HIGH VOLTAGE PROJECT

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the High Voltage Project?
• Why is this an urgent need?
• What are the benefits of this project?
• Will there be power outages?
• What other inconveniences will building occupants face?
• How long does each project take?
• What is a "mobile sub"?
• Will it be noisy?
• Will any trees be affected?

1. What is the High Voltage Project?
   
   The High Voltage Project is a four-year effort to upgrade the high voltage electrical systems of 20 buildings in the academic center of Purdue's campus. These buildings currently operate on a 2400-volt system fed from the North Power Plant. Once the conversions are complete, these buildings will be fed from the 12-kV system from the NW and SE Substations.
   
   
2. Why is this an urgent need?
   
   Little has been done to update the electrical system feeding these buildings in the last 35 years, and it is well beyond its useful life. Ultimately, it will fail, and when it does parts of the campus could be without power for several days. There is also no additional capacity available in the system to serve load growth in existing facilities.
   
   In addition, many electrical vaults and tunnels are in poor condition and do not meet current safety standards and practices.
   
   
3. What are the benefits of this project?
   
   The High Voltage Project will improve safety, reliabilty, and capacity for the affected buildings. It will also enable us to cease operations in the North Power Plant, which is no longer adequate for the needs of the University.
   
   
4. Will there be power outages?
   
   In order for work crews to be able to upgrade the equipment in the electrical vaults, each building's electrical system will need to be switched to a "mobile sub-station" for the duration of the vault work. Thus, for a brief period of approximately four to eight hours each time, the entire building will be without power while being switched onto the mobile sub-stations, and then back to the new equipment in the vaults. Power outages will be scheduled with the goal of causing the least inconvenience and disruption to building occupants. Additional shorter outages will be required at various times during the constuction process to change over existing electrical secondary loads.
   
   
5. Aside from power outages, what other inconveniences will building occupants face?
   
   Inconveniences will be minimized as much as possible. The mobile sub-stations will be positioned outside buildings and may block pedestrian or road traffic to some extent. Short sections of sidewalks may be dug up temporarily. Blocked entrances and other situations will depend on the individual building. This website will offer detailed updates for each building—occupants are encouraged to check this site frequently.
   
   
6. How long does each project take?
   
   Each project is anticipated to take three-four months from start to finish of construction.
   
   
7. What is a "mobile sub"?
   
   "Mobile sub" is short for mobile substation. Each mobile sub contains transformers that enable each building to continue to receive electricity after its vault has been deactivated. The mobile subs will be parked outside of the buildings; they may limit pedestrian or road traffic, depending on their position. They each measure 8' x 25'. Cables will run in and out of the mobile subs.
   
   
   
8. Will it be noisy?
   
   Noise will be minimal. Workers will need to create access to the vaults, which involves some cutting, but the period of time for this noise will be brief.
   
   
9. Will any trees be affected?
   
   We will take every precaution to protect existing landscaping and restore natural areas disrupted by the construction. Unfortunately, due to the complex network of existing underground tunnels, pipes, duct banks, and tree root systems, a small number of trees will need to be removed to allow for the installation of new High Voltage equipment.
   

More FAQ's to come. Please check back.