RJ Power West were awarded a project in Penzance working for AmcoGiffen, to provide Network Rail with a new electrical supply for
the Shore Supply at the new Ponsandane Sidings. Our works consisted of the following:
- Earth resistivity testing
- Compilation of earthing study
- Excavation of a 50mtr trench to install
bare copper earth tape and earth rods - Exothermic welding of the earth
tape to the earth rods - Delivery and installation
of a Wilsons 500kVA transformer - Delivery and installation
of a Wilsons 800kVA transformer - Delivery and installation of a Schneider
3-panel Genie Evo switch panel - Installation and termination of all
LV / HV cables - Installation of a new EPO and
disconnectable earth bars - Installation of lightning protection
- Testing and commissioning of all the above
- The issue of a Health and Safety pack
Project Overview
The planning of this project was key to ensure we met the requested dates for our client and had the right resource available on the ground to deliver the works. It is a great testament to the whole project team that we achieved our planned commissioning-into-service date to allow our client to handover to Network Rail.
Amco-Giffen requested RJ Power supply an HV CRE (Contractors Responsible Engineer) – a role fulfilled by RJ Power Networks Testing & Commissioning Engineer Mark Hayes – as the point of contact between the project team and Network Rail, to check the designs and answer any HV-related questions. Mark also completed all Network Rail paperwork to enter the HV equipment into service, as well as attending the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at Schneider Electric in Leeds.
Logistically, the project was harder to manage than others due to its location and travel time. This was managed effectively using a paid shift to travel to and from site; while this reduced the working week, it ensured that works did not interfere with our employees’ family time at the weekends.
During the works – and more so during the pre-commissioning and commissioning – there was close liaison between RJ Power / Amco-Giffen and NGED (National Grid Electrical Distribution) – owners of the incoming supply (11kV) via the newly installed RMU (Ring Main Unit) – as we had to meet their programme of works.
“Thank you all for your input and contribution to the delivery of this project. It had its challenges, but we resolved them and provided a product that Network Rail is very pleased with. We handed the site over with zero snags and Network Rail has given great feedback about how we collaborated on- and off-site and provided technical support when they needed it.”
