The main scope of work for this project was to replace and upgrade the main electrical infrastructure inside the facility, from main switchgear to MCC, distribution switchboards, transformers, branch panels, fire pump equipment, lighting, new mechanical fan coils and ductwork.
Due to the outdated electrical system, part of the renovation process included installing new raceways and feeders not only within the basement but taking them to electrical rooms in 4th-8th Floors. Old equipment, raceways and feeders were completely demolished. Only those concealed conduits running up the walls were reused wherever possible.
Separation of Normal and Emergency was a large focus of this project. In order to accomplish this, room layouts had to change involving other scopes like demoing walls, erecting new walls, enlarging door openings which required new doors, closing openings no longer needed, patching walls and complete painting of rooms.
While working inside the hospital, all work had to be accomplished while keeping the facility fully operational. This resulted in the need for several temporary power situations, off-hours shutdowns and night work. Critical coordination was required with the VA staff to make sure any hospital services affected were prepared for in advance and reinstated in a timely manner. Housekeeping was a critical component due to ICRA requirements in many areas. It was crucial to have backup plans in place for every shutdown. We were successful in preparing for many obstacles ahead of time by doing rotation checks on all the phase loads before start of work and after completion.