The main high voltage (HV) substation for Fremantle Hospital (FH) is located in O-block. In 2023, a construction project, managed by the Department of Finance (now Department of Housing and Works), commenced to re-develop FH V-block into a 40-bed mental health unit. During the scoping stage of this project it was identified that the essential cable running from O-block to V-block did not have the capacity to meet the essential (and emergency) power demands of V-block when it reopens as a mental health unit. Works required to upgrade this cable was left out of scope for the main construction works.
NJP Electrical Services were engaged by FH to replace the essential cable from O-block to V-block, which runs via FH’s service tunnel network. This project also required the supply and installation of a new essential switchboard in O-block. As the essential cable from O-block to V-block also provides essential power to other parts of the site, including an existing (operational) 62-bed mental health facility, NJP proposed a temporary power solution to ensure these areas had uninterrupted essential power supply whilst the old cable was removed and the new cable installed. This solution was endorsed by FH’s electrical engineer and implemented successfully. As a whole, this project required multiple planned outages and overnight works to ensure minimal impact on patients, staff and hospital operations. The project was completed in line with the timelines required by the V-block main works contractor, ADCO, and has resulted in adequate essential power for V-block. In addition, controls have been installed within the new switchboard to ensure emergency power (essential) is supplied to V-block in the event of a mains outage.
Project Value – $450k