What Is Electrical Design-Build?

Electrical design-build is a project delivery method where the electrical contractor handles both the design and construction of electrical systems. Rather than separating responsibilities between an engineer and a contractor, design-build consolidates communication and responsibility into a single team. That team at Prairie Electric includes estimators, project managers, CAD/BIM experts, and licensed electricians, each collaborating from the very first meeting.

This method allows for smarter planning, better coordination, and faster problem-solving. When the people designing your electrical system are the same people who will install it, nothing is lost in translation. That kind of continuity is essential on complex jobs like high schools, industrial facilities, and mixed-use buildings.

Why Developers and General Contractors Choose Prairie Electric

With decades of experience in the Pacific Northwest, Prairie Electric has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality electrical solutions on some of the region’s largest and most complex projects. From Ridgefield to Portland to Pasco, we’ve partnered with developers, general contractors, and architects to build systems that are safe, scalable, and code-compliant.

When you choose Prairie for an electrical design-build project, you’re getting more than just installation. You’re getting early-phase insight into constructability, cost control, and system integration. We identify potential conflicts before construction begins, helping you stay on schedule and within budget.

The Benefits of Design-Build

Why is design-build gaining traction in the electrical world?

• Speed: With overlapping design and construction timelines, projects move faster.

• Cost Control: Fewer change orders mean fewer surprises. Early budgeting is more accurate.

• Collaboration: Everyone is on the same page from day one including the engineers, estimators, and field crews.

• Flexibility: Changes in scope can be handled in-house without delay.

• Quality Assurance: The same team is responsible for both the planning and the outcome, narrowing any margin for error.

Design-Build in Action

Prairie Electric has completed electrical design-builds for:

• Lincoln High School (Portland, OR): A 300,000-square-foot, multi-phase construction project requiring BIM coordination, AV systems, security, and more.

• Reser Fine Foods (Hillsboro, OR): A manufacturing and distribution facility featuring full process control, telecom/data, and integrated fire and security systems.

• 550 MLK (Portland, OR): A seven-story, 132-unit mixed-use building with complete building electrical, security, and communication systems.

What Makes Prairie Different?

Design-build means we can offer early involvement, proactive communication, and deliver work that meets our own high standards. We’ve built our internal teams to handle everything from BIM modeling to pre-fabrication, reducing the risk of miscommunication and driving efficiency on every project.

Because we’ve worked on everything from high schools to distribution centers, we know how to scale and adapt our approach based on your project’s unique demands.

If you’re considering a new commercial build, tenant improvement, or large-scale renovation, now is the time to bring Prairie Electric into the conversation. Our design-build team is ready to collaborate with your architects and general contractor to create electrical systems that are smart, efficient, and built for the future.

Ready to simplify your next project? Contact Prairie Electric today to start the conversation with our design-build team.

Electrical Installation in Washington & Oregon

At Prairie Electric, we specialize in providing top-tier electrical installation services for both residential and commercial clients in the Pacific Northwest. Our expertise spans everything from home rewiring and EV charger installations to complex industrial projects. With decades of experience, we understand the unique challenges and deliver tailored solutions to meet your needs.

Residential Services:

From panel upgrades to hot tub wiring, Prairie Electric ensures your home systems are safe, up-to-code, and built to last. Learn more about our residential offerings.

Commercial Services:

Businesses rely on Prairie Electric for everything from large-scale electrical system installations to outdoor lighting and generator solutions. Explore our commercial services.

No matter the size of your project, our licensed electricians are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

What is Electrical Installation?

Electrical installation refers to the process of setting up electrical systems, components, and wiring to provide power to residential, commercial, or industrial spaces. It encompasses everything from designing the electrical layout to installing circuits, panels, and fixtures.

The process typically begins with assessing the property’s power needs and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. It involves tasks such as wiring, panel installation, and integrating fixtures like outlets and lighting.

Installation also includes verifying the system’s safety through testing and certification. Each installation is customized to the unique demands of the space, ensuring durability and functionality.

Understanding the complexities of electrical installation is key to a successful project – whether it’s a small home upgrade or a large-scale commercial build.

Commercial vs. Residential Electrical Installation

While the fundamental principles of electrical installation remain the same, the scope and complexity vary significantly between residential and commercial projects.

