5 Dec 2006 New adaptable infra-red illuminators supplied by CBC (Europe) have been installed at Eggborough Power Station to improve the night time surveillance of security camera images monitoring the British Energy-operated, 2GW coal-fired power station located near Selby, North Yorkshire.

The IR/500 series long-range infra-red LED illuminators supplied support 13 pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) CCTV cameras.  These cameras survey various access gates around the site perimeter as well as various entry points and other high risk security areas.

Prior to installation, the CBC illumination units were required to pass a number of tests to ensure they met requirements set by Ian Beechcroft, British Energy’s Head of Environment and Safety.

The IR500/2060 model specified allows the angle of light projection to be altered between 20°-60° and provides night time illumination up to 100 metres at 60° (wide), and 160 metres at 20° (tele).  The infra-red units supplied have been fitted to existing ½-inch colour-mono cameras and Computar zoom lenses.

Security Supervisor Bob Croft comments that although the existing cameras had infrared lamps prior to the new units being installed, the difference in night time viewing since fitting the CBC illuminators has been dramatic.

Installation of the Ganz IR series units was carried out by NX1 UK Ltd, and proprietor Dean Nixon states that savings in the cost of replacing bulbs on the old IR lamps will be significant, as the new units are all of the high power LED type, with an expected life of 10 years.