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Location: Northeast U.S.
Challenge: Aging and damaged motor control center and low-voltage switchgear, past their end of life
Solution: Turnkey delivery and execution refurbishing the motor control center and low-voltage switchgear
Results: AAA tested and certified devices, and the production and usage of UL® listed components for the motor control center buckets and main breakers installed, as well as for all the components and equipment used in both modernization projects, provided increased reliability and extended life for existing equipment, and cost savings compared to replacement equipment.
Eaton’s experience and expertise in this type of work made them ideally suited to undertake both projects and provide a high-quality solution that met the long-term requirements of the IOU.
Switchgear is an integral part of the electrical system architecture. In optimal condition, switchgear enhances operational efficiency and safety, drives better results, and improves system performance. Modernization and refurbishment of aging infrastructure is a priority of most utilities across the United States and switchgear is no exception, especially when it comes toward the end of mechanical life. Switchgear modernization is a viable alternative to purchasing new equipment—meets physical space restrictions, reduces capital expense and meets current regulations.
For these reasons, one major investor-owned utility (IOU) in the Northeast approached Eaton for two major refurbishment projects— the first involved motor control centers (MCCs) and the second included low-voltage (LV) switchgear. Both systems were on the verge of becoming obsolete, resulting in low performance and increased safety concerns for service personnel at the respective facilities.
Over the years, Eaton developed a strong relationship with the IOU and successfully completed numerous projects leveraging its strong product and service portfolio. In particular, the IOU’s senior leadership team was impressed by Eaton’s ability to offer cost-effective and best-in-class solutions. Eaton’s experience and expertise in this type of work made them ideally suited to undertake both projects and provide a high-quality solution that met the long-term requirements of the IOU.
MCC refurbishment
The MCC refurbishment project involved two MCCs that were manufactured in the 1970s and had passed their serviceable life span. The MCCs experienced water intrusion over the years and the utility had increased difficulty in securing replacement parts. The equipment location and quantity of incoming conduits presented challenges to outright replacement, therefore the utility decided to refurbish the existing MCCs while keeping the existing structure, bus and feeders in place.
LV switchgear refurbishment
The IOU’s LV switchgear had been out of commission since flood damage during Hurricane Sandy. They decided to proceed with a complete refurbishment and modernization process for the entire switchgear assembly in order to keep the existing footprint in the electrical room and utilize all the existing feeders going to the switchgear.
Eaton took complete ownership and end-to-end responsibility for the successful delivery and execution of the MCC and LV switchgear refurbishment projects and provided the following benefits to the customer:
Project management and third-party coordination
Eaton leveraged its project management expertise to coordinate with multiple vendors—subcontractors and OEM providers. There were many subcontractors involved in the project who provided mimic panels, painting services, and new doors for metering compartments, amongst others. Eaton coordinated with each of them within the right time frame, which was an essential requirement for the project to run seamlessly. As project manager, Eaton was also able to immediately respond to customer scope changes mid-project. Despite long lead-times for new equipment, such as new potential transformers, Eaton was able to adapt the schedule and meet customer commitment dates, ensuring the equipment would be energized on time.
As project manager, Eaton was also able to immediately respond to customer scope changes mid-project. Despite long lead-times for new equipment, such as new potential transformers, Eaton was able to adapt the schedule and meet customer commitment dates, ensuring the equipment would be energized on time.
Certified products and services
Eaton provided the IOU with AAA tested and certified devices, along with the production and usage of UL listed components for the MCC buckets and main breakers installed, for all the components and equipment used in both modernization projects. The UL listing of the buckets as a “system” precluded the need for any UL field inspection. Eaton engaged UL on the front end of the project for approval of the main breaker in the MLO compartment. This collaborative effort with UL was invaluable in ensuring a smooth UL field approval process. The knowledge of UL requirements and processes deepened the IOU’s trust of the quality of services.
Eaton provided the necessary technical expertise to ensure that the IOU received best-in-class reconditioning services. Not only was the equipment brought back to a “like-new” condition, but also the ownership and attention to detail showcased by Eaton in the project execution also served to enhance customer satisfaction and was a value-add to the IOU.
Post the successful execution of the MCC and LV switchgear refurbishment projects, the IOU has continued its engagement with Eaton for refurbishment and modernization projects across its facilities, serving as the best testament of Eaton’s service portfolio and the expertise of its engineering and field service personnel.
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