System Reviews

A typical system review will include an analysis of existing conditions and recommended plan alternatives for future (short and long term) work that may be required. The cost/benefit ratio of each plan is considered. We provide a cash flow analysis, prepare reports to obtain funding, submit applications when regulatory approval is required, and move into the design phase when project approval is accomplished.

Transmission and Distribution
Line Design

Our staff is experienced in the design, construction, and operation of high voltage power lines. We will work with you to select a route for the line, obtain the required permits, design the line, prepare bidding documents (plans, specifications, and material lists) for construction, assist in the bidding process, and supervise construction to final checkout of the facility.

Substation Design

Our substation designs (generally for utility clients) range from 138 kV to 4 kV voltages. We will work with you to select a substation site, obtain required permits, design the substation, prepare bidding documents (plans, specifications, equipment, and material lists) for substation construction, assist in the bidding process, and supervise construction to final checkout of the substation.

Short Circuit and Protective Fuse/Relay Coordination

In a situation when a fuse clears or a breaker trips, you may need assistance with a strategy to maximize the performance of your electrical system by minimizing the outage area affected under these conditions.

SPCC Plans

We will prepare the plan required to meet general requirements for spill prevention, control, and countermeasures as listed under section 112.7 of the EPA federal register.

System Mapping

Computers (and the drafting programs that are run on them) have changed considerably since many electrical systems were first drawn on a computer. These systems may now be moving toward database mapping. We can assist a utility with combining its detail maps into one drawing and setting up view ports for the various detail maps. This will allow for a more seamless set of detail maps. Changes made on a master file would automatically update the detail maps.

Electrical System
Computer Modeling

Computer modeling is used to apply power factor correction with harmonic analysis. A system that is modeled in a computer is only keystrokes away from information on short circuit analysis, fuse/relay coordination, load flow analysis, voltage drop analysis, motor starting analysis, and harmonic analysis. We'll help you place modeling software in your office for system updates and remain available to assist you in the use of the modeling software.

Power Factor Reviews and
Harmonic Analysis

Adding capacitors to improve the power factor may save money on utility bills, but can create more problems than originally existed. Improving the power factor in today's electrical environment may require a harmonic analysis. We can provide assistance in this vital area.

Marina Electrical System Design

We've designed electrical power distribution to over 10,000 boat slips throughout the country.

High Power/Low Voltage
System Design

When an architectural or consulting client has a project that involves a high power/low voltage service entrance or coordination with a power supplier, we assist to make that part of the project successful. We work with industrial clients on unique and one-of-a-kind designs for systems that range from 10,000 HP variable-speed drives to large substations for specialized test facilities.

Forensic Engineering

Our capabilities include the equipment and expertise to examine: Shock and burn due to a person's contact with an electrical system. Magnetic and electric fields in the home, industry, or office. Concerns over radio frequency energy due to radio stations, TV stations, microwave/cell/PCS phone towers. Roof mounted cell/PSC antennas; and expert witness assignments.

Workshops and Seminars

Charles Forster, in cooperation with the Department of Engineering Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides training in the electrical design of marina systems, the use of computer modeling software, and power factor review and harmonic analysis as described in the Forster Service Center.

Cable Testing

We microscopically inspect insulated power cables as part of an incoming quality control program for power suppliers. We design power systems and raceway systems for the use of insulated power cables and assist in the field testing of power cables. Normally, electrical testing services provide the cable testing equipment and we assist in analysis of the test results. We provide a microscopic inspection of each failed cable. Forster Electrical Engineering is recognized by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association as an approved insulated power cable testing laboratory.