Residential Installation

Residential electrical work often involves smaller-scale systems tailored to a single home. Common tasks include:

• Wiring new builds or remodels.
• Installing panels, outlets, and lighting.
• Adding specialty features like EV chargers or hot tub wiring.

These projects, though detailed, are typically completed by a smaller team and require less extensive planning.

Commercial Installation

Commercial electrical installation is far more extensive. These projects often involve:

• Powering large office buildings, retail spaces, or industrial facilities.
• Integrating advanced systems like automated lighting or industrial equipment.
• Managing significantly higher power loads.

Commercial installations require meticulous planning, larger teams, and extended timelines to meet safety codes and operational needs. Prairie Electric has the experience to handle both residential and commercial projects with ease.

Common Problems During Electrical Installation

Electrical installations can encounter challenges, but many issues are preventable with expert planning and execution. Some common problems include:

• Improper Wiring: Using the wrong wire size or material can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards.
• Overloaded Circuits: Failing to account for power demand can cause breakers to trip frequently.
• Faulty Grounding: Improper grounding increases the risk of electrical shock or system failure.
• Code Violations: Non-compliance with electrical codes can result in unsafe installations or fines.

Prairie Electric’s experienced team ensures every project adheres to safety standards, minimizing risks and delivering reliable results. Read more about electrical installation hazards.

Examples of Electrical Installation

At Prairie Electric, we handle a wide range of electrical installation projects. Below are examples to showcase our expertise:

Residential Projects

• Hot Tub Wiring: Safe and efficient installations for seamless relaxation.
• EV Charger Installation: Eco-friendly solutions for your electric vehicle.
• Backup Generator Installation: Reliable backup power during power outages.
• Home Additions & Remodels: New wiring, extra outlets, and upgrading panels.
• Outdoor Electrical: GFCI protection for outdoor outlets, lighting, and appliances.
• Underground Services: Efficient underground infrastructure installation.
• Residential New Construction: Working with the largest home builders in the Pacific Northwest.

Commercial Projects

• Panel Shop: Prefabricated and automated industrial electrical panels.
• Surge Protection: Ensuring the safety of key equipment.
• Design Build: Expertise for commercial facilities from pre-construction to completion.
• Industrial Automation: Tailored solutions for large-scale operations.
• Commercial New Construction: Critical infrastructure including generators and data centers.
• Transportation Utility: High voltage wiring, traffic signal installation, excavation services, and more.
• Outdoor Lighting Systems: Enhancing safety and aesthetics.
• Data Cabling: Connecting buildings with cutting-edge data cabling.

No matter the project type, Prairie Electric delivers results that exceed expectations.

Electrical Installation Costs

The cost of electrical installs varies widely depending on the project’s scope, size, and complexity. Residential installations are generally less expensive than commercial projects, but factors like custom designs, equipment, and labor can influence the total price.

To get an accurate estimate, schedule a consultation with Prairie Electric. We’ll provide a transparent breakdown of costs tailored to your project.

Electrical Installation Jobs

Interested in a career in electrical installation? Prairie Electric offers a range of opportunities for electricians at every stage of their careers. From apprenticeships to journeyman positions, we provide:

• Hands-on training with industry experts.
• Competitive pay and benefits.
• Opportunities to work on exciting and diverse projects.

View our dedicated careers area and apply today!

Why Choose Prairie Electric?

With over 40 years of experience, Prairie Electric has earned a reputation for excellence in electrical installation across Oregon and Washington. Our team combines technical expertise with a customer-first approach, ensuring every project is completed to the highest standards.

Whether you’re upgrading your home’s electrical system or managing a large commercial project, Prairie Electric is your trusted partner in Vancouver, Portland, Ridgefield, and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule your installation!

The story could be much more dramatic. Fortunately, your building’s well-maintained surge protective equipment isolates the power surge to one circuit. These measures prevent a widespread outage and can even save you from a hazardous fire breaking out.

Whether from poorly designed power systems or intense electrical storms, a power surge can come at any point and wreck your industrial systems. While they last only a fraction of a second, a surge can potentially destroy hundreds of thousands of dollars of sensitive equipment if not properly protected against. This could be computers, networks, high-tech machinery or equipment, and more. Business owners could lose years of customer information, production analytics, sales data, and inventory tracking.

