Correct Electrical Transfer Switch Deficiencies

Gwin, Dobson & Foreman, Inc. performed the design of, and provided technical support during construction for the James E. VanZandt VA Medical Center's corrections to their electrical transfer switches.  Major elements of the projects were as follows:

• Complete replacement of four electrical transfer switches

Two existing 120/208 volt, 1600 ampere 3 phase switches with 120/208V, 2000 ampere, 3 phase ones

Remaining 400 amp and 800 amp existing switches were replaced with same size

Each switch included by-pass isolation and closed-transition to address maintenance and power quality issues

• Facility wide electrical testing study and report including fault-current analysis

Study evaluated all switchgear, panels and breakers

Documented all deficiencies discovered

Report presented a time-current analysis of each protective device in series from the individual device back to the source

Provided a complete electric system harmonic analysis

• Replacement of all exit signs throughout the entire hospital campus
• Installation of electrical submetering in an effort to maximize the energy management system utilizing various levels of load shedding

Clear coordination requirements were required to minimize and localize facility power outages.