Quinquennial campus-wide power system studies
Overview
Every five years, Facilities & Services conducts campus-wide power system studies in order to adhere to CSA Z462 requirements and refresh our existing data. These studies enables maintenance personnel to have accurate and up-to-date information about the working hazards to which they may be exposed.
The studies takes between 1–2 years of site investigations and modelling, a process by which the electrical infrastructure throughout campus buildings is audited and verified. In doing so, F&S continually ensures that our record-keeping protocols are up to date and accurate.
This information is used for both current operations and future design, informing the latter during new construction work, infrastructure applications, etc.
Types of studies
The following comprise site investigations and data collection followed by modelling simulation.
Arc flash studies
- Conducted to verify the incident energies and update arc flash labels
- This study provides operators/maintenance personnel with the latest electrical hazard exposure and allows them to choose the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- An important step to ensure the safe operation of equipment and safety for the operators
Short circuit studies
- This study verifies the fault current level at various system conditions
- Equipment and maintenance personnel safety (we need values to determine how you’re sizing the equipment, used in design); ensures equipment can safely operate and staff can feel confident in equipment
- The study comprises site investigations and data collection followed by a modelling simulation to produce the necessary labels and PPE instructions.
Coordination studies
- This study verifies that the equipment settings and/or protective elements within the electrical distribution are optimized to reduce nuisance outages and client impact.
Load flow studies
- This study simulates expected power flow in different operational states in order to ensure systems’ ability to tolerate varying conditions, demands, and use variables.
Notification process
Notice of power system studies will be communicated via service alert. Subscribe to service alerts for your building(s) to ensure that you don’t miss any critical updates.
Frequently asked questions
F&S personnel will be visiting spaces that contain electrical equipment. There will be no construction noise or debris of any kind.
Notice of power system studies will be communicated via service alert. Subscribe to service alerts for your building(s) to ensure that you don’t miss any critical updates.
Depending on the size of the building, data collection and site assessments may take anywhere from a day or two to several weeks. Please refer to the issued service alert for more information.
Typically, site investigations may necessitate the opening of equipment, but there will be no disruption to regular operations or building power. Any work taking place that will necessitate interruption of regular electric service will be clearly communicated in advance via service alert.
More information
Contact your property manager with any questions regarding quinquennial campus-wide power system studies. Find your property manager here.