It’s vital to ensure that you have commercial surge protection at all times, which requires working with an experienced commercial electrician to get everything up to date.

Surge suppression vs. Surge protection

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different aspects of protecting your electronics. Surge suppression specifically involves devices that are designed to reduce the intensity of voltage spikes, minimizing their impact on your electrical system. This is just one component of the broader concept of surge protection, which includes various methods to shield your equipment from harmful power surges. Surge protection might also involve grounding, bonding, and the use of surge protection devices (SPDs) that redirect excess voltage away from sensitive electronics.

Upgrade from off-the-shelf solutions

Standard surge protection devices, such as those found on multi-outlet cords for residential use, will likely not offer the high level of protection your business needs. You need to invest in stepping up your surge defenses. Commercial-grade surge protection is worth it to ensure peace of mind, uninterrupted operations, and a safe work environment. The cost of a professional surge suppression installation could actually save you money on equipment repairs, and also protect your reputation with customers. After all, the long-term impact of lost data or interrupted digital services can be far-reaching.

When it comes to protecting your business equipment, surge suppression is key to ensuring that your electronics operate smoothly, and to prevent costly damages. A building without power surge protection is undefended against power spikes and possible short-circuiting. This could lead to electrical fires caused by electricity that jumps by thousands of volts in mere milliseconds.

Commercial surge protection is critical not just in industrial facilities or data centers, but also retail stores and the healthcare field. If you’re a healthcare professional, you should not rely on off-the-shelf devices to protect patient information or life-saving equipment from power surges.

Is your surge protection up to code?

If you manage a commercial building, it is important to keep up to date with new regulations put in place to ensure your business is safe and up to code.

For example, the National Electrical Code (NEC) introduced new standards for surge protection as recently as 2023. Here are the key points:

1. Mandatory Surge Protection: Surge protection devices (SPDs) are now required for all services supplying dwelling units (e.g. hotels, nursing homes, dormitories). This ensures that electrical systems are protected from unpredictable customer electronics and appliances.
2. Location of SPDs: SPDs must be installed at the service entrance. This protects the entire electrical system of the unit from surges originating outside.
3. Type 1 or Type 2 SPDs: The NEC specifies that the SPDs used must be either Type 1 or Type 2. Type 1 SPDs are installed between the utility service and the service disconnect overcurrent device. Type 2 SPDs are installed on the load side of the service disconnect overcurrent device, including the main panel.
4. Coordination with Existing Systems: When replacing service equipment, the SPD must be installed if it is not already present. This ensures that upgrades and replacements bring older systems up to current safety standards.

These changes aim to enhance the safety and reliability of commercial and residential electrical systems by mitigating the risks associated with electrical surges. Consult the National Electrical Code to learn more about the current requirements for surge protection and other electrical safety measures.

Commercial lightning protection

One bolt of lightning from an electrical storm can damage electronic equipment beyond repair. Installing a commercial-grade lightning protection system can help disperse a power surge and prevent potential damage. Expert commercial electricians can recommend and install the best lightning protection solutions for your facility so that you are ready to keep operating safely through any weather.

How surge suppression protects your equipment

Surge suppression is key for any business that utilizes sensitive technology or heavy machinery. Prepare your commercial building’s electrical system for large equipment to turn on or off unexpectedly. The building needs to handle the resulting destabilization of electrical currents. The amount of electrical power needed to start the machine can cause an internal surge in other electrical devices such as servers, computers, climate control, and more.

Make sure that your electrical system is covered by power surge protection for the safety of key equipment, and to prevent the loss of critical data and productivity. When hard-drives lose power unexpectedly it can cause irreversible damage to data.

Power surges can damage servers and hard-drives in a number of ways, including:

1. Hardware damage: The intensity of large power surges can melt metal and plastic components. Circuits get “fried” so completely that the data stored becomes irretrievable. The repair and replacement of this complex equipment comes with a hefty price tag.
2. Data loss: Customer data or services can go down in a power surge. You risk losing the trust of long-term clients and customers, ultimately impacting the future of your business.
3. Overheating: Power surges can damage the HVAC systems which are vital to keeping servers and data centers functioning. Without proper cooling the temperatures of perfectly functioning IT equipment rises quickly and can cause damage. Data storage devices can go into meltdown if they reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Overheating can also cause internal damage that leads to shorts in devices.

