Their challenge

In this project, one of this client’s existing 69kV “box bay” designs was rebuilt with all new equipment, including rigid bus, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, instrument transformers, and lightning protection. The new design presented several challenges—the change from a lattice steel design necessitated special design consideration to ensure the end results met National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) standards. In the process of running clash detection in the design’s 3D model, it was discovered that the client’s standard replacement duplex switches did not meet minimum compliance clearances.

Our solution

To alleviate the client’s challenge, Salas O’Brien modeled a redesign for switches in the box bay. Our design gave a viable range for redesign that would meet the client’s needs and ensure that bus, equipment, and jumpers all met clearance requirements.

The results

Thanks to our work on this project, the client was able to achieve their goals and comply with all NESC standards. The 3D model created for this project met and exceeded the client’s expectations, and it was leveraged as a reference point for future similar projects.

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