A facility’s electrical infrastructure begins with the utility service equipment. It then enters through the main delivery feeder, flows through the main distribution and branch distribution equipment, through the distribution feeders, and ultimately to the individual points of delivery where the power is needed.
Facility infrastructures are built to fully support the original equipment demand but may not be adequate to support the growing need for newer or additional equipment. Many commercial and manufacturing facilities were built when the demand for utilities was lower, meaning today’s machinery cannot be supported by yesterday’s infrastructure.
Facility upgrades
When Hill Electric meets with clients regarding manufacturing and commercial facility upgrades, their first questions are typically related to feasibility, cost, and facility downtime.
While utility upgrades might appear costly in the short run, this cost is outweighed by the dependability of up-to-date power distribution equipment, utility service, and the capacity to support the needs of newer production equipment.
Cost of a facility upgrade
This can be a complex question because the answer depends upon many variables. There are a few of the main drivers when it comes to estimating cost.
Power needed
The closer the capacity is to the utility service, the more expensive the distribution equipment
The amount of electrical power needed determines the size of the distribution equipment and feeders. The larger the equipment, the more expensive the distribution. This is true whether users are replacing vintage power distribution equipment or installing new power distribution equipment to meet future needs.
The demand quantity also determines where the facility users have the availability to obtain the future power that is needed. The closer the capacity is to the utility service, the more expensive the distribution equipment. A new incoming service from the utility is going to be significantly more expensive than a distribution feeder from a downstream distribution panel.
Distance of distribution
The length of the feeder from the distribution panel to the connection at the equipment is a multiplier of the cost. The shorter the feeder, the less the cost.
Schedule
The schedule can increase the cost of an installation. The shorter the timeframe for the installation, the more resources have to be committed. Planning and eliminating overtime and excessive manpower are keys to managing costs. As everyone has seen lately, equipment supply has been plagued with long delivery times and a lack of availability due to global supply chain issues.
The potential of this obstacle is for plans to change from the most cost-effective approach to a more expensive installation to try to energize equipment when needed. Hill Electric can get creative to meet schedule needs and mitigate long lead times. If needed, temporary solutions can be installed while waiting on the delivery of individual components for a system.
Downtime
Sometimes when performing pre-work users are completing the installation process
Facility downtime is always a driving factor for installations. Reducing facility downtime during installations is a balancing act.
Users can reduce downtime by completing pre-work. Sometimes when performing pre-work they are completing the installation process out of the most efficient order. It can greatly reduce the time with power off but may increase labor costs on the front end.
Solution
The key to managing costs, timelines, and expectations is finding a contractor that users can trust. Hill Electric takes seriously cultivating and maintaining trust with each client. It helps user develop a scope of work and give them a thorough estimate for cost and delivery.
Hill Electric has formed partnerships with contractors of other disciples so that it can provide a complete, turnkey service. As Hill Electric mentioned in its Emergency Power Systems, it has the experience, knowledge, and partnerships to make the new electrical installation as economical and seamless as possible.
