Electrical Construction Projects

Electrical construction projects with seamless execution from conception to completion.

ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Electrical construction projects play a critical role in the development of modern infrastructure, powering everything from commercial premises to large-scale industrial facilities. These projects require meticulous planning, skilled labor, and adherence to strict safety standards like AS/NZS 3000. The team at Mobile Automation, based in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, is a major contributor to this sector, and employ all necessary resources to carry out any size project, from start to completion

1. Project Planning and Design

The foundation of any electrical construction project begins with thorough planning and design. This phase involves collaboration between architects, engineers, project managers, and of course the electrical contractor. The key steps in this phase include:

Site Evaluation: Before any work begins, a detailed assessment of the site is conducted. This includes understanding the existing power infrastructure, environmental factors, and space constraints. We also determine the specific power needs for each building or facility.
Load Calculations: One of the first technical tasks is calculating the electrical load requirements. This ensures that the electrical system will be capable of meeting the demands of all the equipment, lighting, and appliances without overloading the system, and consider allowance for future expansion.
Designing the Electrical Layout: Using the load calculations, Mobile Automation’s engineers design the electrical layout, which includes the positioning of transformers, switchboards, distribution panels, conduit runs, and wiring routes. This stage also considers the placement of lighting, power outlets, and other necessary electrical fixtures.
Compliance with Regulations: The electrical design must comply with all relevant local, national, and international electrical codes (e.g., AS/NZS 3000 in Australia). This ensures the safety and legality of the installation.

2. Procurement of Materials and Equipment

Once the design is finalized, the next step is sourcing the materials and equipment needed for the project. This involves:

- Selecting Quality Components: Ensuring that all electrical components, such as circuit breakers, switches, wiring, transformers, and lighting fixtures, are of high quality and fit for purpose. This step can also involve choosing energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials to comply with green building standards. Mobile Automation enjoy excellent relationships with the major product suppliers in Australia.
- Coordinating with Suppliers: We will coordinate with suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of materials to the site. We ensure there are minimal delays in procurement, which can have a cascading effect on the entire project timeline.
- Testing and Inspection of Materials: Prior to installation, key components may be tested to ensure they meet safety standards and perform as expected. Some components, like transformers or switchgear, may require pre-commissioning tests before installation.

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3. Installation of Electrical Systems

The installation phase is where most of the physical work takes place. It involves Mobile Automation’s team of licensed electricians, electrical engineers, and occasionally, specialist contractors for specific systems. The key tasks include:

Wiring Installation: This involves running conduit and pulling wires through walls, ceilings, and underground trenches. The wires must be correctly sized and rated to handle the expected current loads. Our electricians also ensure proper grounding to prevent electrical hazards.
Installing Electrical Equipment: The main electrical equipment, such as switchboards, transformers, circuit breakers, and distribution panels, is installed at strategic locations. Proper mounting, securing, and wiring of these components are essential for safety and performance.
Lighting and Power Points: Mobile’s electricians install lighting systems, power outlets, and any specialized electrical fixtures such as ceiling fans, heating elements, or emergency systems.
Testing and Quality Assurance: As the installation progresses, our electricians conduct ongoing tests to ensure the system is wired correctly and functioning as designed. Testing includes checking for short circuits, verifying voltage levels, and ensuring that all connections are secure.

4. Integration with Other Building Systems

Electrical construction projects often require integration with other building systems. For example:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Electrical systems need to power HVAC units and control systems, and the two trades must collaborate to ensure compatibility and efficient energy usage.
Fire Alarm and Security Systems: Electricians must work with specialists who install fire alarms, security systems, for example. These systems often require dedicated circuits and must comply with strict safety standards like AS1670 and AS 1668-1
Automation and Control Systems: For more advanced facilities, our electricians may be contracted to install automation systems that control lighting, temperature, and other functions based on occupancy or preset conditions.

5. Commissioning and Final Inspection

After installation, the electrical system undergoes a final round of tests known as commissioning. This is a comprehensive process that ensures every aspect of the electrical system is functioning correctly. The key steps include:

Functional Testing: All circuits, switches, and equipment are tested to ensure they operate as intended. This may include load testing the system under full operational conditions.
Compliance Verification: The system is checked for compliance with relevant electrical codes and standards. Inspectors may perform visual inspections and request additional tests to verify safety and performance.
As-Built Documentation: Finalized drawings, load calculations, and testing results are compiled and handed over to the client. These documents are crucial for ongoing maintenance and future modifications to the electrical system.

6. Maintenance and Support

Even after the project is complete, ongoing maintenance and support are essential. The Mobile Automation team is available to provide maintenance services such as periodic testing (RCD, Thermal Imaging etc.), troubleshooting, and repair. This ensures the system continues to function safely and efficiently over time.

Mobile Automation is ready to support your next project, no matter how big or small.

GET IN TOUCH

We have been using Mobile Automations service for the past 7 years. They have been an excellent service provider that not only covers our day-to-day electrical requirements including break downs, but also has worked with us on several minor and major projects.

Mobile Automation have designed, engineered, and automated our ideas into reality. Providing project management, design, engineering, CAD drawings, manufacturing, and installation to complete turnkey solutions. They have a great crew in the office, coordinating the operations with technicians that present well and have a range of experience to get the job done.

– Daniel Felice – Managing Director – Secure Hard Drive Destruction Pty Ltd

We have partnered with Mobile Automation on several projects, ranging from legacy equipment upgrades to process automation. The team have proven to be technically proficient, detail oriented and have worked diligently on each project to deliver successful outcomes. Effective post project, and ongoing support affords another level of confidence that project performance is a shared responsibility, as a result Mobile Automation remain a vendor of choice for our automation needs.

– Chris Brown – Group Operations Manager – CA Group

Electrical Construction Projects