Commercial Office Building Substation Replacement

Case StudiesDistribution Upgrades

Project Overview

An aging commercial building located in the heart of Vancouver had been operating with the same electrical substation for over 35 years. As the substation aged, it became increasingly unreliable, leading to frequent outages and rising maintenance costs. The building’s management team recognized the urgent need for a substation replacement to ensure continued safety, efficiency, and compliance with modern standards.

Key Challenges

Space and Accessibility Constraints

The substation was in a cramped basement, making it difficult to remove old equipment and install new components.

Technical Complexity

The new substation had to seamlessly integrate with existing building systems while meeting modern efficiency and safety standards.

Downtime

The building housed multiple businesses, all dependent on uninterrupted power. Any significant downtime would disrupt operations and lead to potential financial losses.

Regulatory Compliance

Navigating the necessary permits and ensuring the project met all regulatory requirements added another layer of complexity.

The Sasco Approach

1

Thorough Project Planning

  • Comprehensive assessment of the building’s existing electrical infrastructure and power needs.
  • A phased replacement plan was developed to minimize disruption, including scheduling work during off-peak hours and providing temporary power solutions to keep the building operational throughout the project.
2

Value Engineering and Design-Assist

  • Worked closely with the engineering team that designed a new substation tailored to the building’s specific needs, considering space constraints and the need for seamless integration with existing systems.
  • Selection of modern, energy-efficient equipment to reduce operational costs and enhance power reliability.
3

Regulatory Expertise

  • Managed the entire permitting process, ensuring that the project complied with all local and industry regulations to avoid delays and keep the project on track.
4

Safe and Professional Installation

  • Our highly-skilled installation team executed the project with precision, adhering to strict safety protocols to protect both workers and building occupants.
  • Rigorous testing and commissioning processes to ensure the new substation was fully operational and met all performance criteria.
5

Comprehensive Handover

  • After installation, provided training for the building’s maintenance team on the operation of the new substation including detailed documentation and ongoing support to ensure smooth future maintenance.

Results

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Modern equipment reduced energy losses and operating costs.

Improved Reliability

The building now enjoys a stable and reliable power supply, reducing the risk of outages.

Safety and Compliance

The new system meets all current safety regulations, greatly reducing the risk of electrical hazards.

Conclusion

Sasco’s expertise ensured a smooth, efficient, and safe process, delivering long-term benefits to the building and its occupants. If you are facing a similar challenge, partnering with a top-tier contractor is essential to safeguarding your building’s electrical infrastructure and ensuring operational continuity.

Need expert help with your electrical project? Contact us today.

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