Switchgear Solutions

RMC Engineering Services has the experience, know-how, and depth of knowledge to produce customized switchgear to any specific constraints, requirements, or standards while taking into account a client’s specific time frame and budget.

Whale Pass is the last diesel-only service area left on Prince of Wales Island, and was in need of a permanent facility upgrade over its current modular power plant. AP&T also needed more powerful generators and switchgear, but couldn’t wait on the lead time typical of factory manufactured switchgear, and called on RMC to develop a customized switchgear solution that would meet their budget and timeframe.

With the quick turnaround time in mind, RMC specified and built a customized set of UL certified low voltage switchgear from the ground up. When the completed switchgear was shipped to site, AP&T received a product built beyond the standard of factory manufactured switchgear, without the typical long wait and high cost. Moving forward, the Whale Pass site and switchgear will be used as a cost effective and time conscience model for future diesel only community service area upgrades throughout Alaska.

When a utility needed a new hydroelectric plant in remote Prince of Wales, Alaska, they turned to RMC Engineering. RMC performed the design-build in house in Juneau. After a number of months and a few miles of wire later, RMC was able to bench test and ship the final product to site.

RMC was subsequently awarded the programming and commissioning.

The 500 kW Guunuk Creek hydroelectric project was intended to reduce utility costs for the city of Kake by lowering the city’s reliance on a diesel power plant. To minimize the environmental impact of the facility, IPEC repurposed an outdated existing hydroelectric plant building. While cost effective and low impact, the building had only housed a 7kW facility. With the proposed service increasing to a 500 kW plant, equipment footprint space was a premium. IPEC needed new set of custom built switchgear capable of handling the power throughput while maintaining a compact size.

RMC dug into the project with experience wiring, troubleshooting, and servicing switchgear with the intent of producing a product that would easily facilitate maintenance and access to all components, while also keeping within the footprint allowance. Ultimately, RMC produced a set of customized low voltage switchgear easy to maintain and service, while keeping the size and costs to a minimum.