Fuji SMBE Macquarie is delivering Australian-made low-voltage electrical switchboards and power infrastructure to six new Sydney Metro stations and their associated administration and maintenance buildings along the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Line.

Fuji SMBE Macquarie was engaged by the builder, Parklife Metro Consortium (a joint venture that includes Webuild and Siemens) to supply 44 low-voltage switchboards, including main switchboards rated up to 5000A, along with associated power systems across multiple sites.

“Fuji SMBE Macquarie delivered everything on time or early, was highly responsive to enquiries, and worked with us to overcome any project challenges, helping us meet our deadlines every time,” said Jason Karakira, Parklife Metro Senior Project Engineer.

“Additionally, their build quality is exceptional, giving us confidence that we are delivering a reliable long-term solution,” he added.

Custom-engineered solutions

Due to tight architectural footprints and limited switch room space, the switchboard designs required careful optimisation from the early design stage.

“To work around the limited space, Fuji SMBE Macquarie helped us with back-to-back switchboard designs and unusual L-shaped boards. Right from the start, they were accommodating of all our requests and displayed eagerness to complete the job to our satisfaction,” said Karakira.

Once installed, the switchboards needed to seamlessly integrate with Building Management and Control Systems (BMCS). Extensive control logic coordination was undertaken during the design phase, with switchboards developed to integrate with station-wide monitoring and control systems.

“This is a detail-intensive process, with lots of extra controls and internal wiring. Using an iterative design process, Fuji SMBE Macquarie worked with us to make sure everything integrated smoothly and worked efficiently,” says Karakira.

Standards compliance and testing

All switchboards supplied by Fuji SMBE Macquarie were manufactured and assembled in Australia and designed and verified in accordance with AS/NZS 61439.

Additionally, Fuji SMBE Macquarie worked with Parklife Metro, to meet a range of other rail-specific standards.

Comprehensive Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) was conducted prior to delivery, including simulation of BMCS control interfaces to verify low-voltage and high-voltage control functionality and system performance.

Fuji SMBE Macquarie also provided us with on-site commissioning support, assisted us with staged energisation and ensured each system operated as designed before being brought into service,” says Karakira.

Phased delivery

Delivery was staged across multiple live construction sites and aligned with varying site programs. Close coordination with station builders and construction teams meant switchboards were delivered, installed, and energised in line with phased construction and commissioning schedules.

“This phased approach meant that we could align with construction programs and optimise subcontractor resources,” says Karakira.

“Throughout this project, Fuji SMBE Macquarie has displayed outstanding technical expertise andservice, and a willingness to accommodate customisations and new requests.”

When it opens, the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line will transform Western Sydney’s transport network.