Maintaining Busbars at 22 Bishopsgate: A Look Inside One of Europe's Tallest Buildings

Maintaining electrical infrastructure in skyscrapers presents unique challenges. Recently, we completed essential busbar maintenance at 22 Bishopsgate in London, a landmark known for its impressive height and architectural significance. This post explores the importance of busbar upkeep in such a towering structure and offers insight into the technical and logistical aspects of the work.

The Significance of 22 Bishopsgate

Standing at 278 meters, 22 Bishopsgate is one of the tallest buildings in Europe and a defining feature of London's skyline. Completed in 2020, it combines office spaces, retail areas, and public amenities across 62 floors. Its height and design demand robust and reliable electrical systems to support the building’s operations, safety, and comfort.

The building’s electrical infrastructure includes high-capacity busbars, which are critical for distributing power efficiently throughout the structure. Busbars act as the backbone of the electrical network, carrying large currents with minimal losses. Proper maintenance ensures uninterrupted power supply and prevents costly downtime or safety hazards.

Why Busbar Maintenance Matters in Skyscrapers

Busbars are metal strips or bars, typically made of copper or aluminium, that conduct electricity within switchboards, distribution boards, and other electrical apparatus. In a skyscraper like 22 Bishopsgate, busbars must handle enormous electrical loads safely and reliably.

Over time, busbars can suffer from:

• Corrosion due to environmental factors or moisture ingress

• Thermal expansion and contraction causing loosening of connections

• Mechanical wear from vibrations or structural movement

• Dust and debris accumulation affecting conductivity and heat dissipation

  
  

If these issues go unchecked, they can lead to overheating, electrical faults, or even fire risks. Regular inspection and maintenance help identify early signs of wear and prevent failures.

The Maintenance Process at 22 Bishopsgate

Our team followed a detailed plan to carry out busbar maintenance with minimal disruption to the building’s occupants. The process included:

Non-intrusive Inspection and Testing

MET Group Technical carried out a combined ultrasonic inspection and thermal imaging survey on the busbar system to assess its operational condition and identify early‑stage defects. Ultrasonic testing was performed along the busbar joints and enclosure to detect signs of arcing, tracking, or loose connections by capturing high‑frequency acoustic emissions. This was followed by a full thermal imaging sweep using calibrated infrared equipment to identify abnormal temperature rises, load imbalances, or hotspots indicative of deteriorating terminations or mechanical stress.

All findings were recorded, analysed, and presented with photographic evidence and recommendations to support proactive maintenance planning.

Challenges Unique to High-Rise Maintenance

Working inside one of Europe’s tallest buildings brings specific challenges:

• Access and safety: Navigating confined spaces and high elevations requires strict safety protocols and specialized equipment.

• Minimizing disruption: The building remains operational during maintenance, so scheduling and coordination are critical to avoid affecting tenants.

• Complex electrical systems: The scale and complexity of the power distribution network demand skilled technicians with experience in high-voltage systems.

  
  

Our team’s expertise and planning ensured the maintenance was completed efficiently and safely.

Benefits of Regular Busbar Maintenance

Maintaining busbars in a skyscraper like 22 Bishopsgate offers several advantages:

• Improved reliability: Reduces the risk of unexpected power outages.

• Enhanced safety: Prevents electrical faults that could cause fires or injuries.

• Extended equipment life: Proper care slows degradation and postpones costly replacements.

• Energy efficiency: Clean, secure connections reduce energy losses.

  
  

These benefits contribute to the building’s overall performance and tenant satisfaction.

Looking Ahead: Maintaining London’s Skyline

As London continues to grow vertically, maintaining the electrical infrastructure in tall buildings becomes increasingly important. Our work at 22 Bishopsgate highlights the need for regular, expert maintenance to keep these architectural icons safe and functional.

For building managers and facility teams, investing in preventive maintenance for busbars and other critical systems is essential. It protects assets, supports sustainability goals, and ensures a comfortable environment for occupants.

If you require assistance, please get in touch and a member of our team will be happy to assist.

Thanks

Team MET Group