Keeping The Lights On At Eden Park

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One week to shut down, relocate, re-earth, refeed and reactivate a 10-ton transformer  at New Zealand’s most popular events and sports ground… no problem for DGE!

Tasked by the electrician assigned to the project to assist with the complex high voltage elements, we had one week to relocate the transformer that powers the entire western portion of Eden Park.

As you can imagine, it was a hectic week!

Armed with the skilled team and the excellent coordination and planning that DGE are renowned for, we were up for the task.

The Challenge

Complete a complex high voltage relocation job in just 7 days

When we were contacted by the electrical company working on the Eden Park project and asked if we could meet the specifications of the project, we knew it was going to be a challenge.

Our reputation as electrical engineers skilled in the complicated area of high voltage proceeded us when the Eden Park electricians were instantly on the phone when the scope of the job became apparent.

The brief was to relocate the massive transformer that powers the western stand of Eden Park in just 7 days. That timeline was firm as there were two high profile events on either side of the 7 day period. There was no margin for error, because disappointing the sporting pleasures of the entire nation was not on the cards!

The Scope

Relocate the 10-ton transformer that powers the entire western stand

Unbeknownst to the public, there was a massive high voltage transformer sitting just beneath the first 10 rows of Eden Park’s western stand. Our task was to relocate that huge piece of equipment 30 metres to allow for the installation of removable seating in that area of the grounds.

As this transformer powers the entire western section of Eden Park, it had to be done right. Not only did we have to complete the complex task within a tight deadline, we also had to work in with the other providers assigned to the project – the demolition team, Eden Park personnel and the electricians who assigned us the job, to name a few.

This required careful coordination and strong communication to ensure every aspect of the project could be carried out by the relevant parties in quick succession.

The Delivery

Exceeding expectations and ensuring service was even better than before

When you only have 7 days to complete major electrical works, you need a carefully planned timeline and precision execution of that plan.

That careful planning allowed our team to shut down the transformer, relocate it 30 metres to its new position, redo the earthing to ensure safe operation, revamp the equipment to include a watering tap, arrange for servicing and testing to take place, get the HV sign off, and turn it back on – all in just 7 days.

By the time we left Eden Park, the transformer was running at optimal capacity and could complete more functions than in its original location.

The Outcome

Successfully kept the lights on at Eden Park

You don’t often want to hear the word no on an electrical job, unless it is in the context we used it for the Eden Park project…

No disruptions. No faults. No errors.

What felt like an impossible task was completed on time, on budget and without disruption. The 7 day window sandwiched between two major events was not much time, but with careful planning and coordination, it was enough time for DGE to carry out the necessary work.

So, if your next project involves a high voltage component and you are looking for a reputable company with proven skill in HV, get in touch with the team at DGE to discuss your plans.

Phone: 09 526 3992
Email: enquires@dge.nz