International Center

International Center

What is being done?

Emergency electrical substation shutdown

Why is this being done?

The 120-208 volt distribution transformer is beginning to overheat due to a leaky transformer bushing on the secondary side of the 120/208 volt substation. As a precautionary measure we have tried to tighten the bushings on this transformer to hopefully stop or slow down the leak, however this was unsuccessful and now we must replace the bushing to prevent overheating damage to the transformer since it has lost a significant amount of oil.  The bushing must be special ordered, and the transformer must be taken out of service to complete the work.

How will this impact building occupants?

Since this substation is single ended it will require a full building power outage for about 30-60 minutes to put the substation on a temporary dry type transformer while the repairs are made to the oil filled transformer.  The building will remain on this temp transformer for a month or two until parts can be obtained.  The building outage will affect power on the 120/208 volt loads only (computers, lighting, general receptacles, etc..).  All 480 volt loads will remain on. 

It is recommended that facility occupants’ power down computers and sensitive laboratory/electronic equipment.

Who can I contact for more information?

Dan Bell, skilled trades supervisor, at (517) 432-0566 or belldani@msu.edu, or IPF at (517) 353-1760.