Electrifying High-Rise Living: Multi-Phase Scalable EV Infrastructure Deployment at The Fordham
Project Details
How We Modernized the EV Charging Infrastructure at The Fordham
As electric vehicle adoption accelerates, premier residential facilities require robust electrical upgrades to meet tenant demand. Omega Electric engineered and deployed a comprehensive, multi-phase EV charging infrastructure modernization at The Fordham in downtown Chicago. By strategically expanding the building’s power distribution networks from the basement to the 10th floor, we provided immediate dedicated charging capabilities for dozens of residents while establishing a scalable, future-ready framework for building-wide adoption.
What Was the Scope of Work for this Electrical Upgrade?
Executing a commercial electrical modernization of this scale within an occupied luxury high-rise required meticulous logistical planning and safety protocols. The engineering strategy divided the distribution system into distinct service zones to minimize disruptions to the building’s daily operations.
- Upper Levels: For the upper levels, our field electricians tapped into an available 1200A switch within the existing main switchboard (SWBD-H-2) to feed a new central 1200A, 480V Siemens distribution panel on the 10th floor. From there, power was stepped down via high-capacity transformers to feed sub-panels strategically located on the 9th, 8th, 7th, 6th, and 5th floors.
- Basement Level: Simultaneously, the basement infrastructure was isolated and fortified with a dedicated 150 KVA transformer and a 400A panel.
- Network Integration: To support smart load management and point-of-sale software embedded in modern EV chargers, we extended high-speed internet by deploying wireless access points across all levels of the garage.
- Structural Integrity: Before any coring or multi-floor conduit routing took place, comprehensive concrete slab scanning was executed and approved by the building engineer to guarantee the structural integrity of the facility.
Key Highlights:
- Massive Service Expansion: Engineered an infrastructure solution delivering dedicated 30-amp electrical circuits and high-capacity distribution capacity across multiple levels of the parking complex.
- Precision Industrial Rigging & Mounting: Installed heavy-duty Siemens panelboards and high-efficiency transformers, perfectly leveled and elevated above finished floor lines to safely accommodate sloped high-rise garage structural geometry.
- Rigorous Safety Integration: Executed proactive structural concrete slab scanning before executing any floor coring or penetration activities, ensuring zero impact on the high-rise’s structural elements.
- Smart Network Infrastructure: Deployed a robust wireless network extension across all garage levels to guarantee reliable cellular and data synchronization for modern smart-charging hardware.
What Commercial Equipment Was Used for the Deployment?
- Siemens P5 Series Panelboard (DPH-10-EV):1200A, 480Y/277V, 3-phase, 4-wire copper bus with a 1200A solid-state main breaker featuring LCD display metering and Dynamic Arc-Flash Sentry (DAS) maintenance mode.
- Siemens P3 Series Panelboards (DPL-10-EV & DPL-8-EV):800A, 208Y/120V, 3-phase, copper bus distribution panels.
- Siemens P2 Series Sub-Panels:200A and 400A bus rated at 208Y/120V with 42-circuit branch configurations for individual EV circuits.
- Siemens P2 Series Basement Panelboard (LP-B-EV): 400A, 208Y/120V, 3-phase, copper bus with a 400A main breaker.
- High-Capacity Power Transformers: 300 KVA and 150 KVA 3-phase transformers (480V Delta to 208Y/120V), custom-mounted 6 inches above the finished floor for stability on sloped surfaces.
- Networking Hardware: Garage-wide wireless access points tied directly into the facility’s existing internet backbone for charging unit telemetry.
- Logistics & Integration: All conduit routed strictly at right angles to the building structure for a professional appearance, with precision concrete slab scanning performed prior to multi-floor penetrations.
Like this Project Spotlight?
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST
––– PLEASE SHARE –––
We're passionate about our work and hope you share our enthusiasm! If you appreciate what you see or know someone who could benefit from our services, please feel free to share this page using the convenient Social Media buttons below. It's easy, and we truly appreciate your support!
Back To Projects PrintNeed an EV Infrastructure Assessment for your property?
If so, use the form below and let us know. We're happy to help!
Or simply call 847-640-0505 to speak with a TSC Sales Representative.