Overview: Electrical Installation for Regional Warehouse Operations
FTI partnered with Ferguson Distribution to provide end-to-end electrical installation, fire alarms and distribution gear for their newly purchased core and shell building, which houses a regional shipping warehouse and storefront. Engaged early in the design phase, FTI helped prevent timeline delays. After the core and shell were completed, the team installed equipment and electrical distribution systems to support and coordinate with both the conveyance contractor and the general contractor. They installed all feeders, intermediate distribution frames (IDFs), low-voltage raceways and over 400 high bay fixtures. Additionally, the team also wired 56 loading docks and excavated 5,000 feet in the pipe yard for IDFs and light poles.
Challenges: Complex Wiring Navigation and Installation Height
The biggest challenge was bringing the utility feed into the building and connecting it to both the new and existing switchgear. This required navigating complex wire pathways, from outside the building, through the concrete slab foundation and up through walls, all while the team battled spring rainstorms and winter weather.
Due to the nature of the building and project, all conduit installation in the warehouse was installed over 40 feet high. This required a strong focus on safety while consistently ensuring materials remained accessible.
Solutions: Creative Problem-Solving with BIM and Excellerate®
The team used creative problem-solving to keep materials dry and create successful paths for the feeds. They used building information modeling (BIM) and FTI’s manufacturing brand Excellerate® to prefabricate conduit bends and supports. This saved the team time and money while minimizing injury risk. They also utilized sourcing productization for all in-wall rough-ins.
