James Milson Village

James Milson Village required the replacement of its existing main switchboard as part of an essential electrical infrastructure upgrade.

Located within an operating aged care environment in North Sydney, the project presented significant planning, safety and operational challenges. Electrical services needed to remain reliable throughout the works, while disruption to residents, employees and the facility’s daily operations had to be carefully controlled.

New Power Electrics delivered the project through detailed engineering, staged shutdown planning and close coordination with the facility’s management team, builder, switchboard manufacturer and fire-rating specialists.

The result was a professionally engineered and installed main switchboard system completed safely, efficiently and without affecting the quality of care provided to residents.

New Power Electrics was engaged to inspect and assess the existing main switchboard before developing a safe and practical replacement strategy.

Following the initial inspection, our team met with the builder and specialist switchboard manufacturer to review the existing electrical infrastructure, determine the project requirements and plan each stage of the replacement.

The new main switchboard was then engineered in collaboration with our switchboard manufacturing partner. This process included reviewing electrical loads, cable terminations, equipment configuration, physical access requirements and the sequencing required to remove the existing board and install the new system.

Because the switchboard was situated within a critical operating environment, the project required four carefully planned electrical shutdowns. Temporary electrical connections were designed and installed during the first shutdown to help maintain essential services while the replacement works progressed.

New Power Electrics also coordinated with the specialist fire-rated door team to design the new switchboard enclosure, fire-rated jambs, doors and associated fire sealing.

Protecting the wellbeing of residents was a central consideration throughout the project. Any interruption to essential services within an aged care environment has the potential to affect residents, employees and the delivery of daily care.

New Power Electrics approached the project with detailed preparation, clear communication and a calm, methodical work process. Our electricians worked closely with facility management and personnel throughout each shutdown to ensure the works were completed safely and according to the agreed program.

Despite the complexity of the replacement and the operational risks involved, the project was completed without disruption to residents, staff or normal facility operations.

This outcome reflects New Power Electrics’ ability to deliver complex commercial electrical infrastructure upgrades in sensitive, occupied and business-critical environments

Assessment and project planning:

• Detailed inspection and assessment of the original main switchboard.
• Consultation with the builder, facility representatives and switchboard manufacturer.
• Development of a staged replacement and electrical shutdown strategy.
• Identification and management of operational and electrical safety risks.

Switchboard engineering and preparation:

• Engineering and design of the replacement main switchboard.
• Coordination with the specialist switchboard manufacturer.
• Planning of cable routes, electrical terminations and equipment configuration.
• Delivery and positioning of the new switchboard at the facility.

Temporary power and shutdown management:

• Planning and coordination of four controlled electrical shutdowns.
• Installation of temporary electrical connections during the initial shutdown.
• Close communication with management and facility personnel before and during each critical shutdown period.
• Careful sequencing of works to maintain safety and minimise operational disruption.

Main switchboard replacement:

• Safe disconnection and removal of the original main switchboard.
• Installation and positioning of the new main switchboard.
• Termination of incoming supplies, submains and associated electrical circuits.
• Electrical testing, verification and commissioning of the completed installation.

Fire-rated enclosure works:

• Coordination and planning with the specialist fire-rated door contractor.
• Installation of new fire-rated jambs and doors.
• Completion of the required fire sealing surrounding the switchboard enclosure.

This selection of projects provides an insight into the diverse range of projects that have both challenged and excited us in equal measure. New Power Electrics is not bound by any one style and offers bespoke high quality lighting and electrical solutions to a wide range of industry niches, government buildings and educational facilities across Australia.