HARBOR SYSTEM MASTER PLAN - City and Borough of Sitka

Findings
As noted above, the electrical systems are approximately 15 years old and with these components
typically have a service life of approximately 25 years. However, the components suffer an abnormal
amount of mechanical abuse due to storms and waves through the harbor, particularly the north end.
The effects are as follows:
1. Shore-tie pedestals: These are mounted with wood spacers
between them and bull rail, or up against the bull rail. As
boats roll with the waves, they rock into the bull rails,
shoving them against the pedestals. This has damaged the
pedestal posts and fastenings to the deck.
2. Luminaire posts: These are also mounted against the bull
rails. They utilize the bull rails for additional support.
However, just like shore-tie pedestals, the bull rail
movement has damaged their fastenings to the deck,
causing them to lean inward.
3. Substation noise: The substation serving Float Nos. 1 &
10 is quite noisy. It is reported that the noise appeared
some time ago, but was not there with the initial
installation. The other substations are not so noisy.
Reports from the CBS Electric Department indicate that
119
Sitka Harbor System Master Plan
Condition Inventory
the transformer installation inside
the enclosure has been investigated
and no evidence of broken
fastenings or isolating pads was
noted. Hypothetically, it is possible
that the pounding produced by the
wave surges have caused one or
more of the transformer coils to
come loose from the core. This
transformer needs to be replaced.
4. Feeder cable abrasion: The CBS
Electric Department reports that
feeder cables have failed within the
floating docks at the joints between
sections. It appears that these are
sections with more active
movement, abrading the jacket and
conductor insulation of the cables.
5. Master Revenue Meter: There is no
utility revenue meter at the
entrance to the facility, recording
the energy consumption for the
whole harbor. The Electric
Department does not have the
ability to determine the system
losses within the harbor.