Thorn

Industry and Technology

Callide Power Station

For when the going gets tough

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3,000 Thorn fittings were seen as tough enough to survive the extreme environmental conditions within this Australian power station. Callide C power plant’s status as a Base Load station required optimal energy output around the clock, so when the nearest major town is Gladstone (Queensland, Australia), 100 km away, things must be built to last.

Thorn Australia’s lighting design package included a new fluorescent fitting that would match this performance standard with total reliability.

The largely open-frame layout of the power plant means that light fittings are exposed to exhaust gasses and dusts for the three huge chimneys as well as coal dust from the nearby Callide Mine. Coupled with the vibration from the twin 420 Mw generators and high ambient temperatures in the Boiler House, light fittings require a special toughness to survive in this environment.

In creating what has been named the Invincible Extra, Thorn Australia have developed a truly heavy duty fluorescent fitting that is designed to provide both the installer and maintenance staff with a hassle free, energy efficient long-life solution.

Installing in excess of 3,000 fluorescent fittings is a major job. The Invincible Extra was created with large terminals, large diameter multiple cable entries, through wiring facility and stainless steel mounting brackets to minimise installation time.

Emergency fittings incorporate a monitoring system and all fittings use extremely durable electronic starters and lamps to dramatically reduce maintenance costs. Callide C has a vital task to perform in the national electricity grid and Thorn is proud to have developed products to specifically meet or exceed every requirement.