This client provides integrated switchgear and transformers solutions for a large multi-national with a number of sites across Sweden. The switchgear and transformers are provided by our client and FiveFour Engineering Services have been appointed as the on-site installation and commissioning contractor.
The scope of works comprises the delivery, off-loading and positioning, installation, testing and commissioning of MV/LV switchgear, transformers and power distribution units to provide the power for a total of 15 data halls across three separate sites.
The MV switch panels and MV/LV transformers arrive as a package sub-station and are off-loaded and positioned by the cranage company under the supervision of FiveFour Engineering’s site managers.
The LV switch panels arrive in 13 sections and are moved into position and are mechanically and electrically connected by the FiveFour Engineering installation engineers.
Once in position the equipment is cleaned, tested and commissioned by our site engineers in preparation for energisation. Upon energisation our team prepare the equipment for final systems integration in conjunction with the other equipment suppliers, sub-contractors, client commissioning agents and other stakeholders.
On site, FiveFour Engineering operate as an MEP contractor and comply with all site safety regulations. Our site procedures are audited by an EHS advisor appointed by FiveFour Engineering. Our site supervisors attend all daily briefings, safety walks, TBT requirements alongside the general contractor, electrical contractor and other vendors.
Our site management team attend all client driven commissioning meetings and provide weekly reports on progress and any delays likely to affect progress. Our ‘tagging tracker’ documents provide daily updates on the progress of the commissioning process.
We are a ‘hands on’ installation and management team able to integrate with other trade contractors and vendors in a positive and constructive manner. We provide a professional service that reflects well on the clients we represent.
To reflect the strategic importance of this framework agreement, FiveFour Engineering AB is now a fully incorporated Swedish business able to hire and procure local labour, plant and materials providing a further benefit to our client(s) in the region.
FiveFour Engineering Services were appointed by Savills Engineering & Design Consultancy to undertake the replacement of the HV/LV Transformers and Main LV Switchboards at Wigmore Place in Luton.
Wigmore Place is a purpose built 4 storey 230,000 sq. ft. modern office building comprising 3 interlinked buildings known as Marlborough House, Eaton House and Wigmore House, each with their own dedicated entrances and receptions. The building is predominately occupied by an international travel company and the works needed to be planned around their 24/7 operation.
The works comprised the design, supply, testing, commissioning, and putting to work, of 2no. 1500kVA, 11000/415V, Model filled, ground mounted, distribution transformers, 1no. main LV switchboard and 1no. life safety switchboard.
The existing Ring Main Units (RMU’s), battery tripping units and VIP relays were to be retained and were subject to a full inspection and test. New HV cables had to be installed between each transformer and the associated RMU. The existing Power Factor Correction (PFC) equipment was also retained.
FiveFour Engineering carried out extensive site surveys to ascertain the extent and scope of all diversion works to allow the changeover to proceed without undue loss of supplies to the offices.
The works were completed over a two-week period. All plant and equipment, temporary generators and replacement HV/LV switchgear and transformers were procured by FiveFour Engineering Services.
FiveFour Engineering Services were instructed to undertake a feasibility study to consider the various options for the replacement of the landlord’s Main Low Voltage (LV) switchboards, rising busbars and sub-main distribution panels at The Department for Education, 20 Great Smith Street, Westminster,London,SW1P 3BT and to issue a report, complete with conclusions, recommendations and budget cost analysis.
Initial site inspections were carried out during May/June 2021.
The FiveFour Engineering Services survey offered 4 options:
Option A – Do Nothing. There would be no disruption to existing services and no replacement costs, but there was a risk that maintenance costs, and the risk of failure, would increase year on year.
Option B – Leave the existing main switchboards and busbars in position and provide new Protective Devices and tap-off units within the existing assemblies.
This offered the lowest cost option with the life expectancy of the existing main switchboards and busbars remaining the same, but the protective devices and tap-off units would be future-proofed for at least another 15 years. There would be minor disruption to existing services, during the replacement of the existing protective devices and tap-off units.
Option C – Provide new locations for the main LV switchboards and rising busbars and replicate the electrical infrastructure.
Under this option the existing main switchboards and busbars would be future-proofed for at least another 20 years. The shut-down periods would be minimised to include change-over periods only. However, as new locations would need to be found for the main switchboards and risers, the alterations required to the sub-mains cables would be significant and might require complete replacement. Core drilling would be required at each level of the building.
Option D – Remove and replace the existing main switchboards and busbars for modern equivalents in a series of phased shutdowns.
The life expectancy of the existing main LV switchboards, busbars and tap-offs would be future-proofed for at least another 20 years. Disruption to existing tenants electrical supplies would be significant and require a number of pre-arranged shut-down periods. The option would require the complete removal of the existing main LV Switchboards and rising busbars.
Our final recommendation was that the existing main LV Switchboards, busbars and tap-off units should be removed and replaced for modern equivalents, supplied and installed as detailed in Option “C”, with a budget sum agreed upon further scope definition.
FiveFour Engineering Services are happy to undertake cost/benefit feasibility studies in preparation for the client scope of works document to be prepared for tender or to undertake the works on behalf of the client/end user.
AF Switchgear were appointed ‘POD Contractor’ to deliver the power distribution modules feeding an 8MW data centre, split over two streams. AF Switchgear undertook the full MEP fit-out scope to design, procure, fit-out and deliver to site the power distribution modules.
The works also comprised the design and installation of a 3 storey steel gantry to house the completed power modules and the delivery, cranage, off-loading and positioning of the modules together with the generator enclosures and exhaust stacks.
A F Switchgear engaged FiveFour Engineering Services to project manage the entire process from design development through the pre-commencement, construction and commissioning phases of the project. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and Financial Director, our management team were given full autonomy to act on behalf of AF Switchgear and were seen as AF Switchgear by their client and supply chain partners.
FiveFour Engineering also assumed commercial control of the project with full control of the £17m MEP budget and were responsible for the selection of sub-contractors, placing of orders, setting up of sub-contract accounts, monitoring of costs and providing monthly cost/valuation reports detailing specialist sub-contract costs, variation costs, projected final account and margin. Our commercial team also prepared the monthly application for payment on behalf of AF Switchgear.
Monthly progress reports were produced to record actual progress against planned, any items delaying progress, status of RFI’s, Technical Submissions, record drawings and O and M documentation.
Our design management team oversaw the design development of the POD ventilation scheme comprising the internal mechanical heating, cooling & ventilation systems and coordinating the power distribution equipment with the AF Switchgear in-house design team.
Our commissioning management team were responsible for the development of the commissioning strategy including the production of all test scripts and sequence of tests both on site and at the off-site pre-fabrication facility.
“We are a ‘hands on’ installation and management team able to integrate with other trade contractors and vendors in a positive and constructive manner. We provide a professional service that reflects well on the clients we represent.”
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