Carrigg Commercial Builders completed a comprehensive electrical infrastructure upgrade at the Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center, supporting the long-term reliability and safety of a critical healthcare facility. The project focused on replacing and modernizing aging electrical systems that had reached the end of their useful life, while ensuring uninterrupted operations within an active VA campus.

Working within an occupied medical environment, Carrigg coordinated closely with facility staff to upgrade emergency and normal power systems in compliance with VA standards and national electrical codes.

Project Goals

• Improve reliability and capacity of critical electrical systems

• Upgrade emergency power infrastructure to support life-safety operations

• Bring existing electrical systems into full code compliance

• Minimize disruption to ongoing medical and research activities

• Support long-term facility performance and maintainability

Scope of Work

The project included evaluation, replacement, and modernization of electrical equipment across multiple buildings and functional areas within the campus. All improvements were designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems while meeting current VA and national standards.

Key elements of the scope included:

• Replacement and upgrade of motor control centers, switchgear, and distribution panels

• Electrical improvements to transformers and emergency generators

• Expansion of emergency power capacity in Building 1 mechanical penthouse

• Separation of emergency power systems for research facilities to ensure independence

• Upgrades to normal power systems serving Building 2

• Elimination of obsolete splice boxes and reorganization of feeder systems

• Improvements to hallway lighting management and control systems

• Full compliance with NFPA, NEC, IBC, Joint Commission, VA Design Guides, and applicable codes

Execution & Outcomes

Carrigg executed the work using a phased approach tailored to the needs of an occupied healthcare environment. Coordination with facility management ensured uninterrupted operations while critical electrical systems were upgraded and commissioned.

The project was successfully completed with all systems integrated into the existing building management infrastructure, enabling remote monitoring, troubleshooting, and improved energy efficiency. The result was a safer, more resilient electrical backbone capable of supporting the VA Medical Center’s mission for years to come.