Commercial surge protection solutions

Data and heavy machinery form the backbone of so many businesses. Therefore, it is important to consider a secondary line of defense against power surges which goes beyond the individual devices used. Installing surge suppressors at the main electrical distribution panel for your business can act as an all-encompassing measure against power surges. It will redistribute dangerous levels of current and help even out more powerful machinery use over the entire system. This will prevent flooding the electrical network all at once.

However, surge suppressors do not act as emergency failsafe systems for power outages. Invest in a backup generator for the best protection when a storm or other catastrophic power outage strikes your business. Run a generator during an outage in order to shut down heavy machinery safely and back up stored data before crucial information is lost forever.

Also tie surge protection into a strategy of ongoing maintenance. Then, your building’s electrical system is always prepared for the unexpected.

Commercial Electricians in Vancouver, WA

Interested in protecting your business from electrical surges? Contact Prairie Electric to find out the best surge suppression system for you. Whether you run a small business, a large company, or are constructing a new business in the Vancouver, WA area, we can help you design and install a power surge protection system. This will ensure your business is safe from dangerous spikes in power output plus unexpected lightning strikes and power outages.

What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Wiring?

Commercial wiring is designed for businesses, schools, hotels, co-living spaces and mixed-use facilities. In contrast, residential wiring is meant for homes and apartments. Commercial jobs are often more complex, with higher electrical demands and larger electrical panels. This complexity is particularly evident in commercial spaces like business parks, where multiple businesses may require different levels of electrical support.

Wiring Types and Power Phases

The installation methods also differ between residential and commercial buildings. Commercial buildings typically use tube-like conduits for electrical protection, while residential wiring often uses plastic sheathing around thin wires. Although conduits are rare in residential settings, they may be necessary in some cases.

Another key difference is in the power supply. Residential wiring usually operates on single-phase power, while commercial electricians work with three-phase power, which supplies significantly more electricity.

In commercial settings, the range of electrical needs is vast. Hospitals rely on specialized medical equipment, factories operate heavy machinery, and food distribution facilities depend on reliable refrigeration. Each of these environments has specific electrical requirements to ensure safety and efficiency.

Choosing the Right Electrician for Your Project

When hiring an electrician, consider the type of property involved. Residential electricians focus on homeowners and their specific needs. In contrast, commercial or industrial electricians work with contractors and architects on large-scale projects, often requiring detailed blueprints for electrical installations. Residential electricians typically do not handle these larger tasks, although they must still meet safety codes.

Electricity powers our world, and we’re here to keep you connected! If you need reliable and experienced electrical contractors for your commercial or residential project, look no further than Prairie Electric. Our design-build experts ensure that your electrical systems meet your needs, whether for new construction or upgrades.

In addition to new builds, we offer a range of repair and re-wiring services for homes and facilities. We also create custom-designed panels for specialized applications in aerospace, medical, and military fields. Have an idea for improving efficiency in your plant? Contact us today to learn how we can assist you!

For more than 35 years, we’ve helped power the region across a wide range of projects: the Faubion School at Concordia University; the Columbia Precast Products headquarters; and The Canyons on North Williams Avenue in Portland — just to name a few.

Prairie works with both residential and commercial partners, as well as transportation and utility companies to provide world-class electrical services.

As the Pacific Northwest grows, so does Prairie Electric. So chances are you’ll continue to see our trucks and some of our 200-plus electricians out and about as we work on a variety of projects.

Prairie Electric

One of our most exciting endeavors, however, is less likely to be noticed — at first glance, anyway. That’s because it takes place under the hood, so to speak.

Increasing numbers of electric vehicles cruise our nation’s highways and byways. Thus, the market and infrastructure for these modern marvels are expanding.

Prairie’s skilled Manufacturing Team is on the cutting edge of electric vehicle technology.

More and more manufacturers are introducing electric vehicles into their fleets to help keep the nation’s businesses and economy rolling while reducing noise and greenhouse gas emissions. Prairie Electric builds wiring harnesses for these vehicles.

It’s just one of the many electrical services we provide for our clients.

