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 Lawley underground power project?

Primary equipment will be installed as part of the construction of underground power. Work is scheduled to start in late 2025 and is expected to take approximately 16 months to complete.

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. 

Hyde Park

Is Western Power complying with the relevant Heritage Act/s for equipment sites in heritage areas?

Western Power undertakes an initial Heritage Assessment of each underground power project area before starting network design. Hyde Park, as a registered Aboriginal Cultural Heritage site, is the only affected site in the North Perth/Mount Lawley project area.

Once the network design for this project area is completed, Western Power will undertake a further Due Diligence Assessment as required by the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021.  They must follow the correct processes to obtain relevant authorisation/s prior to placing equipment within Hyde Park.

Why can't the equipment planned for Hyde Park be located elsewhere?

There is one new primary equipment site proposed within Hyde Park to serve the North Perth/Mount Lawley project area.

Primary equipment needs to be located within a few hundred metres of those properties being supplied with power. In this instance, the only viable alternatives would be verges next to or in front of someone’s home or business, or on private property. Vincent aims to reduce impacts on people’s homes and businesses by identifying City-owned land such as parks and car parks, wherever possible.