Introduction
This case study outlines Horizon's involvement in the design, project management, isolation, testing, commissioning and bringing into service a new Main Low Voltage Switchboard at a Client site.
It also highlights the issues and difficulties which can often arise when dealing with old switchgear legacy issues on Client sites.
Background
The existing switchboard was installed in the early 1970s and supplied electrical power to a significant area of a production facility at one of our Client sites.
During a detailed internal inspection carried out by a Client appointed switchgear maintenance specialist, it was found that there was a multitude of issues, some arising from the age of the system, but also due to a neglect of regular maintenance and upkeep of records and an absence of labelling. Switchgear arc chutes were suspected to contain asbestos and in general, the switch rooms were not managed in an appropriate and safe manner.
Initially, Horizon was appointed to prepare a costed business case proposal in accordance with the Client’s capital application process.
Following approval of this proposal, Horizon was appointed to design and project manage the entire project which was pre-planned and executed during the Christmas holiday period shut-down.