Electric Vehicles and Wiring Harnesses

Wire harnesses are sets of electrical wiring, connectors, and terminals that relay information and power to the innumerable devices on a contemporary vehicle. Modern vehicles have thousands of connections, and Prairie has the tools, equipment, and know-how to fabricate these complex and fascinating harnesses.

While wiring harnesses themselves are not new, the demand for their fabrication is growing. That demand provides a glimpse into an electric vehicle future with applications across a wide range of industries — from commercial trucking and agriculture to aerospace and medicine.

For example, the trucking company Penske recently revealed that one of their electric trucks had already covered 10,000 miles.

As posted by the Associated Press, Penske Logistics “successfully logged more than 10,000 over-the-road miles making multiple, daily store deliveries on dedicated routes in Southern California for a leading quick-service restaurant chain using two, electric Freightliner Innovation Fleet Cascadias. The company believes it is the first truck fleet operator in the United States to achieve such a feat.”

Finally, as more and more nations come online, the need for wiring harnesses for electric vehicles will increase as well.

In fact, PR Newswire reports that the global automotive wiring harness market size should reach $77 billion by 2025.

The increase in demand for automotive wiring harnesses is being driven by four factors, PR Newswire says:

1. Increased vehicle production
2. The rising integration of electronic devices in vehicles
3. The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in developing regions
4. Government incentives and tax benefits

Long story short: The demand for wiring harnesses for electric trucks and other vehicles is on the way up — way, way up!

And, as usual, Prairie Electric is at the forefront of this technological trend.

Contact Prairie Electric today with any questions.

Vancouver’s Prairie Electric is happy to be a part of the latest and perhaps most innovative CLT construction project in North America: The Canyons on North Williams Avenue in Portland. Prairie is the electrical contractor for the Canyons, while Portland’s R&H Construction, in conjunction with Kaiser+Path, provides general contracting services.

The Canyons project is truly unique, providing “barrier-free” living spaces that are ideal for older residents, those with limited mobility, or people looking for a modern, accessible apartment that’s been thoughtfully designed “for comfort, connection, and safety.” (The Canyons is neither age- nor ability-restricted. All are welcome!)

R&H constructed The Canyons with cross-laminated timber, an innovative engineered wood product that is truly a sign of things to come in the United States. 

What Is Cross-Laminated Timber?

Producers make CLT by gluing beams of wood together perpendicularly to fashion layers of wood boards up to a foot thick. They’ve been utilizing CLT in Europe for a couple of decades now, but there’s been an uptick in interest here in the States over the lasts few years. And as time goes on, building methods and procedures are improving — as is the ability of designers to plan for taller construction projects. Plyscrapers!

The Pacific Northwest is at the forefront of CLT building systems in the U.S. In fact, D.R. Johnson, a wood products manufacturer in Riddle, Oregon, was the first company in the country to be certified to manufacture structural CLT panels. And Portland companies such as the architectural firm Lever and real estate developer project have been awarded prizes in the U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition.

Kaiser+Path (that’s Kaiser Group developers and Path Architecture) is leading the way with their cross-laminated timber designs and developments for tall urban buildings in the U.S. The future is in wood-building construction. Prairie Electric will be right there alongside developers, providing quality, reliable electrical installation services to these massive, important commercial builds.

Benefits of ‘Plyscrapers’ and CLT Construction

What are the benefits of CLT construction? Let us count the ways!

1. It’s sustainable. Made from our region’s most renewable resource and sourced from trees that are 10 inches or fewer in diameter. Kaiser+Path says that harvesting these trees from dense forests helps prevent the spread of wildfires. Plus, builders can use CLT made from leftover sawmill scraps as well as newly harvested materials. Finally, according to Smithsonian magazine, “the buildings themselves become carbon sinks rather than carbon producers.”
2. It’s good for business and industry. According to a 2015 editorial in The Oregonian/OregonLive, Oregon’s annual timber harvest is half what it used to be, representing a loss of more than 30,000 jobs since the mid-1980s. The increased appeal of CLT construction has reinvigorated a long-dormant timber industry.
3. It requires less energy. According to Kaiser+Path, “CLT is lighter than steel or concrete, and requires less energy to produce, transport and assemble.”
4. It’s super durable. CLT is stronger than steel and is one of the most seismically resilient building materials in the world. Why? Because the joints between boards help buildings dissipate energy more efficiently, minimizing the damage that can occur during an earthquake.
5. It’s fire resistant. This sounds implausible at first, doesn’t it? A wood building is fire resistant? Well, yes, actually. Kaiser+Path says that wood chars on the outside. CLT creates a protective seal that prevents the inside of the wood beams from burning.
6. It’s beautiful! On walls, floors, and outside entryways — wherever and whenever an appreciative eye falls on timber construction — wood is warm, inviting, and connects living spaces with the natural environment.

