University Electric adds spark to Rich Center for Autism renovations

Above ceilings and behind walls, University Electric made upgrades to improve The Rich Center for Autism inside YSU’s Fedor Hall.

The work ranged from new lighting and conduit to electrical feeds for new HVAC equipment, while making use of existing infrastructure where possible.

University Electric foreman Mike Keleman said changes to the layout on the lower level drove much of the electrical work.

“Walls were moved to create spaces that could be utilized better, and in moving those walls came a lot of electrical and mechanical changes,” Keleman said.

Wiring for a new layout

The reconfigured rooms required electricians to essentially start fresh with the lighting system.

“We re-piped the lighting because of the changes. The old lighting was set up for the old layout, and it just didn’t work anymore. So, we abandoned all of that,” he said.

The new system included LED fixtures, dimmers and occupancy sensors that automatically shut off lights when spaces aren’t being used.

“There wasn’t much ceiling space available. It was a challenge to get some of the fixtures in, but luckily newer ones are thinner than they used to be,” Keleman said.

Other changes were dictated by the new layout itself. Electrical panels mounted on walls slated for demolition had to be moved as the spaces were reconfigured.

More power, little disruption

New HVAC equipment required larger electrical feeds than the units they replaced. That meant finding breakers compatible with some of Fedor Hall’s older electrical panels.

Tracking down the right components took some extra legwork.

“It’s like finding parts for an old car. After so long, there’s such limited supply,” Keleman said.

Supplying one of the new HVAC units meant running power across a sizeable stretch of the building.

“We got really lucky that we didn’t have to disturb any of the classrooms and just pulled the old feed out and pulled the new one in,” Keleman said.

Some of the HVAC work also put electricians in unusually tight quarters, including behind a new air-handling unit.

“We’ve been crawling back and forth because our feed comes in on the other side of the wall.”

Electricians also exercised caution while working in the ceiling space above rooms used by The Rich Center. They had to move carefully and pay attention to how they were handling tools and materials.

Adding capacity where it counts

University Electric also put in an emergency subpanel after the existing system ran out of space for additional emergency circuits.

“If the whole building loses power, a generator will kick on and provide power to essential equipment,” Keleman said.

Upgrades to the fire alarm were also made as part of the renovations.

The Rich Center recently celebrated the completion of the second phase of its nearly $2 million Building for Tomorrow renovation with a walkthrough for YSU partners and community members.

The lower level now provides flexible space for professional development, gatherings and programs serving individuals with autism and their families.

“Knowing our work is helping create a better place for kids and families who use it makes this project special,” Keleman said.

University Electric is a member contractor of NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association consisting of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.