The Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest (CECM) team in Phoenix, AZ, is working on a $2 million electrical contract with Sun Eagle Corporation for the Arizona Department of Administration: Capital Projects – House and Senate Electrical Upgrade.

The House of Representatives Building and the Senate Building, both opened in 1960, have recently experienced issues that have led to building shutdowns. The primary goal of this project is to prevent these shutdowns by installing new plumbing and electrical systems. Due to the age and nature of the buildings, this project has encountered unique challenges, such as outdated plumbing systems and unlabeled circuits.

Another challenge was the building’s old brick foundations; the CECM team had to recess panelboard cans into the brick structure, which was not an easy task. Furthermore, the coordination of work throughout government sessions, tight security, and the presence of protesters has added to the project’s complexity.

General Foreman Brad Voris was selected for this project because of his extensive electrical knowledge, experience, and diverse skill set. He and his team of electricians have installed a new 4,000-amp SES and distribution switchboards, converted motor control centers to distribution boards, replaced all feeder conductors in existing conduits, replaced panelboard interiors in existing cans, and reconnected all existing branch circuits to the new panel interiors.

Brad and his team have demonstrated innovative thinking to accomplish this task. Utilizing existing conduits and panel cans from a 1960s building has presented many obstacles, but they have worked through them safely and efficiently to complete this project within the schedule and budget.