NECA recognises Tasmania’s best electricians and projects

The National Electrical Communications Association (NECA) has recognised the best Tasmanian electrical and communications contractors at the annual electrical industry Excellence Awards. Four companies across five categories received the top state award in front of over 260 industry representatives including contractors, educators and government representatives in Elwick last week.

The winning projects in 2011 included the electrical, lighting, voice and data installations throughout the new Hotel Collins, Tasmanian Polytechnic campuses, an IGA supermarket and a fish feed plant in Cambridge. “This year NECA received a variety of nominations and it is very encouraging to see that Tasmanian electricians and electrical businesses are leading Australia in everything from occupational health and safety through to energy efficiency and integrated installations,” said NECA Tasmania President Jim Heerey.

The winning companies and their projects are listed below:

Category - Small contracting business
A small contractor, employing less than 10 technical employees, demonstrating a wide range of skills and may be a company or project based.

Winner: BJ Banks Electrical
Project: Hotel Collins and Penthouse
Why: BJ Banks designed and installed the complete integrated electrical, audiovisual, television, Austar, data and communications for the new Collins Street hotel. The Penthouse has an impressive energy rating and is designed with C-Bus integrated controls for lighting, air conditioning and blinds. BJ Banks used LED and fluorescent lighting where possible to assist with energy efficiency. Overcoming the need to relocate the electrical substation was a key achievement and the project was completed on schedule.

Category - Industrial project - small
An industrial project which may include, but is not limited to, undertakings of a civil, mining, high-voltage, manufacturing or process nature where the contract value is less than $2m.

Winner: Contact Electrical
Project: Polytechnic Substation Upgrades Stage 2
Why: This complex contract involved upgrading substations across four Tasmania Polytechnic sites in Hobart, Devonport and Newnham. Much of the work was completed out of hours so it did not interrupt the daily business at each campus. Alternative power was required for the existing fire, security and IT system while the switchboards were being replaced. Contact Electrical also installed new low-voltage main, fire panels and extinguishers, emergency and exit lighting, warning signs and importantly, new master keyed locks.

Category - Industrial project - large
An industrial project which may include, but is not limited to, undertakings of a civil, mining, high-voltage, manufacturing or process nature where the contract value is greater than $2m.

Winner: PSG Russell Smith
Project: Skretting Australia
Why: The work required the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the upgrade of all electrical and communications systems at Skretting Australia’s fish feed plant in Cambridge, Tasmania. Over 20,000 construction hours were completed by the highly skilled staff of PSG Russell Smith to deliver the $3m project on time and on budget to enable the plant to double its capacity.

Category - Commercial - small project
A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is less than $500,000.

Winner: Contact Electrical
Project: Bridgewater Regional Trade Training Centre
Why: Contact Electrical was engaged to supply, install and commission all electrical and communications services at the new trade training centre in Bridgewater, Hobart. The installation needed to be of the highest standard and demonstrate initiative to set an example for future installations considering it was a Trade Training Centre. Contact Electrical installed state-of-the-art integrated systems that will assist with positive learning outcomes for many students into the future.

Category - Commercial - medium project
A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is greater than $2m.

Winner: Giles Electrical Contractors
Project: Browns IGA Supermarket Longford
Why: The scope of the project was to supply, deliver, install and test all electrical and data systems for the supermarket. This involved an integrated solution to site main switchboards, cable ladders and ducts, all wiring, internal and external lighting, emergency lighting, wiring of equipment, PA system, security and data and communications. The installation was even more impressive because of an integrated energy-efficiency monitoring system that would help the client save money on its energy bills.