Electrical Operations

Electrical Operations consists of the Primary Systems Electrical Shop, the Power & Lighting Electrical Shop and the Electrical Utilities Engineering Group. Our combined staff of electrical trades, registered professional engineers, and administrative professionals own and provide stewardship for the electrical distribution and outdoor lighting systems of the Ann Arbor Campuses.

Electrical Operations responsibilities include:

Master planning to ensure the electrical system capacity supports future University growth
Planning to provide reliable power to new buildings, additions, and renovations in an economical manner
Operating, installing, testing, upgrading and maintaining the campus wide primary voltage electrical distribution system
Planning, maintaining, upgrading, and replacing building unit substations and outdoor lighting systems
Planning, designing, installing, and maintaining the electric utility metering and remote data retrieval systems
Providing electrical systems support to the Utilities Outlying Boiler and Tunnel Shops
Accurately monitoring building electrical consumption and approving electrical utility billing charges
Collaborating with AEC, UPO, Michigan Medicine and other departments to promote consistency of electrical installations
Collaborating with the Office of Campus Sustainability and other departments to promote electrical energy conservation and meet the University’s sustainability goals

Electrical Operations Facts

Power & Lighting maintains over 5000 light poles
Power & Lighting maintains over 5200 building mounted lights
Power & Lighting almost 100 miles of conduit/direct buried wire in the ground
Primary Systems has 700 manholes in service
Primary Systems has over 42 miles of duct bank

What is a unit substation?

A unit substation is a self-contained assembly of electrical equipment that is used to transform and distribute electrical power within a facility. It serves as an intermediary point between the high-voltage distribution lines and the lower-voltage systems within the facility. The primary function of a unit substation is to transform the voltage from a higher level, such as medium voltage (typically between 2.4 kV and 13.2 kV), to a lower voltage, usually 480 volts or lower, suitable for the facility's internal distribution system. Unit substations house various electrical devices, including circuit breakers, fuses, and disconnect switches. These components are used for circuit protection, control, and isolation.

What is a switching station?

A switching station is a facility that connects various incoming power lines, outgoing electrical feeders, and other equipment all at the same voltage. It allows for the control and redirection of electrical power, ensuring reliable distribution to buildings on campus. Switching stations are vital for managing voltage levels, isolating faults, and rerouting power during outages or maintenance.

Electrical Operations responsibilities include:

Electrical Operations Facts

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