Very large multistory building electrical renovation

[Pierre C Belarge]

I was called in to consult on a verrrrrrrry large multistory project that had gone very wrong. So many issues, I could not believe what I saw, I was not even sure how to write it up.

One of the items they were working on was to add a substantially large load, including new gear/equipment.

Here is where the EC took some of the additional power from.

Notice his method of termination of the lugs to the joint on the bus. These 2 sets of 500s are supplying a 1600A gear, which in turn supplies 18 stories of the building.

 

[augie47]

Isn't that standard procedure when you don't want to get POCO involved so you can avoid permitting ?
(2) 500s on 1600 amp...simply an application of load diversity..
you are getting so pickey lately :smile:

 

[LarryFine]

I see the tips of strands of a third conductor on the blue lug.

 

[chris kennedy]

Why is the bussing a different color where the new lugs are mounted?

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Isn't that standard procedure when you don't want to get POCO involved so you can avoid permitting ?
(2) 500s on 1600 amp...simply an application of load diversity..
you are getting so pickey lately :smile:

Bingo! Exactly what happened on this job.

 

[infinity]

That's the reason why the bolts are so long, so someone can come by later and add a few lugs. :roll:

 

[electricalperson]

isnt 3 500 copper mcms too small for 1600 amp switch gear one 500 mcm CU 75 degree wire is only 380 amps

there should be 5 of them 4 only comes out to 1520

 

[infinity]

It's amazing what you see even on huge projects where you would think that there is some oversight during the renovation. I just opened a switch on a very high end job, (a theater) and found that when the neutral lug wouldn't fit someone just cut a piece off of the side with a sawzall. Further digging found that the job spec was for 200% neutrals which meant 2-600's but the equipment was only setup for 1 neutral connection, cut the lug, problem solved.

 

[Cow]

Sic 'em Pierre!!

I think this is going to get good, probably not the last time we'll hear about this place, try and keep us updated!:smile:

 

[zbang]

I was not even sure how to write it up.

How 'bout "Just plain wrong" ?

 

[quogueelectric]

I was called in to consult on a verrrrrrrry large multistory project that had gone very wrong. So many issues, I could not believe what I saw, I was not even sure how to write it up.

I would start with a letter to the dept of consumer affairs.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I am not the inspector of record on this site, actually he never filed with either the BD or the utility, that is how he got as far as he did before someone plugged his plug. It did get to consumer affairs. I am in on this project for the building attorney.

 

[SEO]

Pierre I hope you will you be able to post while sitting in court with the attorney. :smile:

 

[emahler]

i don't see the problem...i'm assuming this was a licensed electrical contractor...obviously he's qualified and knows what he's doing

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Pierre I hope you will you be able to post while sitting in court with the attorney. :smile:

I usually twitter...ah not the kind of twittering we have been discussing though

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

One of the sad details of this story is about the ownership.
The father has had the business for many years. His sons are taking the business over, and had not got their own license(s) yet. They were working under his license, but he is/was basically retired. I do not know if he even saw the jobsite before this job went south.

 

[dbuckley]

Any chance of posting an IR whilst its under load

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

So whats up with permits ? Did they pass review ? Either they build whats on plans or get revised. If meets plans your stuck with passing. Your job ends at inspecting per prints.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

The job was stopped.
After pictures and review, another contractor was hired to rewire the entire project.

The riser (all 4in EMT-500kcmil) to be relocated, as the risers were in the stairwell.

 

[wireguru]

I think you owe us around 20 more pics :grin: