Victoria's best electricians and projects named

Victoria’s best electrical and communications contractors were recognised at the National Electrical and Communications Association’s annual electrical industry Excellence Awards. Sixteen companies across eight categories received the top state award in front over 600 industry representatives.

The winning projects in 2014 included electrical, lighting and communications installations.

The winning companies and their projects are listed below:

Category - Domestic Residence

A single residence project in the domestic sector where the applicant’s contract value is less than $1 million.

Winner: Argus Technologies Solutions

Project: Private residence in Mornington Peninsula

Why: Argus Technologies aimed to offer the client excellent functionality while remembering the home was to be a family-friendly environment with consideration given to how the home would be used, and by whom. Argus was able to achieve this by utilising some of the same technologies the family were previously accustomed to while also including the automation of all lighting, security and multimedia equipment.

As the property had a heritage overlay, Argus Technologies was responsible for preserving the history and character of this home while making it family friendly and functional.

Category - Small Contracting Business

A small contractor, employing fewer than 10 technical employees, demonstrating a wide range of skills and may be a company or project based.

Winner: Deacam

Project: Airservices Australia

Why: This job had numerous speed humps and headaches, but we believe the greatest achievement was to convince the German design team that a small electrical firm from Healesville, with a spare bedroom for an office and a shed for a workshop, could not only install the system but become an integral partner in the project.

The magnitude of this achievement was realised when we were called upon as an extra to our contract to design and install the control system for the Zone 0 and Zone 1 hazardous areas that were needed to supply the training ground with a number of dangerous gases and liquids.

Category - Environment and Energy Efficiency

A project where the design, product selection, lighting, processes or technologies have created an energy-efficient or sustainable installation and/or made a significant contribution to preservation of a site’s natural environment.

Winner: Australian Wind and Solar

Project: Project 13131

Why: The awards are a benchmark of excellence within our industry and proof that there are talented businesses in our given specialisation that strive for excellence and handwork. To be recognised as a winner of this year’s awards, reflects the outstanding work and dedication performed by the team at Australian Wind and Solar in providing quality renewable energy options to our clients, said Adam Falzon, Managing Director.

Category - Lighting

A commercial, industrial, residential, hospitality, retail or sports project of any value where the lighting achieves a high level of visual, technical and aesthetic excellence.

Winner: Walker Electrical Contracting

Project: Lighting Poles and Lighting SGC Korumburra

Why: The major accomplishment our business achieved during this project was to complete the new lighting facility for our local sporting club and community, of which we are a part. A project of this scale has expanded our business capability to seek larger and more technically developed projects for our local region.

Category - Industrial Project - Small

An industrial project which may include, but is not limited to, undertakings of a civil, mining, high-voltage, manufacturing or process nature where the contract value is less than $2 million.

Winner: Laser Electrical Ballarat

Project: Electrical Installation and Commissioning for Laucke Flour Mills, Bridgewater, Victoria

Why: Taking on such a large project part way through the construction process provided many challenges to the team including being flexible to changing schedules and changes in scope while working closely with and around the civil and mechanical contractors but still maintaining the project budget. It allowed a couple of team members to extend their leadership and project management skills, while developing and refining procedures and documentation to streamline the installation and testing processes.

Category - Commercial - Small Project

A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is less than $500,000.

Winner: Argus Technologies Solutions

Project: Carlisle Homes, Spectra Selection Centre

Why: The company is very proud to be associated with such a quality building project which has tested our resources and set us challenges enabling us to provide state-of-the-art technological solutions exceeding our client’s expectations.

Strong leadership, project management and careful planning from beginning to completion have enabled the company to meet all objectives and provide solutions, quality workmanship and client satisfaction.

Commitment, clear communication, team work and a sense of satisfaction for a job well done was felt by all involved in the project.

Category - Commercial, Medium Project

A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is more than $500,000 and less than $3 million

Winner: ADJ Contracting

Project: Box Hill Institute Integrated Technology Hub

Why: The architectural intricacies of the building demanded a high level of coordination to successfully preform the installation. The ability of our staff to maintain such quality output was a credit to all involved.

Category - Commercial, Large Project

A commercial project where the applicant’s contract value is greater than $3 million.

Winner: Nilsen

Project: Telstra Data Centre

Why: Rob Selymesi, General Manager of Nilsen, said: “Nilsen’s greatest accomplishment was pioneering the integrated use of new technologies, Revit and Trimble, to achieve exceptional quality in the fit-out of the Telstra Data Centre. Revit enabled the intensive collaboration - with our client, other contractors and trades on site - required to solve the complex programming, space and time challenges posed by this substantial project. Our people have paved the way for major productivity advances in the MEP industry.”