Tips for designing an efficient industrial electrical system layout
When planning and optimising an industrial facility, one of the most important considerations should be the electrical system. This is because you need to be able to effectively power any building systems and equipment to keep your business operations running as efficiently as possible. In this guide, we’ll be exploring some top tips for designing an industrial electrical system layout, to help you get a better understanding of what your building and business needs from an electrical system.
1. Set the scope and objectives
The first phase of designing an industrial electrical system is defining the scope and objectives for the system. This includes establishing the aim, function, and efficiency of the electricals whilst ensuring the project is achieved within the set budget and timeframe with the highest standard of quality maintained. Establishing the scope and objectives of the system will set the foundations of the project for the next steps and effectively evaluate the feasibility and suitability of the design for the industrial project.
2. Complete an analysis and site survey
After there is a clear outline of what the scope and objectives for the electrical system, a site survey and analysis is needed to gather important data on the existing infrastructure, resources, and limitations of the facility. This type of survey and analysis will likely include a physical visit to the site, evaluating load distribution, potential hazards, power supply availability, and more.
In addition, knowledge of the standards and laws surrounding designing and constructing electrical systems is essential to ensuring all regulations are met. With this in mind, many businesses with large scale industrial facilities and processes can benefit from professional and experienced commercial electrical services like the team at FESS Group provides.
3. Determine your equipment’s electrical needs
Determining your facility’s power needs is a key part of electrical system design, including all the equipment the system will be required to power, their voltages and amperage. Don’t overlook general building systems like HVAC too as heating and cooling are often the biggest energy users in an industrial building. Also, certain more specialist equipment can need its own dedicated circuity, such as IT racks, refrigerated systems, and more. During your analysis and site survey, you might want to make a list of all the systems in your facility with unique needs, so you can ensure separate circuits are designed for them.
4. Select a power source
Where your system will get its power from is an essential factor you will need to consider. In many instances, utility-owned transformers and substations are the most commonly used sources, but there are other options. For example, a number of businesses are utilising forms of renewable energy, but if you’re considering this you must first make sure that your infrastructure is set up to fully meet your facility’s voltage needs and current requirements.
5. Design with room for scalability
A top tip when designing an industrial electrical system is to allow opportunity for growth where it might be needed. This means that the system shouldn’t just provide the minimum, but also shouldn’t offer too much more than the facility’s needs. Planning for the future is extremely important as it is rare for businesses and industrial operations to stay at the same level long term. At some stage the system will need to be expandable to accommodate safe and reliable growth.
6. Get expert electrical system design with FESS
Designing an efficient electrical system layout on an industrial scale is a complex process that requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Our team at FESS are experts in providing tailored manufacturing process consulting as well as mechanical and electrical services. This helps businesses evaluate their systems and see how improvements can be made to increase efficiency, safety, and cost effectiveness both now and in the future. Book a free site survey online to get started or don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or queries.