Multi-Configuration Power Skid Electrical Design: Confidential Data Center – Washington, WI
Image Credit: Canva
At a Glance
Pragmatic PE developed electrical shop drawings for six power skid configurations at an active data center, working from the facility's approved permit set to deliver construction-ready documents. LOD400 BIM models and coordinated schedules gave the contractor clear routing, support, and procurement references without interpretation gaps.
Project Specifications
Category: Data Centers
Services Provided: Electrical Engineering
Completion Date: 2026
Owner: Confidential
Contractor: Peoples Associates Structural Engineers
Project Description
Lead
An active data center required electrical engineering for multiple new power skid configurations, each with distinct routing, feeder, and support requirements. Pragmatic PE was engaged to translate the facility's approved permit drawings into construction-ready shop documents, bridging the gap between permit-level documentation and field installation. The scope covered single-line updates, cable tray coordination, and LOD400 BIM modeling, producing a package the contractor could build from directly.
Scope of Work
Pragmatic PE provided electrical design and shop drawing production across three areas:
Electrical Design
• Updated single-line diagrams and power skid electrical layouts to reflect each distinct skid configuration
• Developed cable tray routing, hanger and Unistrut support layouts, and feeder connection details for each skid
Documentation and Scheduling
• Produced equipment, cable tray, and feeder schedules with type, dimension, and weight data
• Generated a bill of materials for each skid to support procurement and field execution
BIM and Coordination
• Built LOD400 shop drawing models in BIM360, integrating electrical layouts with structural and vendor requirements
• Coordinated with the equipment vendor to confirm installation requirements and align design details before drawings were finalized
Challenges and Solutions
Constraint: Multiple skid configurations required electrical drawings that were internally consistent but individually tailored to each skid's routing and equipment layout.
Response: Pragmatic PE developed a structured drawing set covering all configurations, with coordinated schedules and a bill of materials that gave the contractor clear reference for each skid.
Constraint: The facility's approved permit drawings served as the starting point but did not include the installation-level detail needed for field execution.
Response: Pragmatic PE updated single-line diagrams, developed LOD400 BIM models, and coordinated directly with the vendor to close the gap between permit documentation and construction requirements.
Results and Impact
• Construction-ready electrical drawings delivered for all skid configurations, with routing, schedules, and support details consolidated in a single coordinated package.
• LOD400 BIM models gave the contractor accurate spatial and structural references, reducing interpretation risk in the field.
• Direct vendor coordination confirmed equipment installation requirements before drawings were finalized, avoiding rework at the skid level.