Let me start with the Electrical Engineer first.
To ensure responsibility equals accountability, it’s critical to define the profit centers and assign each to its respective business unit. This clarity should be established right from the initial design stage in the Hotel Advisor’s brief.
This includes not just the guest-facing departments but also the supporting and production areas:
•Rooms Division •Banquet and Meeting Rooms •Coffee Shop (and every other F&B outlet) •Café • Gym and Pool Area •Administrative Offices •Staff Canteen •Housekeeping •Retail Space – delineated by each rentable parcel.
Power Distribution Planning
From the Main Distribution Board (MDB), power is distributed via Sub Distribution Boards (SDB) and Remote Power Panels (RPP). Best practices for effective design and operation:
1. Each defined area of responsibility should have its own SDB.
2. All wiring to that area must originate only from its designated SDB – avoid tapping from nearby lines belonging to another area.
3. Install meters on each SDB for consumption accountability.
4. This setup greatly simplifies troubleshooting during operations.
Standby Power Planning
Define essential services early in the design so that Main Circuit Breakers (MCBs) can be appropriately configured for emergency power supply during outages. While the industry standard often specifies a 4-hour diesel fuel tank, we recommend a 48-hour capacity. The additional investment is minimal and offers peace of mind in the event of a major disaster.
If the hotel you are designing happens to have chilled water supplied from a District Cooling System, the main electricity consumption for air conditioning will not be in the hotel itself. In this case, you should consider sizing the standby generators to run the whole hotel. The increase in generator size will be marginal, and you’ll benefit from not having to install a separate essential service section on the Main Switch Board.
Power Surge Protection
Standard lightning arrestors protect the building’s structure but do not safeguard the electrical systems from internal surges. Installing a Surge Protective Device (SPD) is a cost-effective way to protect against voltage spikes and damage to sensitive equipment.
Final Thoughts
Clear accountability, forward-thinking design, and well-defined power zones not only make troubleshooting easier but also help maintain operational continuity and cost efficiency. These considerations lay the foundation for a resilient and well-run hotel.
📌 If you’re planning or retrofitting a hotel project, revisit your electrical layout with these principles in mind—it will save time, reduce cost, and improve uptime in the long run.
