For millennia, we have known about the durable properties of glass and its ability to withstand exposure to corrosive substances and harsh environments. Whereas the invention of stainless steel in the early 20th century introduced a material with vastly increased resistance to corrosion bringing benefits to numerous industries from architecture to medicine.
When faced with the challenge of developing a luminaire for lighting the tunnels on the London Underground, it was imperative that we selected materials that could withstand a uniquely harsh environment and in particular, the corrosive substances in the moisture present throughout the network.
Our Centinox luminaire is constructed from marine grade 316L stainless steel together with all of the external hinges, latches and fixings. We fully seam weld the body and when combined with our unique, replaceable double gasketing system and a coated glass screen, we have developed a solution specifically for this demanding environment. With the ability to upgrade the product indefinitely using our geartrays incorporating plug and socket connectors, and without the need for tools, we believe this is Designplan’s first product with a 100 year life.
Centinox is designed for easy maintenance and upgrade and with time-limited access in an environment such as sub-surface rail tunnels, keeping the system running safely is the top priority. The lighting performance has been developed specifically for this application and the unique optical solution provides exactly the right amount of light in the various types of tunnels found across the Tube. It truly is a unique solution that takes it ahead of anything currently available.
