Siemens first successful switchgear installation

A Siemens Transportation Systems product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Jan 18, 2007

Siemens Transportation Systems reached a major milestone with the installation of the first of twenty-three 25kV sub stations.

On November 23rd 2006 Siemens Transportation Systems reached a major milestone with the installation of the first of twenty-three 25kV sub stations.

This is one of Network Rail's 'golden' projects, works of such importance to the rail infrastructure that they receive the highest priority and the highest level of attention from inception to delivery.

At around four in the morning the containerised substation with 16-panel switchboard was lifted into place using a 100 tonne crane.

Manoeuvring the 16x4x4 metre container through the residential streets of Barking required the cooperation of the local council, as roads had to be closed, cars moved and street furniture temporarily taken down.

This installation is part of an ongoing contract with Network Rail to upgrade power substations across the network.

The major GBP9m project, due to be completed in spring 2008, involves Siemens Transportation Systems as the main supply contractor and McNicholas as the main on-site contractor.

The McNicholas part of the contract is valued at GBP5.7m and includes installation of the new switch gear, design and build of new cable routes and power supplies and associated civil works.

"I'm proud to confirm that the programme is on time and on budget, and our intention is to keep it that way", said Jean-Philippe Macary, senior project manager, Siemens Transportation Systems.

This unit is part of the new generation of self-contained power substations that are fully assembled and cold tested off site, craned into place and then installed, ready to use.

This is a major step forward in streamlined and fault-free installation, designed to minimise disruption to the rail network.

"These are essentially 'plug and play' substations," said project manager Mike Barnby, "most of the components are made in Germany, shipped to the UK for assembly and then installed using a huge crane and where necessary, with assistance from the local council." he added.