Demolish and replace the aging 26 kV and 600 volt distribution system OR retrofit breakers andrefurbish malfunctioning components

Abstract

The Jersey City-based New Jersey International & Bulk Mail Center (NJI-BMC), one of the largest United States Postal Service facilities, was dealing with a dilemma regarding its aging 26 kV, 5 kV and 600 V primary, medium and low voltage power distribution systems. Initially, the NJI-BMC explored the possibility of demolishing and installing new high, medium and low voltage electrical equipment. When faced with the question of whether to retrofit or replace the Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) breakers, the NJI-BMC Maintenance team decided collectively to replace the 600 V load center's circuit breakers instead of replacing all high, medium and low voltage equipment. Implementing this option, the USPS saved approximately one million dollars in capital and operating costs.