Olsson Industrial Electric was selected to expand and upgrade the power distribution system at the Seneca Sawmill facility located in Eugene, OR – a $3M project. Designed and built by Olsson, the power distribution expansion includes: the relocation and installation of new 12.47 kV overhead to cable risers; new medium voltage circuits in ductbanks for existing vacuum fault interrupters and a new 15 kV, 6-way padmount switch; installation of seven substation transformers rated 1000 kVA to 2000 kVA; installation of new 15 kV pad-mounted switchgear; and extensive 480 V switchgear and switchboard installation.

One phase of the construction included the installation of a 2000/2300 kVA, Class I, 3-Phase, oil-immersed transformer. The transformer was tied into the existing system with the primary connected to 15 kV switchgear and the 480 V secondary feeding a new compressor/sorter/stacker line via switchgear. The transformer was installed in an active sawmill without any safety incidents or unintended process interruptions.