Other benefits of using cross-laminated timber CLT as a structural material: Faster construction times, improved thermal performance, and lots of versatility when it comes to quality control, building codes, and the timber building designs themselves.

Prairie Electric and The Canyons

One of the more creative and astonishing innovations the Canyons will feature is a Japanese-style alley running through the building filled with storefronts open to the public. Along with the building itself and the units that comprise it, this wonderful alleyway is another project that will keep Prairie Electric busy all summer, fall and into December. (The building will open in 2020.)

You can learn more about the Canyons project and about plyscrapers in general here.

Prairie Electric is an award-winning electrical contractor. We’ve served the residential and commercial communities of the Pacific Northwest for more than 35 years.

Contact Prairie Electric today to see what we can do for you.

And keep an eye out for the grand opening of The Canyons!

What is an industrial electrical panel?

Simply put, you can think of an industrial electrical panel comparable to your home’s breaker box. It serves a similar purpose. However, it’s not quite the same thing, and in electrical panel shop, special steps must be taken to ensure that all Art. 409 codes and requirements are followed for safety, security and protection.

First, the panel must be built to the correct specifications – it needs to be of the right type, of the right size, and located in the appropriate place to meet Art. 409 requirements. These will vary from panel to panel depending on the specific use of the panel, the connection types and more.

While some industrial electrical panel designs are ubiquitous, some needs are more complex. This requires custom electrical panel building and design, also called supplier engineering. In this instance, you (the client) will work with a supplier to design not only the industrial electrical panel, but the wiring and layout within the facility. For instance, this would include everything from the swing of the cabinet doors to the number of electrical outlets per circuit and more.

Electrical Panel Considerations:

Other considerations that must be made when designing and building an industrial electrical panel in a panel shop include the ambient temperature in the area where the device will be located. If the temperature will be high, such as near a process area, then the panel may require a ventilation fan to maintain temperature, or even air conditioning within the panel cabinet in some instances. These bring with them the need for additional maintenance, from cleaning fan blades to cleaning AC filters periodically.

An industrial electrical panel should include optimum overcurrent protection, the right short circuit current rating, the correct ampacity for supply conductors, proper grounding and good workmanship. Failing to meet these requirements will mean that your panel does not comply with Art. 409 requirements, but that it may also pose a significant safety risk to personnel within your facility.

Electrical Panel Shop Services and Products:

Panel shops offer some of the best ways to customize exact operations the way you need for your industrial space or business. Control panels are built to fit the operational requirements for virtually any industry, including hydraulics, HVAC, medical, refrigeration — you name it. An electrical panel shop can vastly improve the efficiency of everyday industry processes through automation. Depending on the type of operations that must be programmed, control panels can automate a host of actions and tasks, including:

• Elevator operations
• Amusement park rides
• Outdoor water features
• Assembly lines
• Heating/cooling systems
• Building security operations

Why choose our Prairie Electric panel shop?

Prairie Electric offers a UL® 508 authorized panel shop. This means that we have received an Underwriter Lab Safety certification and must meet high standards that address safety, quality and customer service. There are a lot of benefits to working with an electrical manufacturer that has a UL® 508 authorized panel shop:

• Competition’s got nothing on us: We can cut through expensive delays caused by red tape by removing red-tagged panels at the building. In addition, our technicians undergo UL-hosted trainings and workshops to ensure they are highly knowledgeable and up-to-date on panel shop technologies.  
• Strict adherence to building codes: To become certified, a panel shop must meet high manufacturing standards, including wiring protection, safe component usage, and compliance with NEC and CEC requirements.
• Flexibility with component sourcing: Due to an agreement between UL and CSA International, customers who choose a UL-certified shop have more freedom when sourcing components. Previously specified CSA components can be used in UL panels.

