A CE approved lowering device for CCTV and lighting equipment has been launched. Upshot UK Ltd say it provides access for maintenance without the need for cherry pickers or towers. Applications where lighting and CCTV at height – and cleaning and repairs – are essential include airports, prisons, borders and power stations.
The firm points to a study by the Florida Department of Transportation suggesting such products can greatly reduce maintenance costs of mounting devices. The need for traffic closures and the associated disruptions are greatly minimised and cameras are out of action for a shorter time. Maintenance can be more safely handled by one person at ground level. The product allows CCTV devices to be placed higher than normal, thereby increasing the camera’s clarity of vision and reducing glare, which in turn can reduce the number of cameras and poles required. System designers can focus more on the site’s field of view rather than maintenance accessibility, and so create a more efficient camera sitings.
The device can be retro-fitted to existing structures or it can be installed on masts and poles which provide an elevated mount for a camera. The product has a patented connector which disconnects the cables while the unit is lowered. Thus no live cables are lowered with the camera or fixture.The lowering cable is concealed and the system uses a winch to lower the device to ground level, without the need for power. A locking mechanism ensures that the full weight of the camera-lighting fixture or other device is carried by the contact suspension, thus, relieving the winch, pulleys, and steel cable from tension. These parts are in tension only during actual raising and lowering of the camera/lighting fixture. The system is capable of pure Ethernet-IP communications. This device was first launched in the United States. Upshot UK have the import rights into the UK, Europe and the Middle East and are looking to establish distribution partners across these regions. Founded in 2006, Upshot UK Ltd provides ground based aerial products and has offices in Lymington and London. Managing Director, James Pickance, worked in the telecommunications industry for over 10 years and was responsible for pre-planning and managing telecoms rollouts in the UK and overseas. Technical Director Mark Pickance, is RICS qualified and has over 10 years experience in the property industry. For more about Upshot UK Ltd visit www.upshot-uk.com.
