Chem Annex - Electrical Issues Resolved

Dear Chem Annex Occupants,

On the morning of October 11, a few labs and offices experienced unusual power fluctuations.  The electrical contractors, as well as the F&S electricians, were contacted immediately to begin investigating the causes of these fluctuations.  The electrician soon discovered a loosely connected wire in the main electrical panel located in the basement of Chem Annex. To ensure the safety of the occupants, it was determined to evacuate the building since it would be without electricity for a few hours to correct the problem.

The final diagnosis was identified as a loose neutral wire that was not properly connected and missed during the original commissioning and inspection of the building.  Per the string of emails from the F & S engineers (included below), both the electrical contractors and F&S inspection team investigated every electrical panel in the building to ensure all electrical connections are proper and tight now.  Thus, they have verified the building is safe for occupancy and there should be no further issues.  If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.  This information will also be on the SCS Building Outages/Important Notices blog:  https://scsbuildingoutages.blogspot.com/

Thanks,

D. Chad Stevens, MPA
Director of Facilities and Safety
School of Chemical Sciences
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

168 Noyes Lab, MC-712
505 S. Mathews Avenue
Urbana, Illinois 61801
phone:  217.333.6365
fax:  217.244.5572

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COPY OF EMAIL STRING

After the neutral conductors were reconnected in panel DP-9A, Glesco Electric ,examined branch circuit wiring in the surrounding labs, and found no other damage.  We (myself and Frank Revell of Glesco Electric) also examined other distribution panels as well as the transformer feeding them and found no problems. 

Therefore, we have no reason to believe the Chemistry Annex building is unsafe or unfit to occupy.

Dave Lancaster

Electrical Construction Superintendent

University Of Illinois

Engineering & Construction Services, Facilities & Services

Champaign, Il 61820

office   217-300-2347

cell    217-649-3175

email   dlancast@illinois.edu

Ken and Chad,

Per below, the observed electrical issue at Chemistry Annex was identified and corrective work has been completed. Per below, the electrical contractor, Frank Revell of Glesco, and F&S Electrical Superintendent, Dave Lancaster, also examined other electrical distribution panels as well as the transformer feeding them and found no problems. F&S believes that Chemistry Annex building is safe to be used and occupied as intended.

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to discuss.

Thank you,

Jim

James K. Sims, PE, SE, LEED AP

Acting Director, Engineering & Construction Services

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

P: 217-244-6425