Electrical panel shop services and products:

On top of Prairie’s UL certification, here’s a quick list – but by no means exhaustive – of the panel-related services and products we offer:

• Complete turnkey system integration
• PLC, HMI, & PC Based Control Systems
• Continued support throughout industrial panel life:
  • 24-hour repair service
  • System maintenance and troubleshooting
• Panel manufacturing
• Retrofitting

Our experienced technicians will be there to work on every step of the electrical panel-building process, starting from design, to installation and technical support. Prairie electricians can also work with your OEM facility build control systems throughout the design process to ensure seamless integration.

Looking to improve system operations for your industrial space or business? Prairie Electric has over 30 years of experience in electrical contracting services in Pacific Northwest. Contact us today and speak with a knowledgeable electrician about our panel shop and services we provide.

Structuring Design-Build Projects

Design-build means the contractor provides project design and executes the work. Team members across construction disciplines work together under a single entity to produce drawings and construction plans.

Entire team involvement from concept, to planning, to project execution can reduce the risk (and cost) of change orders or rework. Assembling electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors early in the process also promotes condensed (and practical) building schedules, since activities such as pulling permits can occur concurrently with design work.

Design-build contracts are typically written by a lead contractor who acts as a single point of contact with the customer during the project. The process occurs in phases, allowing the team to react to changes throughout the project and adapt design and build plans as needed to meet objectives.

How to Choose Electrical Design-Build Contractors

Although effective, the integrated delivery of a design-build process is demanding and requires a robust skill set. Use this checklist to find the right electrician in Vancouver, WA for your design-build project. Look for an electrical contractor who has:

• Strong engineering skills to be able to assess the project’s objectives and then develop the electrical and electronic equipment and systems to meet them.
• A dedicated design staff to provide the precise project planning needed to keep costs in line.
• Up-to-date tools and equipment needed for designs and accurate cost estimates such as the latest version of AutoCAD and Revit.
• Prior experience with design-build projects. Transforming a plan on paper into reality requires project management skills, including the ability to ask the right questions, then listen to responses, and find the right solution. In some ways, raising the building is the easy part.
• Demonstrated understanding of utility requirements as well as city and state jurisdictions since subcontractor work requirements that may vary across locations.
• Adaptability to take the lead as prime contractor, particularly with projects with intensive electrical focus, such as telecommunications upgrades.

Making the Process Work for Your Project

Your role as owner of a design-build project includes the following responsibilities:

• An explicit and well-defined project scope
• An outline of team responsibilities / roles and how you’ll measure their success
• Willingness to make informed, sound decisions quickly
• Trust in your design-build contractors’ capabilities and experience
• Consistent and clear communication throughout the project

Industry research over the past few years has demonstrated that compared to a design-bid-build process, the design-build approach for projects delivers better cost and on-time performance, reduces change orders, delivers better quality and enhances response to evolving needs throughout the project. Your return on investment with design-build hits your books sooner, too.

Expert Electricians in Vancouver, WA

At Prairie Electric, our design-build teams are part craftsmen, part visionaries, and part problem solvers. We value partnerships, and bring experience, work ethic, responsiveness and common sense to each project. Contact us to discuss how we can help bring your project to life.

Because the cost of Bitcoins is ever-fluctuating, it is more important to focus in on how much electrical hours it takes to produce Bitcoins, and less on the actual monetary cost of the Bitcoin itself. Due to the incredibly high cost of running a bitcoin server, it is best to calculate the average cost of Bitcoin mining before investing in a server.

Power requirements for a Bitcoin server

Bitcoins are generated through an cypher-based process. The large amount of energy used to create Bitcoins is tied up in this cypher, which is incredibly hard to figure out but easy to prove once solved. Thus, the amount of work that goes into creating a Bitcoin is tied to a source of production. Bitcoin miners invest in a server whose sole purpose is to solve these cyphers and earn bitcoins.

Since Bitcoin is an entirely online currency, these servers require a large amount of electricity to run, in some cases up to 215 kilowatt hours for each single Bitcoin. This is an enormous cost, but can be a worthwhile investment as the return on cryptocurrency continues to grow. While the power requirements to mine Bitcoin are high, the payout remains higher in the current economic standing.  

