In data centers, downtime is unacceptable. When a major data center project in Texas ran into an unexpected obstacle, the electrical contractor responsible for the installation knew there was only one place to turn. They needed a remote operating solution for a large load break switch — one that didn’t yet exist — and they needed it within a week.
That challenge ended up in the hands of CBS ArcSafe, where speed, safety, and ingenuity go hand in hand.
From Photos to Safe Operation in Seven Days
The request came in with just nine reference photos and a few key measurements, but that was enough for CBS ArcSafe’s engineering team to get moving immediately.
By the end of day one, engineers had created a detailed CAD model of the switch and all interface components. Fabrication expedited the build, with production and quality assurance teams aligning seamlessly to keep every detail on track. By day seven, CBS ArcSafe’s Travis Herr and Kyle Fincher were on-site in Texas to test fit the new remote switching system.
The unit worked beautifully on the first trial, but the team spotted a small opportunity for improvement. To fine-tune the motion in the switch’s closing direction, they fabricated a redesigned motor arm and shipped it immediately.
The result: a fully functional, custom-built remote operator that exceeded expectations — and kept the customer’s critical project on schedule. The custom solution meant the contractor could operate the switch from a safe distance, protecting personnel from potential arc flash hazards while ensuring that critical systems stayed operational.
Extending the PMT Remote Switching Line
The custom switch solution delivered for this data center, the RSK-PMT-KON, is part of a line of remote switching solutions designed specifically for pad-mounted transformers (PMTs). The RSK-PMT systems can operate closed-door and open-door transformer switching. Because the RSK-PMT has a modular architecture, the ArcSafe team was able to adapt and customize components (such as motor arm geometry) while preserving the proven remote switching architecture behind the system.
The Demand for Uptime
CBS ArcSafe excels in rapid innovation for real-world electrical safety challenges. For data centers, that capability is especially critical. These facilities demand continuous uptime, as any downtime can mean major financial and operational losses. Group CBS’s data center solutions are built for these situations — providing complete life-cycle support for electrical distribution systems, from design through decommissioning, with nationwide NETA-certified field services and commissioning and access to one of the largest inventories of electrical equipment in North America.
CBS ArcSafe’s role in that network ensures that data centers can stay on schedule, safely, no matter how urgent or unusual the challenge. We continues to push the boundaries of remote switching and remote racking technology — showing that we can keep even the most time-constrained projects on schedule while keeping everyone safe.
What can we help you achieve today? Reach out to see how CBS ArcSafe brings its A game to every project.