After several months of negotiations and budgeting, in April of 2009 A&F Electric, Inc. was selected as the Design & Build contractor for the new IBIS Forensic & Diagnostic Laboratory in Irvine, www.ibisbiosciences.com. This project, being completed for Abbott Laboratories, is a 5,900 Sq Ft forensic testing and research laboratory tenant interior build-out within an existing 20,000 sq ft multi-tenant commercial condominium complex.

     The project included a new laboratory lighting system with occupancy sensor switching controls, all new branch circuits for laboratory equipment and new electrical support for HVAC and plumbing equipment. A&F tied into the existing 800A 277/480v main switchgear with (2) new 225kva transformers and (5) new panels along with their respective feeders. The main build-out electrical power needed to be separated into “normal” service power and “emergency back-up” power for a new 200A portable emergency back-up generator with a 200A ATS.

     The required “fast-track” design scheduled allowed for only three weeks to complete the electrical engineering and submit to the City of Irvine building plan check department. The design included complete electrical engineering Title 24 calculations as well as equipment list preparation for the owners lab equipment, (fume hoods, bio test equipment, etc), a -80° walk-in cooler with redundant electrical support, autoclaves, air compressors and other laboratory tech support equipment.

The project was completed on time in November 2009.

Project Foreman: Joe Marquez