The existing main distribution switchgear panels from all of the main switch rooms within the airport were swapped out as they were obsolete.
As part of our design package, we built the new panels in sections as access and space on site was severely restricted. The panels were built and tested off site in preparation for the out-of-hours site installation. The existing units were stripped down and all circuits were relocated in temporary boards whilst the old distribution switchgear was removed.
The new panels were then installed and commissioned over a period of out-of-hours working to reduce the operational risk to the airport. Due to the sensitivity of the operational environment work was phased to complete one switch room at a time. Regular liaison with the key stakeholders such as LCY Facilities Management, UK Power Networks, Airport Security, Airfield Operations & Safety Unit, ID unit, Customer Services Centre, Airport Fire Services, Flight Operation Handlers and the retail concessions ensured that operations ran smoothly over a period of six months, six of the airport’s main switch rooms, which control all of the main buildings, were swapped out.
The project was successfully completed with no operational downtime recorded by the airport.