130329 reducing electrical system costs

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Reducing Electrical System Costs

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04/12/23 2

Outline:

1.Cost saving measures2.How is money saved?3.Advantages4.Disadvantages5.Value Engineering

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Install as many feeders/branch circuits underground as possible

How does this reduce cost?1.Material – uses PVC instead of EMT or rigid conduit2.Eliminates overhead supports3.Compressed construction schedule

Disadvantages:1.Careful coordination required2.Reduced future flexibility3.Hard to inspect & repair

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Install a 3-phase, 3-wire system instead of 3-phase 4-wire

How does this reduce cost?1.Feeder cost decreased by 25%2.Do not have to derate conductors (3 current carrying per conduit instead of 4)

Disadvantages:1.Must install delta-wye transformer for any loads that require a neutral (even if voltage doesn’t change)

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Install aluminum conductors instead of copper

How does this reduce cost?1.Aluminum conductors cost less than copper (25-30%) – best used for 50A loads and up (TES approves this for services & panel feeders over 100A only)

Disadvantages:1.Aluminum conductors can’t be used everywhere

• Some municipalities require copper only • NEC 250.64A

2.Wire sizes must be upsized compared to copper3.Proper installation is more important for aluminum conductors

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Install MC cable instead of conduit & wiring

How does this reduce cost?1.Costs less than conduit & wire2.Less labor

Disadvantages:1.Some states do not allow it2.Some landlords do not allow it3.Must re-pull if damaged (conduit can be reused if wiring is damaged)

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Use battery backed emergency devices rather than a generator system

How does this reduce cost?1.Battery packs are less costly than a generator system2.Additional equipment & wiring not required (UPS, disconnects, etc.)

Disadvantages1.Batteries need to be tested and replaced2.Require an inverter between battery packs and load

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Specify pre-manufactured electrical equipment

How does this reduce cost?1.Less wiring involved2.Panels don’t need to be mounted

Disadvantages1.Higher initial cost2.Very large

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Reuse Existing Electrical Equipment

How does this reduce cost?1.Do not have to purchase the equipment2.Equipment already on site and usually within the space

Disadvantages:1.Condition and age of equipment is usually unknown– may need to be tested/repaired2.Must use what is there – customization of existing equipment may cost as much as buying new equipment

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Multiphase Installation Approach

How does it reduce cost?1.Only install enough equipment to allow the facility to open and function – lower initial cost.1.Less time to get the facility up and running – start making money earlier

Disadvantages:1.Overall cost will exceed that of a single phase project – must mobilize multiple workforces2.May need to produce two sets of design documents

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Communication with AHJ

How does this reduce cost?1.Know what codes are being enforced – reduces change orders2.Quicker schedule – plans go through the city quicker due to less revisions

Disadvantages:1. NONE!

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Miscellaneous Cost Saving Considerations

1.Use higher voltages for distribution and step-down as required – smaller wire sizes2.Calculate AIC using actual fault current values instead of assuming an infinite bus – smaller panel AIC rating = lower cost3.Design trenches below equipment – reduces labor costs for conduit routings4.Use standard products instead of customized equipment - less initial cost and shorter lead time5.Value engineering – Contractor gets drawings and makes cost-saving suggestions

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Conclusion:

1.Initial cost is the main thing that an owner will look at. 2.Can be asked to help reduce cost at any point in a project. 3.Any cost reduction we can find will make an owner happy.4.Need to not only worry about the initial cost, but also how cost-saving measures will affect the lifetime of a project.

CONCLUSION

THANK YOU.

Business

130329 reducing electrical system costs