Case Study: Cambridge University
Project Scope & Challenge
Electrical compliance in educational settings presents a unique set of challenges, especially within historic and operationally diverse institutions like Cambridge. The colleges operate around tight academic schedules, host international students and faculty, and often include protected or listed buildings.
Our brief was to conduct full PAT Testing across multiple sites, with minimal disruption to student life and college operations, while respecting the architectural sensitivity of each building.
Our Approach & Solutions
The Elec Group took a bespoke, college-by-college approach, coordinating closely with estate managers and administrative staff to develop tailored testing plans that worked around academic calendars and room availability.
Our engineers were fully briefed on the operational needs of each site, enabling us to carry out testing with:
Discretion in student accommodation and lecture spaces
Precision around delicate or legacy electrical systems
Full adherence to college safeguarding and access protocols
We deployed dedicated teams with extensive experience in education environments, ensuring smooth communication, detailed documentation, and high-quality service delivery throughout.
Client Overview
Cambridge University is one of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions, with a rich history of academic excellence and architectural heritage. The university comprises 31 autonomous colleges, each with its own unique facilities, residential buildings, libraries, laboratories, and event spaces.
The Elec Group was appointed to carry out comprehensive Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) across multiple Cambridge University colleges, including St John’s College, Girton College, and Downing College.
Key Deliverables
Full PAT Testing across St John’s College, Girton College, Downing College, and additional Cambridge colleges
Testing of thousands of appliances across academic, residential, and communal spaces
Testing scheduled outside of key teaching periods and events
Reporting tailored to each college’s specific compliance systems
Results & Benefits
PAT Testing – Ensuring Safety Across Diverse Settings
The Elec Group successfully tested and documented thousands of portable appliances across multiple colleges. By working flexibly around college life, we helped each institution meet its legal obligations with zero disruption to teaching or student activities.
Our reports and compliance records were delivered promptly and aligned with each college’s internal systems, ensuring seamless audit-readiness.
The Elec Group is proud to support the UK’s top educational institutions with safe, efficient, and expert electrical compliance services—ensuring learning environments remain secure and fully operational.
Project Scope & Challenge
Our task was to replace existing fluorescent lighting with high-efficiency Ansell-branded LED fittings throughout multiple areas of the college. The project came with several logistical challenges:
Working at high levels in difficult-to-access areas
Disposing of old fittings and lamps in line with environmental regulations
Planning the works around term time schedules to avoid disruption to staff and students
To meet these demands, our team developed a detailed delivery plan in collaboration with the school’s facilities management team. Works were completed during school holidays to ensure minimal impact on day-to-day college operations.
Our Approach & Solutions
We approached the upgrade with a comprehensive and flexible strategy, tailored to suit both the physical constraints of the site and the operational rhythms of the academic year.
Scheduled all installation work during school holidays
Used recycling coffins to safely process fluorescent lamps and reduce environmental impact
Delivered the project using multi-skilled engineers, ensuring a fast, problem-free installation
Client Overview
Leyton Sixth Form College (LSC) is a prominent public sixth form college located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. With a focus on academic excellence and modern learning environments, LSC approached The Elec Group to support their transition toward greater energy efficiency.
The Elec Group had previously completed Fixed Wire Testing for the college, and were invited back to assist with a major LED lighting upgrade across the site. The college aimed to improve both lighting quality in key learning spaces and reduce overall energy consumption.
Results & Benefits
Saving Money on Energy Bills
The shift to LED lighting is delivering significant long-term cost savings for the college, alongside notable environmental benefits. The LED fittings:
Use considerably less energy than traditional fluorescent alternatives
Have a longer operational life, reducing maintenance and replacement costs
Are 95% recyclable and free from mercury or other hazardous materials