Sparrows Nest, Whapload Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1XG  Tel 01502 561963 

Update Jan 2012

 

 

 

To find us click this link to Google Maps, then enter NR32 1XG

 

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The picture above shows 'Mamba', Ship No 396 a fast Patrol Vessel built for the Kenyan Navy in 1974 and in the following year three more identical vessels were built, No 407 'Madaraka', No 408 'Jamhuri', and 409 'Harembee'. In vessels of this type, it is usual to find electric bilge pumps, oil heaters and pumps, fuel pumps, ventilation fans etc. For navigation there can be an automatic pilot, extensive radio communication equipment, gyroscopic and magnetic compasses, echosounders, and radar. All of these services have the potential to adversely interact with each other, quite often through the power supply; it is in these issues of compatibility that experience counts.  Naval vessels can be expected to carry both defensive and offensive weaponry, for example de-gaussing equipment to avoid detonation of magnetic mines. Power for gun turrets is usually DC with very low ripple, often from a uniquely committed generator. For both of these specialised applications the connecting cables are of major importance. The picture below shows part of the cable runs and switching in the engine room of 'Parahaki' Ship No 299, a tug for the New Zealand Harbour Board.       (Please click here for Page 2)

A Russian order for twenty deep water Trawlers brought rapid growth and its successful outcome found sixteen apprentices at different levels working for the company by 1957. A new age of complexity had arrived demanding an ever wider range of skills.

This new age now included not only electrical control of an ever expanding range of sophisticated machinery, but also a change in main power generation from 110 Vdc to 240 Vac.

Added to that, electrical and electronic equipment design had been accelerated by new technology and post war demand; it was now widely used. Radio equipment was usually designed for a 24 Vdc power supply which was provided by continuously charged lead acid batteries. This was essential to cover loss of power from generators in an emergency.

LEC Marine Ltd

Founded in 1951 as the Marine Division of the well established Lowestoft Electrical Company Ltd. Mr  Raymond Edwards,  see photo left, moved up from General Manager to Managing Director in 1973. The complete electrical installation of four Inshore Minesweepers being built at Brooke Marine for the Admiralty was their first contract. At the time few electrical engineers had marine experience and advanced training was essential.