IN-PLACE SWITCHGEAR RETROFIT
THE MANUFACTURER’S CHALLENGE
The manufacturer was operating with an obsolete GE AV5 switchboard lineup that presented several operational and maintenance challenges. Limited availability of replacement parts, increasing risk of unplanned downtime, and difficulty maintaining aging components created reliability concerns for ongoing production. Additionally, the existing equipment did not fully align with current electrical codes and safety expectations. Physical constraints within the facility, including limited available space and the need to maintain operations during upgrades, further complicated replacement options. Budget limitations also required a solution that avoided a full system replacement while still improving safety, reliability, and serviceability.
COALMONT’S TURN-KEY SOLUTION
Coalmont’s “Retrofits & Modernization” group developed and executed a customized solution to address these challenges. The project involved engineering a retrofit design that replaced the obsolete GE AV5 lineup with a modern GE Spectra Series system while utilizing the existing switchboard structure. The original frame and power distribution infrastructure were refurbished and modified to meet current code requirements and accommodate the new equipment. This approach minimized downtime, reduced installation costs, and avoided major structural modifications. The result was a modernized switchboard lineup that improved system reliability, enhanced safety, and provided access to readily available components for future maintenance, all while aligning with the customer’s operational and budget constraints.
CAPABILITIES: Mechanical Engineering | Power Distribution | Retrofit | Modernization