8 am devotions were at the site this morning, so we were able to start our work tasks by 8:30.  Yesterday, I mentioned that work seemed to go into ‘hyper-drive’.  Today that trend seemed to continue–maybe even faster as the newer members of our team learn where the various supplies and tools are located.

With all the interconnecting conduits installed between the three panels used for providing power to the 800 amp distribution panel in the power room, the process of installing the 500mcm (about 1″ diameter) cables began.  Two 500mcm cables are required per each of three phases and two for neutral.  This means there are 8 cables to be installed per run.  One run is from the 800 amp breaker to the ATS (automatic transfer switch and another run is from ATS to the 800 amp distribution panel.  There is also a run of 8 cables from the standby generator to the ATS but these are slightly smaller 350mcm (about 0.9″ diameter) cables.  Paul was the ‘work horse’ on this project–bending the cables by hand, or with a special bender at times.  I was kept ‘hopping’, just cutting the various lengths of cable as he needed them.
Meanwhile, Bruce was busy modifying connectors to attach the 350mcm cable to the standby generator.  The modifications were done and half the cables were connected by the end of the day.

Steven completed installation of the 18″ wide cable tray, and its supporting brackets, that run between the power room and the transmitter hall.  He and Lionel (a TWR Bonarian worker) had to design and weld the support structure for the last section of cable tray, which is a 90 degree bend into the power room.

While Ralph and I went to the duplex for lunch and a siesta, the rest of the team ate their sack lunches at the site.  By the time we got back, Paul had finished wiring up the two step-down transformers for the air conditioner condensing units.

Jim and Jake continued to make good progress on the multiple long runs of large copper tubing for the air conditioning.  For some reason, all the coupling and elbows are fitting tighter than normal on the copper tubing.  This is slowing the process of soldering the joints.

Philip and Brian installed conduits and 8 four foot lighting fixtures and in the transmitter hall.  These fixtures will use LEDs instead of fluorescent tubes.

Quitting time, 4:30pm, arrived quickly again, and I am amazed at how much has been accomplished in just two days.  Tomorrow, it should be possible to begin installing the much longer runs of cables.  I am glad that we have the six young men to help with this part of the project.  One of the cables is 100 feet long, about 2.5 inches in diameter, and heavy!  Actually, all the cables are heavy!!

We learned that the air handlers with their cooling coils for the air conditioning units are on the island, but no one is available to transport them to the site until Thursday.  Fortunately, we still have enough other work to keep us busy tomorrow.  Pray that these air handlers will arrive before causing any delay in the work.

I joined Steven, Paul, Phil, Bruce and Jake or a half-hour cool-off swim Bachelor Beach before supper.

Supper this evening was rice and chicken, peas, cole slaw, and pear halves.  Dessert was a Dutch wafer cookie called stroopwafel.  In addition to water, there was again ice tea and lemonade for drinks.  We really appreciate all the effort on the part of Maryjane and Virginia!