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<p>Within the Palace of Westminster there is surge protection by way of Surge Protection
Devices on low voltage switchgear. This means that any surges from incoming high voltage
supplies are suppressed. The Palace’s main low voltage switchgear was replaced in
2015 and has such surge suppressors installed.</p><p>Low Voltage Boards are a key
part of the electrical infrastructure within the Palace of Westminster, providing
localised power across the building. There have been two new local unit boards fitted
in Elizabeth Tower and these have surge protection fitted, as stipulated by the Design
Authority for new boards. Both boards tripped (as per design) when the tower was struck
by lightning, showing the surge protection was successful. Surveys were undertaken
of existing boards under the Mechanical, Electrical Public Health & Fabric Safety
(MEPFS) programme and those ranked as high risk had faulty components replaced, thus
reducing the risk of significant power outages across the Palace. Surge protection
of these boards will be installed under the new Mechanical, Electrical, Public Health
and Fire Safety (MEPF) programme which will be completed prior to the commencement
of Restoration and Renewal.</p>
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