Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse — commercial electrical

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is a working, heritage-listed government asset. Unified Solutions South West was engaged by Duratec, working with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, to carry out the electrical upgrade as part of a full renovation of the tower. The project was completed in 2023.

The brief was to replace the electrical installation throughout the lighthouse, keep the main lantern in service, and complete the new work without altering the heritage character of the building. Every new fixing had to be justified before it went in.

The electrical scope included complete recabling of the structure and a stainless steel cable tray from the lantern room to the base of the tower. The main lantern was isolated, reinstated, recalibrated and commissioned. LED lighting was installed on every level, together with a new emergency lighting system and exit signs. The marine radio system and antennas were upgraded, the site switchboard was replaced and fitted with battery backup, and a lightning protection system was installed to the tower.

The constraint that shaped the job was heritage control. Drilling, cutting into timber and mounting new fittings — including exit signs — required approval before work proceeded. Josh was on site to witness the completed lightning protection system when the tower took a direct strike with the lantern remaining in service. A full testing and commissioning document was issued at handover, covering results and records for the installed systems.

Outcomes

• Complete electrical upgrade of a heritage-listed working lighthouse
• Main lantern isolated, reinstated, calibrated and commissioned
• New work completed under heritage approval, including emergency lighting and exit signs
• Testing and commissioning documentation issued for the completed installation