), it does not melt or burn like standard polymeric cables. It maintains circuit integrity at temperatures exceeding 1,000°C, ensuring smoke monitoring and life safety equipment remain continuously powered during an emergency.
Does Wrexham Mineral Cables provide installation training for MICC cables?
Yes. Wrexham Mineral Cables provides direct technical support and specialist termination training for electrical contractors and project leads to ensure correct installation, reliable sealing, and long-term durability.
Protect Your Heritage Project with Wrexham Mineral Cables
For heritage sites, like Newark Park, where protecting people, historic structures, and invaluable collections is paramount. Wrexham Mineral Cables delivers true fire survival performance designed to last for decades.
Contact our technical team today to discuss your life safety cabling specifications or request specialist MICC termination training for your team.
For further information download the Newark Park or alternatively Contact Us directly.