Rewiring the Cathedral - Christ Church 2000 Fundraising Appeal

Re-wiring and installation of new lighting systems within the cathedral already underway as a matter of urgency.

RE-WIRING THE CATHEDRAL

In 1994 the ESB condemned the cathedral's electrical wiring as "a serious fire hazard which should be replaced urgently". Some of the wiring was found to date back to 1915, and a general and comprehensive upgrading of the electrical/lighting systems was needed if the building was to be saved from the hazard of fire. A report completed by the ESB in 1994 highlights the problems:

"... the original fuseboard ... is a serious fire hazard and should be replaced urgently"
"In general, my findings reveal that the electrical installation has reached the end of its useful and effective life and should be replaced. It does not conform to statutory safety requirements and standards and in addition the presence of obsolete and perishing wiring, unreliable switchgear and protection equipment, inadequate earthing, obsolete accessories and long flexible leads etc., gives rise to a potential fire hazard and danger to life and property."

In view of these findings the cathedral board took the decision to proceed with the necessary work of up-grading the electrical infrastructure and installing a new lighting system. This work, now completed, has not only saved the Cathedral from the threat of being lost to fire, but has also added much to the internal beauty of this unique landmark.