Claypool Electric completed a multiphase infrastructure project that modernized electrical systems throughout the arena and residence hall. The scope included electrical system updates, residence hall receptacle upgrades, demolition of outdated gear and staged replacement of inoperable switchgear. Claypool reworked the 12,470-volt primary distribution, installed new switches, step-down transformers and switchgear, reworked feeders and replaced select panels. The team also upgraded the building’s 120/208-volt, 277/480-volt and emergency generator systems.

The electrical work supported broader HVAC and fire system improvements. Claypool installed new conduit, feeders and variable frequency drives for five air handlers and new hot water and chilled water pumps. Additional work included electrical support for fan coil units and cabinet unit heaters, residence hall outlet replacements and first-floor lighting improvements.

Because the Convocation Center operates around the clock, Claypool sequenced six electrical outages around athletics, events, campus activity and students living in the building. All six outages were completed during Ohio University’s winter break within their planned windows, with durations ranging from four to 10 hours. There was no unplanned operational downtime, no occupants were affected and no scheduled events were disrupted. Careful procurement, communication and off-hours planning kept the 553-day effort on schedule.

Challenges

Modernizing electrical infrastructure inside a large, active and mixed-use campus facility required careful planning across every phase of work. Key challenges included:

• Coordinating work inside a 24/7 building that supports athletics, academic offices, events and student housing.
• Scheduling six electrical outages during winter break, with outage windows ranging from four to 10 hours.
• Replacing existing switchgear that was no longer operable while preserving power continuity throughout the project.
• Transferring existing conduits and feeders from older distribution equipment to new switchgear, transformers and panels.
• Reworking the 12,470-volt, 277/480-volt, 120/208-volt and emergency generator systems through separate planned switchovers.
• Sequencing multiple phases of electrical, HVAC, fire system and ceiling work across a 553-day project.
• Procuring major electrical equipment early enough to accommodate long manufacturing lead times.
• Resolving unknown existing conditions, including shared neutrals and feeds that had been modified over years of building use.
• Coordinating electrical installations with AJ Stockmeister, Prater Engineering Associates, Ohio University and the other project trades.

Outcome

Claypool completed major switchovers across the 12,470-volt, 277/480-volt, 120/208-volt and emergency generator systems. The work replaced inoperable switchgear and integrated new distribution equipment, transformers, feeders, panels and transfer equipment with upgraded HVAC systems serving the arena, offices and residence hall.

The completed installation included approximately 1,000 lights, 12,000 feet of EMT conduit, 20,000 feet of feeder cable, three docking stations and three automatic transfer switches. New 15 kV distribution equipment supported the building’s 277/480-volt and 120/208-volt systems.

All six electrical outages were completed during Ohio University’s winter break and within their planned windows. The outages ranged from four to 10 hours, with no unplanned operational downtime, no occupants affected and no disruption to scheduled events.

The project remained on schedule, and Claypool completed its work with no OSHA-recordable incidents. The upgraded systems improved power reliability and safety for the maintenance team and building overall, while the new air-handling systems enhanced occupant comfort throughout 
the facility.

Highlights

• Electrical upgrades inside a 24/7 mixed-use campus facility
• New 15 kV distribution equipment and switchgear lineups
• 120/208-volt and 277/480-volt distribution systems reworked
• Emergency generator system reworked
• Approximately 1,000 lights installed
• 12,000 feet of EMT conduit and 20,000 feet of feeder cable installed
• Three docking stations and three automatic transfer switches installed
• New electrical feeds and VFDs supporting five air handlers and hot water and chilled water pumps
• Six planned electrical outages completed without unplanned operational downtime
• No OSHA-recordable incidents