Interstate Designs Electrical System for First Ever Archimedes
Hanover Pond Dam in Meriden, Connecticut is generating power again for the first time in decades, using an ancient technology never before used in the U.S. Meriden is home to the first Archimedes hydro-generation screw in the country. Interstate designed and built the electrical elements of the project. From concept, to a drafting design, to a final design approved with the City of Meriden – Interstate provided electrical design and installation on the project. The end result is a 220 kilowatt generation system that sends its electricity right back to the...
Ask the Electrician: Preventative Maintenance
There are several critical tasks that we recommend all commercial property owners complete on a regular basis, regardless of the building being at full capacity. The top two priorities are the fire alarm systems and emergency lighting systems, as these are invaluable in the case of an emergency. Frequency of fire alarm inspection may be mandated on a town by town basis, but if not, we suggest quarterly. Also on a quarterly basis, we recommend testing the generator and Automatic Transfer Switch (also called an ATS) to ensure it is...
Interstate Uses Prefabrication Production on Maine Medical Project
Interstate Electrical Services announced that its prefabricated production technologies are being used in the construction of Maine Medical Center’s brand-new building on its campus in Scarborough, Maine. Upwards of 50% of the electrical content for the project is being pre-built at Interstate’s 100,000sf operations center in Tewksbury and delivered to the job site on an as needed basis. Using just-in-time-delivery, Interstate streamlines the building process developing prefab packages that include power panels, in-wall outlets and switches. All components undergo quality checks and are UL-certified before being packaged in reusable crates for...
Ask the Electrician: Infrared Testing Assures Power Reliability
Ensuring that your commercial building runs safely and without power outages can be hard work, but upholding preventative maintenance is imperative. Start with an infrared scan of your electrical system to ensure that you aren’t blind to an accident that’s waiting to happen. Understanding infrared scanning—and how to get the most of it—will help you meet the requirements established by the National Fire Protection Association for a predictive maintenance program that’s performed on a routine basis. A Hidden Problem Infrared scanning will give you an inside look at your building’s electrical system—the...
Powering Life Sciences: Electrical Solutions for Critical Facilities
Life sciences facilities, such as research labs and pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, have unique electrical requirements that demand specialized expertise. While life sciences projects will share similarities with other commercial building projects, they involve more complex electrical systems due to the specialized equipment and stringent electrical requirements. For example, life science facilities typically require at least 16-20 watts per square foot. They also need emergency generators and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), in case of a power outage, for sensitive equipment like refrigerators and freezers, which require precise temperature control running at...
Interstate Electrical Services Hosts Massachusetts Secretary of Labor, Rosalin Acosta
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker recently proclaimed, "Massachusetts Apprentice Week." Massachusetts Secretary of Labor Rosalin Acosta presented the governor’s proclamation to Jim Alibrandi, president of Interstate Electrical Services, during visit to the company’s 100,000 square foot UL-certified Operations Center in Tewksbury Mass. The proclamation recognizes the value of apprenticeships, noting that Massachusetts employers “have found it increasingly difficult to meet talent needs for a variety of skilled positions” and that “registered apprenticeships are a critical tool to close this skills gap.” Acosta said that overcoming the unfounded stigma sometimes associated with trade school...