Fuji SMBE Macquarie supplied hundreds of switchboards with customised functions to Star Electrical, the lead contractor for the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct

The NSW Government’s $835 million redevelopment of the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct (JHHIP) is one of the most significant healthcare infrastructure projects underway in the state.

As one of NSW’s busiest hospital campuses – home to a major emergency department and critical acute services – the precinct demands electrical infrastructure that delivers exceptional reliability, safety, and long-term performance.

Lead electrical contractor Star Electrical was responsible for sourcing switchboards capable of supporting continuous hospital operations, while also meeting strict compliance, delivery, and budget requirements across the multi-year project.

“We chose to source all switchboards for the JHHIP project from Fuji SMBE Macquarie because we consider them a tier-one board builder that can deliver high-quality product at scale, within tight timeframes,” says Robbie Peel, Project Manager – Construction at Star Electrical, which brings more than 60 years’ experience across complex electrical installations.

All switchboards supplied by Fuji SMBE Macquarie were manufactured and assembled in Australia and designed and verified in accordance with AS/NZS 61439. In total, the scope included approximately 14 large low-voltage main switchboards and more than 130 miscellaneous distribution boards installed throughout the eight-level facility.

“AS/NZS 61439 mandates rigorous design verification to ensure safety, reliability, and performance,” Peel explains. “For a major government healthcare project of this importance, compliance with the standard was essential.”

The primary equipment supplied was a commercial low-voltage main switchboard (LV MSB), used for the distribution, control, and protection of electrical power throughout the facility. The switchboards supply downstream distribution boards and final subcircuits while supporting safe operation, coordinated protection, and maintainability within a high-fault-level environment.

Designed specifically for healthcare applications, the switchboards incorporated formed construction, fully type-tested switchgear, short-circuit withstand ratings suited to site conditions, and clear circuit identification to support safe installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. These features help minimise downtime and ensure operational continuity in critical clinical environments.

Beyond technical compliance, Peel highlights Fuji SMBE Macquarie’s responsiveness as a key differentiator.

“We’ve worked with Fuji SMBE Macquarie on demanding projects in the past, and what sets them apart is their willingness to support us throughout the project,” says Peel. “They were always available to respond to technical queries, provide additional information, or supply components when requirements changed.”

Flexible and customisable switchboards

With a project of this scale and duration, flexibility was a critical requirement. The switchboards’ modular design allowed Star Electrical to accommodate evolving clinical and operational needs without disruption to the overall program.

“The project started around four years ago and is now nearing completion,” Peel says. “Over a timeframe like that, requirements are developed. The modular construction made it straightforward to implement changes as the client’s needs developed.”

Customisations delivered by Fuji SMBE Macquarie included bespoke compartment layouts and dimensions, integration of metering and monitoring equipment, site-specific ingress protection ratings, interface provisions for building management systems, and allowances for future load growth. Importantly, all custom features were implemented without compromising compliance with relevant Australian and New Zealand standards.

“Hospitals have very specific operational requirements, both now and into the future,” says Peel. “Having switchboards that are adaptable, while still meeting stringent safety and compliance obligations, was essential for this project.”

Locally manufactured for long-term performance

Local manufacture also played a key role in meeting project and whole-of-life objectives. By manufacturing and assembling the switchboards in Australia, Fuji SMBE Macquarie ensured consistent quality control, reduced supply-chain risk, and long-term access to technical support and spare parts.

In addition to manufacturing and supply, Fuji SMBE Macquarie provided technical assistance during installation and commissioning, comprehensive as-built documentation, and test reports to support compliance, maintenance, and future modifications.

As NSW continues to invest in major healthcare infrastructure, the JHHIP project demonstrates the importance of robust, flexible, and locally manufactured electrical systems designed to perform reliably across decades of critical operation.

http://smbemacquarie.fujielectric.com