Be aware that setting up a Bitcoin server can have a huge impact on your electric bill. Studies show that in some states the cost of gaining one Bitcoin can range from $32,000 – $78,000 in electrical costs. This does not even begin to compute the main hours necessary to set up a mining operation, or the cost of the equipment. If you are interested in investing, make sure you are prepared for the initial electrical bill. In order to operate a Bitcoin server, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper equipment and safeguards in place, as the overwhelming strain on your home’s electrical servers may lead to blackouts and other issues.

Electrical contractor in Pacific Northwest

If you have any questions about the potential issues that may be faced by setting up a Bitcoin server, or you want to negotiate electrical prices, feel free to contact Prairie Electric. We’d be happy to discuss the future electrical costs of your Bitcoin server, or just answer any questions you may have about the cost of electricity in your area.

Simply put, clash detection is a tool used in the building information modeling (BIM) process. During clash detection, a computer model of a building to be constructed shows the team where parts of the structure — e.g. pipes, air ducts, even the structural frame itself — improperly or wrongly intersect and interfere with each other.

SpatialCorp.com provides two examples of object clashes:

1. Hard clash, such as “plumbing running through a wall in the wrong way.”
2. Soft clash, or a design that doesn’t take into account future space requirements. For example, “an HVAC system (that) needs space to allow for maintenance workers to operate in to service the system. If the building design lacks that space, it will see a soft clash.”

Let’s say we’re in the design phase of a large supermarket. We’re nearing the time to build. Todd, a member of our electric design-build team, boots up the latest version of Navisworks (3D design review software).

Todd hits a button and the screen lights up with 3D frames and systems. Most elements of the soon-to-be supermarket — electrical, mechanical, structural and plumbing — are laid out in different colors and geometric shapes. He begins to make a few adjustments in the settings, switching rotations by a few degrees so everything is lined up and he can get to work.

Within seconds, the first major clash detection is spotted: A water pipe is splicing directly through a structural beam. Todd makes a quick note, which is sent to the appropriate teams and keeps moving through the interference check.

Clash Detection and 3D Modeling

This is an example of the kind of headache that can be avoided by using clash detection — and one aspect of what makes it so useful. It enhances the design process in such a way as to save thousands of dollars — not to mention hundreds of work hours — before building time.

On a project the size of a supermarket, Todd’s checklist will most likely reveal tens of thousands of errors. This list will have to be worked through daily across various teams.

3-D Modeling is nothing new in construction. But it remains a monumental leap forward from the design processes of old. In those days, tradespeople would gather around hard copies of plans laid out on a table. They’d then mark it up as if they were FBI agents coordinating a stake-out.

Sketches and 2D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) back then wasn’t perfect; it was the best we had at the time. Still, they were limited and could even be a sort of black hole in terms of resources.

This is no longer the case.

One story comes to mind: a 90,000-square-foot office building where a mechanical contractor won the bid by submitting a 3D design that reduced costs by 25% and resulted in 150 fewer man hours.

Benefits of Clash Detection

The benefits go beyond the budget, though. Owners love clash detection and 3D modeling because they can do a fly-through of the building and get a feel for the space before it’s built. Architects are able to maximize interiors.

Mostly, clash detection allows coordination between trades. In Todd’s example, he had plans from several different disciplines. Each element has to fit in perfectly with the rest — and in spaces with especially tight dimensions. He was able to isolate overlaps and let each team know what needs to be fixed or redesigned.

The problem is that, while many companies have Navisworks, Revit or other modeling software, it doesn’t mean they understand how to properly use it. To properly utilize this clash detection software, you’ll need an expert.

During design and construction, the clash detection process can show you a master model. It can pinpoint where a clash occurs, such as air conditioning units without adequate maintenance space or features that occupy the same space as others. Once identified, clash problems are simple to manage and clash reports can be sent to all stakeholders.

Prairie Electric

Clash detection is a specialty at Prairie Electric and a fundamental piece of our design process. We have teams in place that are experts in this software and can save your construction project thousands of dollars by avoiding change orders and reducing people hours.

The construction process is filled with details. A structural engineer at a construction site has his duties, and the electricians do, too.

If you have a multifaceted project, you need a company with deep design expertise. Our Electric Design Build team is the best in the business.

Let us know how we can help.