Tag Archives: Electric

News

Good Catch: InfraSource Crew Prevents Potential Hazard

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Our Good Catch Program continues to highlight our employees who stay vigilant and identify potential hazards. By utilizing the energy wheel, our team thoroughly inspects and identifies STKY (Situations That Kill You) scenarios, leading to countless safety success stories. Our commitment to safety and precision continues to shine through the diligent efforts of our teams.

Critical Safety Discovery

During a routine pole replacement and the installation of a new Normal Open Viper, an InfraSource crew made a critical safety discovery. While installing the VCR, the crew noticed that the center bushing was pointed downward. Acting swiftly, the Site Job Foreman (SJF) called for a Stop Timeout and alerted the General Foreman (GF).

Inspection and Resolution

Upon further inspection and discussion with the Construction Supervisor (CS), it was determined that the bushing’s position was unsafe for service. The crew disassembled the bushing and found that the brass break-away stud inside was broken in half. Recognizing the potential hazard, parts were promptly ordered, and repairs will be conducted in the field.

Commitment to Safety

This proactive identification of a serious issue before the VCR was put into operation highlights the crew’s dedication to safety and excellence. Kudos to the InfraSource team for their vigilance and quick action in preventing what could have been a significant problem. Their commitment ensures the continued reliability and safety of our services.

Projects

Project Spotlight: HPFF Utility Hole Emergency Repair

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INTRODUCTION

During the week of Thanksgiving, a third-party contractor inadvertently damaged an existing 138kV high-pressure fluid-filled circuit in Philadelphia, resulting in a leak of dielectric fluid near the manhole wall. InfraSource was promptly notified and mobilized civil crews to address the issue. The entire repair process was completed within 12 days of the initial notification of the damage.
SCOPE OF WORK

InfraSource crews excavated the manhole wall and removed the concrete around the existing pipe to assess the damage. A temporary clamp was applied to control the leak. The repair consisted of removing existing hydraulic bypass piping and installing a welded sleeve repair. All new bypass piping and valves were installed, vacuum pulled, and the line was refilled. Carbon fiber Atlas Wrap coating was applied to the sleeve of the pipe, and heat shrink and wax tape coatings were applied to the rest of the exposed pipe for protection.

Our dedicated team brings over 100 years of combined experience installing underground high-voltage transmission lines. Contact us to learn more.

A pipe underground.
InfraSource fixing a pipe underground.
Projects

Project Spotlight: 3201 Cuthbert Street

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For this big project, the team was called on to install underground conduits to a new building on the Drexel University campus. The building is set to house the largest life sciences facility in the city.

Before laying conduits, the team located any existing underground utilities and made sure the site was cleared to ensure a safe working environment. They used a mini excavator to dig the trenches, making sure they were deep enough to meet local codes and wide enough to fit the conduit and allow for
backfilling.

Conduit in various sizes were installed, including 180 feet of 10.5-inch, 218 feet of 12.5-inch and 72 feet of
14.5-inch.

With the conduits underground, they will be less susceptible to wear and tear, lasting longer and requiring less maintenance for the university.

Projects

Project Spotlight: Electric Broken Cross Storm Response

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Electric Overhead – Storm Response

In the late evening hours, a severe thunderstorm swept through Maryland, bringing high winds, lightning, and heavy rain. The storm caused widespread damage to the power infrastructure, leaving around 57,000 residents and businesses without electricity at its peak.

Understanding the critical nature of the situation, we swiftly mobilized our crews, arriving on the scene within an hour. Our team immediately began repairing a damaged cross brace on a 13kV line. This involved securing overhead cables, clearing debris, and reinforcing the structure to handle the power load.

Thanks to their quick and efficient work, the 13kV power line was repaired and stabilized, significantly reducing the outage duration. Power was restored promptly, minimizing the storm’s impact on the community. Our crews continued to support additional repairs and restoration efforts until power was fully restored to all affected areas.

We are proud of our team’s dedication and efficiency in responding to this emergency. Their hard work ensured that the community could return to normalcy as quickly as possible, demonstrating our commitment to reliable service and community support.

Projects

Project Spotlight: 13kV Recloser Installation

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Electric Overhead

Our urban electric crews bring extensive experience and specialized skills to managing projects in densely populated and high-traffic areas. Our team excels in implementing effective and safe traffic management strategies, working collaboratively with local authorities to protect both the crew and the public during project execution. Our commitment to safety and efficiency is evident in every project we undertake, making us a trusted partner in urban infrastructure development.

Because of these capabilities and commitments, we were awarded the contract to replace nine utility poles as part of an extensive infrastructure replacement program. This initiative aimed to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the electrical distribution network.

Throughout the duration of this project, nine utility poles were replaced, along with five 13kV transformers and three additional transformers of varying specifications. Also, 1,500 feet of new 4/0 aluminum conductor was installed, and finally, the existing 1/0 aluminum conductor was replaced.

The new poles and transformers reduce the likelihood of outages and improve overall system reliability. Upgrading the conductor to 4/0 aluminum allowed for higher electrical loads, meeting the growing demand in the area.

In conclusion, our team’s dedication to safety, efficiency, and collaboration has ensured this project’s successful completion and significantly contributed to the enhancement of the local electrical infrastructure. We look forward to continuing our role as a reliable partner in future urban infrastructure projects.