Powering Ikea’s new warehouse, situated within the Auckland Airport precinct, might seem like a straightforward job on the face of it. But, that’s only because the team at DGE were tasked with the project.
After all, installing an 11,000v power centre is not something just any electrical engineer can do.
However, DGE’s skill and experience with high voltage networks meant we were the preferred choice for undertaking this project.
The Challenge
Expecting the unexpected and rising to the challenge
You never quite know what you will find when connecting to an existing network. The trench that housed the existing 11,000v ring main also contained a gas main, water main, low voltage power and data cabling. Our task was to locate the HV cable and create the connection without disruption to any of the other services.
Also, as access to the footpath had to be closed while the work was carried out, we wanted to return the site to functionality as soon as possible, meaning there was time pressure to complete the work both quickly and efficiently.
When we gained access to the cabling in the trench, we discovered the high voltage cable was located closest to the road and furthest away from the site. That meant navigating a cable route that went around or under the cabling for the four other existing services – additional excavation and cabling were required to ensure safe installation.
Then, there were the timeline challenges. Not only was there the time pressure of returning public access to the site, but we also had to get the high voltage network up and running so the on-site electricians could begin their work. And of course, we were also contending with the weather and the need to wait for optimal conditions for testing and livening the connections before sign-off and completion could take place.
The Scope
Creating a high voltage power network for Ikea’s new warehouse
DGE was engaged to install an 11,000v power centre that would power Ikea’s new warehouse facility and a neighbouring building, situated at the Auckland Airport.
This involved connecting the warehouse to an existing 11,000v ring situated within the grass verge that passes by the site where the warehouse was to be built. In order to make this happen, the team had to dig a trench in the berm to expose the cabling, isolate the high voltage cable, cut into it and extend the connection into the building site.
When you simmer it down to one sentence, that all sounds straightforward. However, high voltage projects mean high risk and the need for careful safety procedures. So, this was anything but an easy job!
At the same time as connecting the Ikea warehouse, a high voltage connection was also run to the neighbouring building site. Then, the network was tested and certified, and the trench was backfilled to return public access to the area.
The Delivery
Proactive planning and solutions ensure successful outcomes
Being able to meet the deadlines for any project largely relies on the timely installation of the high voltage network. Without that live and operational, no further electrical work can be completed, so it can significantly delay a project’s timeline.
Given that there is a 26-30 week lead time for obtaining HV switch gear and the necessary transformers, plenty of intricate forward planning is required to ensure there are no delays. Working with the airport and their HV team, along with the on-site building crew and electricians, we carefully planned a suitable timeline and stuck to it!
Despite the potential for many delays, our agile and adaptable team were able to prevent any from happening. Proactive strategies are always on our minds. For example, due to the situation with the services in the front berm, the decision was made to install the cabling for the Ikea warehouse and the neighbouring site all at the same time, despite the fact that the neighbouring project was not ready for connection yet.
This proactive decision meant we were clear of the Ikea footprint in record time, enabling the area to be safely returned to public use.
The Outcome
Completion on time and on budget
Thanks to DGE’s prolific skill in high voltage work, we were able to complete this project on time and on budget. While meeting the specified timeline was challenging, it was 100% achievable thanks to our proactive planning and a skilled agile team.
As a result of our timely connection of the high voltage network, the on-site electricians were able to proceed with the other components of the project, getting the Ikea warehouse live as planned. Our proactivity means the connections for the neighbouring building are ready and waiting for the commencement of that project.
DGE are the team for the job. So, if your next project contains a high voltage element, reach out to us to see how we can get you live on time and on budget!
Phone: 09 526 3992
Email: enquires@dge.nz
