Government / Utility

  • I-90 Tunnel Ventilation System Upgrade

    Equipment:

    HMI panels, PLCs, Services

    About The Project

    The Interstate 90 tunnels leaving Mercer Island and heading into Seattle have complex lineups of GE Switchgear to power and control the ventilation fans. The WSDOT engineering staff required one supplier to furnish the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) panels and PLCs for their existing low-voltage generator control system as they were nearing their end of life.

    Access Electric Supply supplied a complete package of equipment and installation services by ABB to upgrade their system and improve performance. Streamlining this project into a single vendor greatly reduced WSDOT’s workload, communication, and start-up requirements. Clean air will continue in the tunnels; feel free to roll your windows down!


  • 15kV Roll in Replacement Breakers

    Equipment:

    MV Switchgear

    About The Project

    A small, city-owned utility in Washington has 5 substations built in the 1960s and 1970s. The 15kV secondary distribution house was in good condition, but the breakers were failing. Rather than replace the entire electrical house, as is common, the city worked with Access Electric Supply to develop a cradle-in-cradle replacement breaker design.

    These breakers upgraded the substations by extending longevity but also provided remote racking and open/close functionality, all tied back to the city’s SCADA system. New exterior doors with infrared scanning windows were installed to complete the installation and provide a greater degree of safety and reliability.


  • Overhead image of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor showing construction taking place.

    NAVFAC Seawolf Class Pier

    Equipment:

    Substations, Switchboards, Liquid Filled Transformers, Services

    About The Project

    With continued expansion at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Silverdale, WA, NAVFAC issued an RFQ for five stainless steel substations, custom-made submarine connection mounds, and various other power distribution equipment, including switchboards, liquid-filled transformers, and panelboards. Access was selected by the successful electrical contractor due to experience, plan of action, and track record of execution. 

    In addition to the supply of equipment, Access Electric also provided integration services to incorporate the power data extracted from the substations to the overall site SCADA system. This project was complex, but superbly executed due to hands-on management and technical expertise.


  • 15kV Breaker Retrofit

    Equipment:

    MV Switchgear

    About The Project

    Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a major utility, required the replacement of five PowerVac medium voltage circuit breakers in a very short time frame. ABB’s RMVAC Roll-in replacement breakers were the perfect choice, bringing the benefits of increased performance, reduced maintenance intervals, and a quick installation. The entire installation was completed in a three-day window including training for WAPA personnel.