Data Centre EICR

Hugh Percival • Feb 14, 2023

Bespoke projects for mission critical systems

A bespoke EICR project for HPES Technical Solutions 

A respected, multi-disciplinary design consultancy near Chelmsford in Essex approached HPES Technical Solutions Ltd (HPES) as they were seeking a contractor with a passion for providing consistently reliable service. The project was a bespoke EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) at a data centre facility for one of their clients, which was described as containing largely "Mission Critical" systems for various global users.

 

Following their design and oversight of the technical construction for a 15MVA data centre in Slough, the consultancy had been asked to identify and engage a trusted contractor. A personal recommendation was made, and we were approached.

 

Site visit 

A site visit was arranged. HPES met with a design engineer from the consultancy and the Engineering Manager of the site. During the visit, HPES ascertained what was most important to the facility and illustrated our competency to carry out the work. We assured them that we were experienced in the field, took time to understand their concerns, and showed that they could trust our team to work with care to achieve the agreed scope of work.

 

Detailed specification & method 

Further to the site visit, we submitted a detailed specification to the consultancy. This provided precise details of systems, equipment, submains, and circuits that would fall under the scope. It also clarified how work would be carried out to ensure that there would be no disruption to services relied upon by the end users. 

 

Continuity of service 

After refinements and clarifications, the method was agreed upon. This enabled suitable risk assessments to be assembled, ensuring both safety for individuals and assurance of continuity of service

 

Operational requirements of collocated clients of the centre were considered, and dates were planned with care. HPES reserved dedicated teams to complete the project within the timescale agreed. Consideration was given to staff cover, ensuring that progress would remain on track in the event of unplanned absence. 

 

A Technical Project Manager role was assigned to the job between two named team members. They were in attendance on site for the duration of the contract. Their brief was to facilitate progress, provide guidance where required to the client and teams, ensure that time scales were adhered to, and ensure technical compliance was achieved.

 

Project completion 

The project was completed within the window allocated, and documentation was provided in a clear format to the models shown in BS 7671 "Requirements for Electrical Installations. IET Wiring Regulations". Further information, including itemised perceived departures from the standards, was provided in a supplementary document giving clear descriptions, images, and clarification information.


HPES are proud to have subsequently been selected to carry out remedial works as identified necessary. Our unambiguous system of making detailed observations, supported by clear photographs, ensured that the client could see the issues needing to be addressed. 


We always respect privacy, security & NDAs, and so, as a result, any images used are stock images.


14 Aug, 2023
Our mobile system Our system is flexible and allows us to work at large scale very easily to any required spec’. We can work on any temporary power system from a single power source with one socket upwards. It’s the larger jobs where things really come into their own and where the data feedback, and efficiency of what we do, come to the fore. We use a mobile device tool to capture information from the field. The raw data is transferred to a highly secure service provider, meaning the information is safe as soon as it is captured and uploaded. Any changes that are required to the data (such as if someone realises that they have entered a circuit description incorrectly) are tracked and time stamped. Information gathering and data clarity Multiple images are taken as we carry out our inspections and tests. These can provide the client with clarity or enhanced information if we have identified something that should be reported. Any things we feel are appropriate to flag are immediately made available to our client. We tend to use an online portal for convenience and efficiency, which is connected directly to our site gathered data. This portal displays the values we have measured, the matter that the inspector believes to require flagging and all the images we have taken of that part of the electrical system. If we can make a problem go away, we always try to. Things like a breaker being left at an incorrect setting or a loose lug can be quickly attended to. We always ensure that the appropriate people know what we have done. On-site documentation review During our time on site, we regularly review the test documentation that our teams are submitting. From questioning values that don’t quite “feel” right to the clarification that a system has been put together in the way described, the second eye over the data is an integral part of our process. Test documents collated With all information reviewed, we collate all the test documents. We also provide schematics giving clear “as built” drawings of the systems we have visited. This is supplied as a pack to the client electronically, usually while we are still on site. A flexible, scalable solution The next time you wonder if there is an easier way of testing a temporary power system when time is tight, and the number of systems is large, we can very quickly and easily provide a solution. Much better than trying to fill in paper documents in the wind and rain. Let us know your requirements, and we can devise the fastest way of considering the equipment that you are installing. Your headache of trying to get the testing done is one we are happy to take away.
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