Upgrading electrics at the Smithsonian

When the Smithsonian Institution was preparing to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary this year, an overhaul of electrical infrastructure was an integral part of the plan.

Founded by the United States Government in 1846, the renowned US museum and research institution has holdings over a host of museums, libraries and educational institutions. It engaged ABB to upgrade critical power infrastructure at its second-oldest building: the Arts and Industries Building in Washington, DC.

Opening in 1881, this historic museum has over the years showcased transformative inventions such as Edison’s lightbulb, the first telephone and rockets from the Apollo missions. As part of a larger ‘Historic Core’ renovation project, ABB stepped in to carry out the intricate modernisation of the building’s electrical systems.

Ensuring the reliability of crucial electrical infrastructure was essential. Modernisation was a priority, not only to enable the building’s reopening for 250th celebrations, but also to strengthen its ability to operate safely, reliably and sustainably.

ABB retrofitted the site’s switchgear with custom-engineered circuit breakers manufactured at its US Electrification Service factory in Florence, South Carolina. These breakers were designed with integral fusing to meet the site’s specific fault current protection needs, and to support increased operational demand, especially as visitor numbers surged during the celebrations.

As well as powering lighting and exhibits, the building’s electrical infrastructure supports the south side of the National Mall and neighbouring Smithsonian facilities, contributing to the operations of the wider campus.

ABB’s Electrification Service team began with detailed maintenance across existing equipment, including three switchgear line-ups and six network protectors. Every component was assessed, tested and prepared to ensure a strong foundation ahead of the upgrade.

The project then progressed to modernisation, integrating circuit breakers with enhanced system protection designed to respond more quickly to faults. Additionally, new safety features and labelling were updated to help reduce risk for personnel working on or near energised equipment, strengthening overall operational safety.

The upgrade also allows the Smithsonian to manage its infrastructure using integrated monitoring and data capabilities that enable continuous visibility into system performance, allowing potential issues to be identified and addressed proactively.

“It’s been a complex project involving some agile thinking and great collaboration between our team and that of the Smithsonian,” said Pedro Robredo, Senior Vice President of Electrification Service – Americas Region, ABB.

“We were delighted to have a role in strengthening the critical infrastructure of one of the country’s most prestigious institutions, and at such a significant time. It’s been an honour to support the Smithsonian’s priorities of safe and reliable operations both now and into the future.”

The building has now reopened for a four-month period as a central gathering point for the 250th anniversary celebrations, welcoming visitors to the nation’s capital.

Image caption: The Central Rotunda in the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building. Image credit: iStock.com/Noah Sauve