Crown Towers, Woolloomooloo

Infrastructure upgrade
  • Location: Woolloomooloo, NSW
  • Client: DCE Contracting
  • Scope: Main switchboard replacement and electrical infrastructure upgrade
  • Delivery: 16-hour critical shutdown
  • Outcome: Delivered on time and on budget, aligned with an Ausgrid HV maintenance outage

The Crown Towers Woolloomooloo upgrade was a main switchboard replacement and electrical infrastructure upgrade delivered by DM Electrical for DCE Contracting, completed within a 16-hour Ausgrid-coordinated shutdown. DM Electrical assessed the building's ageing infrastructure and delivered a practical upgrade, replacing the end-of-life main switchboard while keeping supply reliable for residents and commercial occupants.

The existing supply

The site is supplied by two separate Ausgrid substations: an 800A primary supply and a 630A secondary supply that acts as a backup through an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) arrangement. The complexity of the existing network meant extensive planning, site investigations, engineering reviews, and Ausgrid coordination were needed to develop and execute the upgrade strategy.

The switchboard works

The works involved replacing the existing main switchboard and terminating both incoming supplies into a new custom-built switchboard assembly. DM Electrical then reconfigured and re-fed the building's distribution through three separate 630A outgoing supplies serving essential services, non-essential services, and the unmetered tenant distribution network.

Coordination and delivery

The building comprises 144 residential apartments and several commercial tenancies, so stakeholder management and outage planning were critical. To minimise disruption to residents, tenants, and building operations, the works were programmed to coincide with a scheduled Ausgrid high-voltage maintenance outage, allowing the major infrastructure works to be completed within a tightly managed 16-hour shutdown window.

DM Electrical managed every aspect of the project, including infrastructure design, switchboard engineering and procurement, stakeholder coordination, Ausgrid liaison, outage planning, installation, testing, and commissioning. Working closely with Ausgrid operators and project stakeholders, the upgrade was completed safely, on time, and within budget.

Key project elements

  • Infrastructure assessment and upgrade design
  • Replacement of end-of-life main switchboard
  • Custom-designed and manufactured switchboard solution
  • 800A primary supply and 630A backup supply integration
  • Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) configuration
  • Reconfiguration of building electrical distribution systems
  • Supply to 144 residential apartments and commercial tenancies
  • Extensive Ausgrid liaison and outage coordination
  • Delivery during a critical 16-hour shutdown window
  • Completed safely, on time, and on budget

Project FAQs

Can you replace a main switchboard without shutting the whole building down for days?

Yes. At Crown Towers Woolloomooloo the switchboard replacement was completed within a single 16-hour shutdown, timed to coincide with a scheduled Ausgrid high-voltage maintenance outage to minimise disruption to residents and tenants.

Do you coordinate the works with Ausgrid?

Yes. DM Electrical managed all Ausgrid liaison and outage planning, working alongside Ausgrid operators through the design, shutdown, and commissioning of the upgrade.

What is an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) arrangement?

An ATS automatically switches a site to a backup supply if the primary supply fails. Crown Towers runs an 800A primary supply and a 630A backup, and DM Electrical integrated both into the new switchboard.

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4.9 (68)
  • L
    Linda Mapledoram
    3 months ago

    Have been using the company while renovating a kitchenette and general updates throughout the premises. Found the service positive in response to all requests and prompt in delivery. Highly recommend.

  • R
    Raymond Lambie
    7 months ago

    Shaun was great. Replaced our fuse box and installed a smart meter. He was a pleasure to deal with and took the time to explain everything to us. Very happy with the job DM Electrical did.

  • V
    Vic Gigliotti
    a year ago

    We had a power outage across half our office and couldn't find the issue. DM sent an experienced electrician who solved it within 20 minutes. Extremely professional, clean and efficient. We can't recommend Dan and the team highly enough.

  • T
    Tracey Hollings
    a year ago

    The team were punctual, polite and very efficient. Did an excellent job, which was a challenge considering the damage involved. They also did a great tidy up job. Left no mess. Highly recommend the team.

  • L
    Lewis Haines
    10 months ago

    Dan and his team of highly qualified tradesmen did the level 2 change over of our electrical mains. The service, attention to detail, communication and speed is unparalleled to any electrical service I have had.

  • C
    Claudine Athas
    a year ago

    Within an hour Dan sent the team to sort my urgent outage at work. He was kind, empathetic and professional. The problem was fixed and new power points installed with no fuss. Thanks Dan, you're a legend!

  • N
    Neil Smith
    a year ago

    Thanks to Dan for organising my job so promptly. Luke and Cooper are very pleasant young men, polite and professional, who did an excellent job. I would definitely recommend DM Electrical.

  • H
    Heather Rudkin
    8 months ago

    Excellent service provided on a timely basis which resolved a significant electrical issue at our home.

  • C
    Chase Burrows
    a year ago

    Amazing job, issue was fixed quickly and for good money. Good blokes too! Couldn't ask for anything better, definitely will be going back.