Since 1994, PowerEarth has delivered electrical system design services for some of Australia’s most critical infrastructure. From substations and cable networks to generator systems and power reticulation, our engineers take projects from initial feasibility through to detailed design, construction documentation and commissioning support, ensuring every system is safe, compliant and built to perform.
We work across power and utilities, rail, mining, defence, renewables, water, tunnels, airports and commercial facilities, giving us an unmatched breadth of experience in designing electrical systems that meet the specific demands of each environment.
What We Design
PowerEarth’s electrical system design capability covers the full scope of power distribution infrastructure. Our designs are documented in clear construction drawings supported by reports that outline the design basis and demonstrate compliance with relevant Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), AS 2067 (Substations and High Voltage Installations), and AS/NZS 3008 (Electrical Installations, Selection of Cables).
Our core electrical design services include:
- Substation design: HV and LV switchgear layouts, protection schemes, control and SCADA integration for zone substations, traction substations and industrial substations
- Cable system design: sizing, specification and route design for high voltage and low voltage cable networks, including thermal analysis and installation methodology
- Generator and power supply systems: standby, emergency and prime power generation design, including fuel systems, switchboard integration and load management
- Power reticulation: distribution network design for large-scale facilities, campuses and industrial sites
- Electrical infrastructure upgrades: capacity assessments, obsolescence reviews and modernisation programs for ageing assets
Every design integrates with our specialist earthing system design and lightning protection capabilities, ensuring a holistic approach to electrical safety and system performance.
Sector Applications
Electrical system design requirements vary significantly across industries. PowerEarth’s experience spanning multiple sectors means we understand the unique standards, environmental conditions and operational demands that shape each design:
- Power & utilities: Zone substation design, transmission and distribution network upgrades, protection coordination for grid-connected assets
- Rail & transport: Traction power supply design, signalling power systems, station electrical infrastructure
- Renewables & battery storage: Electrical balance of plant for solar farms and wind installations, battery energy storage system (BESS) integration, grid connection design
- Mining & industrial: Surface and underground power reticulation, process plant electrical systems, mobile substation deployment
- Defence: Secure power supply design for critical defence facilities, compliance with Defence-specific standards and requirements
- Water & tunnels: Pump station power systems, tunnel ventilation and lighting power supply, treatment plant electrical design
View our project portfolio to see examples of our electrical system design work across these sectors.
How We Work: From Feasibility to Commissioning
PowerEarth supports clients through every stage of the electrical design lifecycle. Our structured approach ensures that designs are technically sound, cost-effective and aligned with project objectives from the outset:
- Feasibility & concept design: We assess your requirements, evaluate options and develop a concept design that establishes the technical direction and budget framework for the project.
- Detailed design & documentation: Our engineers produce comprehensive construction drawings, equipment specifications, cable schedules and design reports compliant with Australian Standards.
- Design review & coordination: We coordinate with other disciplines and stakeholders to resolve interfaces, manage design changes and ensure constructability.
- Construction support: Our team provides technical support during construction, including responding to site queries, reviewing contractor submissions and managing design variations.
- Testing & commissioning: We develop test procedures, witness testing and support commissioning to verify that installed systems perform as designed.
For detailed system studies and protection coordination, see our System Studies and Protection Systems page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Australian Standards apply to electrical system design?
Electrical system design in Australia must comply with several key standards depending on the scope and voltage level of the installation. The most commonly applicable include AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) for general installations, AS 2067 for substations and high voltage installations exceeding 1kV, and AS/NZS 3008 for cable selection and sizing. Additional standards may apply depending on the sector and application, including AS/NZS 61439 for switchgear assemblies, AS 3851 for bus bar connections, and state-specific regulations. PowerEarth’s engineers are experienced in applying all relevant standards across multiple sectors and jurisdictions.
What is included in an electrical system design package?
A complete electrical system design package typically includes single-line diagrams, schematic and wiring drawings, equipment specifications, cable schedules, layout drawings, earthing and lightning protection drawings, a design basis report and a compliance statement referencing the applicable Australian Standards. The exact deliverables will depend on the project’s stage (feasibility, concept or detailed design) and the requirements of the asset owner or network operator.
What is the difference between a feasibility study and detailed design?
A feasibility study evaluates whether a proposed electrical system is technically viable and economically justified. It typically considers multiple options and provides high-level cost estimates to support investment decisions. Detailed design, by contrast, produces the full set of construction documentation needed to build the system, including drawings, specifications and reports that define every component, connection and installation requirement. PowerEarth can deliver both stages independently or as part of a continuous engagement from concept through to commissioning.
How do you size cables for industrial electrical installations?
Cable sizing follows the requirements of AS/NZS 3008.1.1, which considers current-carrying capacity, voltage drop limits, fault current withstand rating and installation conditions (such as ambient temperature, grouping factors and installation method). Our engineers use specialist software to model these parameters accurately, ensuring that selected cables are safe, compliant and cost-effective for the specific application.
Do you provide electrical design for renewable energy projects?
Yes. PowerEarth provides electrical system design for solar farms, wind installations and battery energy storage systems (BESS), including electrical balance of plant design, grid connection studies and substation design for renewable energy facilities. Our experience across both generation and network infrastructure means we can design systems that integrate reliably with the existing grid while meeting the requirements of network service providers and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
What sectors does PowerEarth provide electrical system design for?
PowerEarth delivers electrical system design across power and utilities, rail and transport, mining, defence, renewables and battery storage, water and wastewater, tunnels, airports, industrial and commercial sectors. This breadth of experience, built over 30 years of operation, means our engineers understand the specific standards, environmental conditions and operational requirements that influence electrical design in each industry.
Talk to Our Electrical Design Team
Whether you need a feasibility study for a new project, a detailed design for a substation upgrade, or system studies to support an operational decision, PowerEarth’s electrical engineers are ready to help. With over 30 years of experience delivering electrical system design across Australia’s most demanding sectors, we bring the technical depth and practical expertise to get your project right.
Contact us today to discuss your project, or call us on 1300 POWEREARTH.