High voltage power networks have always been a great solution for businesses with large electrical demands. So, it’s no wonder there is a growing need right here in Auckland.
But, high voltage can mean high risk if the project is not handled correctly.
That’s why high voltage projects need a higher level of expertise, planning and risk management than standard electrical installations.
Choosing the right approach to your high voltage project can mean the difference between smooth operation and costly disruptions.
Risk is a big concern with any large scale electrical job and as a reputable provider with proven expertise in the area of high voltage, we’ve assembled 5 essential ways to minimise risk and ensure the success of your project.
1: Understand the Needs of Your Project
Every high voltage project will have unique requirements depending on the type of facility, location, load demand and the specific applications of the system. These varied needs can impact the way your job will be handled.
So, it’s recommended to engage with a knowledgeable provider who will take the time to assess your project specifications and identify any potential challenges before getting started. They can develop a comprehensive project scope that outlines your current needs and takes into account any future plans that may be on the cards.
Understanding the scope and variables of the job will guide decision making, from choosing the right equipment and determining the necessary precautions to ensure a safe outcome. Having this understanding will mean realistic timelines and budgets can also be set.
2: Choose the Right Company
Partnering with a reputable and experienced electrical company is crucial to minimising the risk for your project and ensuring a high standard of workmanship. That means you want to choose a company like DGE which has a proven track record of high voltage installations and a reputation for integrity and reliability.
Our advanced technical knowledge and understanding of key regulations mean we approach every project with skill and excellent safety protocol. We regularly work with 11,000v networks and 2.5MVA transformers, so you can trust we know what we are doing. Check out some of the recent high voltage projects we have successfully completed here.
3: Work with a Qualified Point-to-Point Provider
High voltage means higher risk and demands a higher level of expertise than standard electrical systems. After all, when you are craning in a 10-ton transformer to power a 10-hectare state-of-the-art business facility , it kicks things up a notch!
So, it’s essential to work with electricians who have the necessary qualifications for the job. Someone with high-voltage expertise will understand the local and nationwide safety standards that are involved with the work, so will prioritise compliance and safety.
For example, on a recent project , our team had to expose the service cabling in the grass verge outside the building site. A trench was dug in the grass berm to gain access to the 11,000v high voltage cabling that our build site was to be connected to. As this was in a public access area and also contained connections for water, gas, low voltage and communications, stringent safety procedures needed to be followed.
With proactive project management, the high voltage cable was safely located, spiked (without disrupting any of the other services) and further cabling was installed to connect the build site. Despite weather conditions impacting the work, the area was excavated, connected and back-filled to restore functionality to the public as soon as possible.
Without the expertise of our team, the timeline for this dangerous job could have blown out significantly, creating an increased risk to public safety.
4: Always Take Expert Advice
One of the biggest advantages of hiring an experienced high voltage provider is the expert advice they bring to the table. From initial planning through to installation, a skilled high voltage electrician will provide guidance on everything from cost saving measures to the best solutions for potential issues.
For example, when Fisher and Paykel came to DGE with their plans for a low voltage power network for their brand new premises, we suggested an alternative high voltage plan. Not only would a high voltage private network give them greater electrical capacity and more control over their systems, but it would offer significant savings too. Needless to say, they took our expert advice and elected to follow our high voltage recommendation.
It can also be incredibly helpful to have the knowledge of a high voltage expert on your side. While working on a project for the Foodstuffs head office and warehouse , it was discovered that there was not sufficient clearance around the 2.5MVA transformers within the specified transformer room when the doors were open. This meant electrical standards would not be met.
While this would derail many projects, DGE was quick to establish a simple and effective solution. After speaking with the transformer suppliers, DGE recommended that each transformer be fitted with ‘barn style’ doors rather than the standard single hinge variety so that the correct clearance was obtained and compliance with electrical regulations would be met.
This quick thinking prevented a cost blowout as modifications would need to have been made to the transformer room otherwise. The positive outcome was only achieved because of DGE’s intricate knowledge of both high voltage possibilities and NZ electrical regulations.
5: Scope For The Future
When planning a high-voltage installation, it’s essential to look beyond your immediate needs and scope for future demands from the start. Considering potential expansions, higher load demands, and evolving technology now can significantly reduce risks down the line.
A proactive approach to system design and infrastructure planning ensures your high voltage setup can accommodate future growth without needing disruptive overhauls. This was the case for the Ikea warehouse situated in the Airport precinct . The high voltage network installed would service Ikea’s new warehouse along with the neighbouring building.
To ensure minimal disruption, the high voltage cabling for the neighbouring property was installed at the same time as the Ikea cabling was, despite the building not being under construction yet.
A similar situation occurred on the high voltage project DGE undertook for Recorp . They had an immediate need for the installation of two 2.5MVA transformers to get their canning line and associated machinery operational. However, future plans meant the facility would require a further two transformers. So, when installing the network, DGE added provisions for those future installations at the same time.
Minimising Risk
High voltage installations are critical, complex systems that require specialised expertise and a proactive approach to risk management. Working with a qualified and reputable electrical company will give you peace of mind and assurance that your project will be safe, efficient and future ready.
A trusted high-voltage electrician can not only bring the technical skills needed for a successful outcome, but also the proactive strategy to help you navigate both current and future requirements.
DGE are those trusted high voltage electricians. With the experience and skills necessary to undertake any high voltage project, we will assure safety and efficiency throughout the job. Talk with our team today about your high voltage needs to see how we can help.
Phone: 09 526 3992
Email: enquires@dge.nz
