Strathfield Gets New Ceiling Lights as a Part of a Modern Mailing Centre Makeover

Can you do a commercial and industrial electrical installation in eight weeks? No worries! After delivering great results in record time previously, BTF projects were confident in asking our licensed electricians to take this on. Australia Post’s Strathfield head mailing centre needed new wiring, ceiling lights and more as part of a makeover and expansion. This $174k+ project required intricate planning to ensure a successful result. Read on to learn more – and find out if we met the deadline.

Licensed Electricians for Commercial & Industrial Electrical Installations

Project Overview

We were tasked with a complete redesign, creating new electrical plans, relocation and fit-out (in eight weeks). The site encompassed an entire block, so its sheer size was included as a factor in our planning.

The biggest challenge was to keep Australia Post operating with no loss of productivity. The head mailing centre runs 24/7 – nothing stops the post from being delivered!

Site Preparation and Planning

We always have electrical drawings, project briefs and schedules ready to go to ensure:

• We arrive prepared.
• Prevent downtime and loss of productivity.

New buildings require electrical drawings to show exactly what has been installed and where(*1). As the parcel processing machine room was new, we prepared the electrical drawings from scratch. These state-of-the-art machines can process 10,500 parcels per hour! (*2)

Stage One: Data, Lighting and Power Wiring

The first step was to lay data cabling and wiring for lighting and power. The total length of the fibre cables totalled 245 meters! We also installed

• 10x 3 phase outlets for battery chargers.
• 2x new sets of submain caballing for the new switchboards
• 2x new switchboards
• 10x suspended power outlets
• 5x bigass fans
• All new cable trays for cable management

Keeping the Power On

Maintaining power to sites that run 24/7 can be challenging. However, with good logistical planning and rapport with managers and staff, we did it(*2). Throughout the project, the client made multiple changes to the plans. We readjusted and adapted every time to ensure the project met its exact specifications.

Stage Two: Emergency, Architectural, Ceiling and Feature Lights

We supplied 140 architectural lights and installed 25 high-bay lighting points. To achieve a high-end look, Australia Post had us install an architecturally designed pendant, ceiling, and feature lighting. To reach the ceiling of the massive industrial warehouse, we hired a scissor lift. It was a highly intricate and meticulous job but well worth it.

Stage Three: Kitchen Strip Out (in 12 Hours)

We had a 12-hour window to:

1. Disconnect power.
2. Safeguard the kitchen before demolition.

Electrical safety is paramount – particularly in demolition, so thoroughness was key. We systematically identified every cable being used and what could be stripped out (while ensuring not to disrupt Australia Post staff). We finished on time, not long before the demolition team arrived.

Stage Four: Installation of Industrial and Commercial Electrical Services

We installed all the electrical services that were needed. These included: distribution boards, data outlets, 26 double power points, recessed floor boxes, automated control wiring, and six brand new circuits.

Finalising the Project: AsBuilts

Before finalising any project, we provide our clients with updated AsBuilts(*3). As We Build (AsBuilts) are electrical drawings (diagrams) that show what has been installed and where. These are essential for future fault-finding or renovations.

Our team worked around the clock to make sure this project was not only completed well but on time. To work with Sydney’s most adaptable and professional commercial electricians, contact Lightspeed Electrical.

References*1. Lightspeed Electrical. Commercial Electrical Services From North Sydney To Wollongong. 2021.*2. Cummins, C. Australia Post's Mega-Machine Part and Parcel of Modern Christmas Rush. Sydney Morning Herald. 2018.*3. Ellis, G. What Are As Built Drawings? Autodesk. 2021.