What is Primary Equipment?

Primary equipment units are an essential component in the delivery of underground power. 

They are electrical infrastructure, such as ground mounted transformers and switchgear units that enable the distribution of electricity to residents through the underground network.

This equipment was previously located on overhead poles, and as part of the conversion to underground power it is being moved to locations on the ground, generally in parks and on public verges.

Primary equipment is housed in green metal cabinets. Depending on the site and installation requirements, a retaining wall may also be required. 

Each site will have its own unique installation requirements to comply with Western Power’s technical specifications, Australian Standards and for community safety.

Western Power endeavours to minimise the footprint of each primary equipment site and has worked closely with City of Vincent to determine each site location following extensive analysis of the network, technical standards and financial costing, and taking into consideration public safety, heritage, environmental and social impacts. 

When will primary equipment be installed for the North Perth/Mount Hawthorn underground power project?

Primary equipment will be installed as part of the construction of underground power. Work will start in the second half of 2024 and is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.

How are the primary equipment sites selected?

The location of primary equipment is dictated by the need for proximity to properties being supplied with power.

Beyond this, the following site selection criteria are applied:

• Where possible, equipment is placed on City owned land (parks, car parks, public open spaces).
• The next choice is the side verge of corner properties, where resident views are minimally impacted, and sight lines from driveways can be maintained.
• Third choice is the front verge of private property, taking into account safety and amenity considerations.

Every effort is made to ensure the chosen site locations have the lowest impact on the surrounding area. If required, landscaping, screening or artwork will be added.

What are the construction impacts of primary equipment sites?

During the primary equipment installation works, there may be some construction impacts such as dust, vibrations and noise.

Noise impacts will be minimised by using equipment that is well maintained and fit for purpose, as well as by scheduling times to have the least impact on residents.

Contractors generally work within regular construction hours. If after hours work is required for public safety reasons or to minimise the outage impact to residents, the contractor will work with the City of Vincent and other relevant authorities to schedule the most appropriate time. Impacted residents will be informed prior to these out of hours works commencing.

To complete the work safely, traffic management may be in place. Please take care around work sites and follow the appropriate signage.

What is involved in the construction of primary equipment sites?

Each primary equipment site is installed according to Western Power’s technical specifications which meet or exceed the Australian Standards to ensure community safety and efficient operation of the equipment.

Although primary equipment sites are not all the same, the steps involved in construction are: 

• Construction starts with the site being pegged with survey stakes to show the actual footprint.
• The ground is checked for third party services before being excavated.
• Once the hole has been dug, the soil at the base is levelled and compacted to prepare for a crane to position the equipment. 
• The equipment is installed correctly, then the electrical cables are terminated and tested.
• When this is complete the site will be backfilled and compacted.
• The site will have a border installed, or if required a retaining wall, then a layer of blue metal placed around the assets.

Does the primary equipment make any noise once installed?

Primary equipment does emit a slight humming sound as part of normal operation. The noise can be compared to that made by a quietly running fridge.

The locations of primary equipment are selected to comply with the Western Australian Environmental Protection (Noise Regulations) 1997.