CHRC Tieri Water Booster Pump Station: Switchboard & Shed Upgrade
The Challenge
Central Highlands Regional Council needed to modernise the electrical infrastructure at its Tieri booster pump station, including replacement of an aging switchboard and the shed structure housing it. The project required coordination across multiple disciplines — civil works, structural installation, and electrical systems engineering — to ensure seamless integration of new control and monitoring systems while maintaining water supply continuity.
Our Approach
Deftec managed the complete engineering and integration scope, specifying and coordinating a new switchboard featuring PLC hardware and control systems aligned with CHRC’s preferred equipment standards. We designed the electrical architecture to support the station’s pump operations, incorporating flowmeter transmitters, pressure and level sensors, emergency stop circuits, and comprehensive earthing systems. The project included detailed cable scheduling across power, control, and instrument circuits — from the Ergon supply through to the new pump motors and auxiliary systems — ensuring compliance with local electrical standards and CHRC’s equipment manufacturer preferences (Schneider Electric, Rockwell, and others). Our team worked alongside structural contractors to coordinate the new concrete slab and shed installation, managing the integration of cable trays, electrical installation, commissioning, and delivery of as-constructed documentation.
The Outcome
The upgraded station now operates with modern PLC-based control, improved monitoring capability, and a robust physical infrastructure designed for long-term reliability in a regional water supply context. The project demonstrates Deftec’s capacity to orchestrate complex multi-trade installations where automation engineering must integrate seamlessly with civil and structural delivery.
Technologies and Capabilities
- PLC programming and control system design
- SCADA integration and instrumentation (flowmeters, pressure/level transmitters)
- Switchboard specification and coordination
- Cable scheduling and power distribution design
- Motor control and variable frequency drive integration
- Industrial control relay and soft-starter systems
- Emergency stop and safety circuit design
- Earthing and lightning protection systems
- Commissioning and certification
- As-constructed documentation and operational manuals