Power Infrastructure Upgrade Enables Future Growth for Computer Parts Manufacturing Facility - San Jose, CA
Category: Computer Parts Manufacturing
Total Area: 115,000 ft²
Services Provided: Electrical Engineering
Completion Date: 2025
Owner: Confidential
Contractor: RC Power
Subcontractor: PASE (Structural & Civil)
Project Description
To support expanding production needs at a 115,000 ft² computer parts manufacturing facility, Pragmatic PE delivered the engineering and design of a new medium voltage-to-low voltage transformer and switchgear system. The upgrade ensures scalable capacity, safe operation, and cost-effective implementation for long-term facility growth.
Scope of Work
Conducted detailed site verification, including assessment of the existing 21.7kV primary distribution system and underground infrastructure.
Identified and coordinated available feeder circuits and vault connections to accommodate a new 2500 kVA transformer and 4000A main switchboard (MSB).
Developed calculations and engineered drawings for the new transformer installation, switchgear integration, and future load considerations.
Reviewed vendor transformer and switchboard submittals, provided technical revisions, and ensured compliance with California codes.
Created trenching and feeder routing plans in coordination with structural and civil subcontractor PASE.
Sized medium voltage feeders, loadbreak junction bars, and elbow connectors to optimize reliability and safety.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge: Limited access to underground distribution feeders for splicing.
Solution: Designed a splice solution using loadbreak junction bars and elbows, minimizing disruption and future risk.
Challenge: Ensuring new capacity without overloading existing switchgear.
Solution: Calculated load capacity for existing switches to verify available space for new and future loads.
Results & Impact
Delivered engineered drawings for city submission, ensuring code compliance and streamlined approvals.
Provided a cost-effective, constructible design that minimized trenching and site disruptions.
Enhanced electrical reliability and capacity to meet both current and future facility demand.
Enabled seamless contractor coordination, accelerating project execution and reducing field change orders.