News

  Download PDF

Fremont, CA, June, 2010 – IEM, the largest independent full-line manufacturer of electrical and power quality equipment in the U.S., recently completed rigorous seismic testing for its entire line-up of low voltage switchgear, medium voltage switchgear and PIU, PIE, & CDP panels to comply with California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) earthquake certification requirements. Testing was completed at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio,TX under the direction of IEM and San Francisco based Forell/Elsesser Engineering, Inc., structural consulting engineers.

“Seismic testing is particularly important for switchgear that is controlling power supplies to utilities and companies in critical industries like healthcare and data centers,” said Ashok Kulkarni, Vice President of Engineering at IEM.  “This certification and pre-approval exemplifies IEM’s commitment to test beyond accepted standards to deliver the most reliable electrical distribution products in the industry.”

IEM can now supply these pre-approved products to healthcare facilities in California without having to shake-test the units, resulting in faster installation and commissioning.

About IEM

Headquartered in Fremont, CA, IEM is the largest independent full-line manufacturer of electrical distribution and power quality equipment in the U.S.  For over half a century, IEM has delivered customer-specific solutions to meet the ever changing power requirements of growth industries in North America.  At IEM, tradition and technology still drive innovation.  An experienced engineering staff and one of the most flexible design and manufacturing systems in the industry set IEM apart from standard product manufacturers.

About OSHPD Certification

The purpose of OSHPD certification is to ensure that hospitals and other “Critical Care Units” in California will be able to continue functioning during and after an earthquake. The program covers all critical parts of a healthcare facility, including the building itself and its power systems, as well as electrical, mechanical and diagnostic equipment. The Facilities Development Division (FDD) established the Special Seismic Certification Preapproval (OSP) Program in 2009 in response to the overwhelming number of applications from thousands of healthcare facilities for OSHPD project approval.

About Southwest Research Institute

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is one of the oldest and largest independent, non-profit, applied R&D organizations in the U.S.  Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, SwRI provides contract research and development services to industrial and government clients.  SwRI’s nature is independent and impartial encompassing a wide range of technical competencies and capabilities.  With nearly 3,300 staff members in 11 technical divisions, SwRI can assemble a multi-disciplinary panel of experts required by any technical project, providing the SwRI flexible solutions not found at other R&D organizations.  SwRI is recognized under OSHA’s published list of Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL).

About Forell/Elsesser Engineers, Inc. 

Forell/Elsesser Engineers, Inc. is a 50 year old, San Francisco-based company providing structural engineering and consulting services to architects, contractors, developers, and suppliers for new construction and retro-fit projects.