GAEL in Industry Edendale Substation 33kV Indoor Switchboard

A steadily increasing load in the Southland area led to the need to expand the Edendale Substation, which in turn required the manufacture of a new 33kV Indoor Switchboard. Acting as a sub-contractor to ABB, GAEL provided busbar assembly, low voltage supervisory control and factory testing.

The assembly work involved 33kV SF6 circuit breakers sourced from Italy and switchboard housing and busbar componentry from Turkey. GAEL's role was to manufacture all the low voltage control, assemble the switchboard, fit VT's and CT's and carry out all testing.

Client, Powernet, commissioned Gibbons Consulting to inspect the switchboard prior to delivery. Consultant Richard Gibbons commented,

"The switchboard manufactured by GAEL met all specifications, witness testing went without a hitch and delivery was on schedule."

ABB Project Engineer, Alan Brownlie was impressed with the standard of workmanship and on-time delivery to tight deadlines. The success of this project has led to orders for two additional 33kV switchboards and one 11kV switchboard.