• ABB updates essential power systems at the Smithsonian Institution to facilitate United States’ 250^th anniversary events
• Advanced infrastructure enhancements guarantee secure and dependable conditions for guests while supporting commemorative activities

ABB has completed a vital power infrastructure overhaul at the Smithsonian Institution’s historic Arts and Industries Building in Washington, D.C., ahead of its temporary reopening for the nation’s 250^th anniversary celebrations. This electrical upgrade is a key component of broader renovations aimed at improving safety, operational reliability, and structural preservation for visitors and staff during this landmark occasion.

A historic building for historic times

As the Smithsonian’s second-oldest facility, the Arts and Industries Building has held national prominence since its inauguration in 1881, serving as a lasting emblem of innovation, exploration, and public education.

The building’s electrical framework has undergone modernization to support daily operations within the scope of the ‘Historic Core’ renovation initiative. This project underscores the Smithsonian’s dedication to protecting its historical legacy while adapting the structure for contemporary and future use.

For a four-month span, the facility will resume operations as a key venue for the 250^th anniversary events, accommodating guests in the nation’s capital.

In this context, ensuring uninterrupted electrical performance is crucial. Modernization became a priority to not only facilitate the building’s reopening for this pivotal event but also to enhance its capacity for safe, efficient, and sustainable functionality.

To fulfill these objectives, ABB upgraded the site’s switchgear with specially designed circuit breakers. Produced at ABB’s Electrification Service facility in Florence, South Carolina, these breakers incorporate built-in fusing to address the location’s unique fault current protection requirements and accommodate heightened operational demands.

Strengthening the invisible backbone of operations

Though often overlooked, the building’s electrical systems serve a vital function beyond powering lights and displays. They also supply energy to the south side of the National Mall and adjacent Smithsonian facilities, supporting broader campus operations. With anticipated visitor surges during the upcoming commemorations, maintaining consistent power delivery is critical for both guest satisfaction and site safety.

ABB’s Electrification Service team initiated comprehensive maintenance on existing equipment, including three switchgear configurations and six network protectors. Each component underwent evaluation, testing, and preparation to establish a solid base for the upgrade.

The project advanced to system modernization, incorporating circuit breakers with enhanced fault detection capabilities for faster response times. Upgraded safety protocols and labeling were also implemented to minimize risks for personnel working near live equipment, further improving workplace safety.

The enhancements enable the Smithsonian to monitor infrastructure performance through integrated data tools, providing real-time insights into system status and allowing proactive resolution of potential issues.

Delivering reliability when it matters most

Though such projects rarely receive public attention, visitors will benefit from uninterrupted power despite not seeing the underlying switchgear, breakers, or engineering analyses. This reliability empowers the Smithsonian team to prioritize creating impactful visitor experiences during this historic milestone.

“This complex undertaking required adaptive problem-solving and seamless coordination between our teams and the Smithsonian’s. We’re proud to have contributed to reinforcing the critical infrastructure of such an esteemed institution during this pivotal moment. Supporting the Smithsonian’s goals of operational safety and dependability—both present and future—has been a privilege,” stated Pedro Robredo, Senior Vice President of Electrification Service – Americas Region, ABB.

ABB Electrification is a global technology leader enabling the efficient and reliable distribution of electricity from source to socket. With more than 50,000 employees across 100 countries, we collaborate with our customers and partners to solve the world’s greatest challenges in electrical distribution and energy management. As the energy transition accelerates and electricity demands grow, we are electrifying the world in a safe, smart and sustainable way. At ABB, we are ‘Engineered to Outrun’, and we are passionate about helping our customers and partners do the same. go.abb/electrification

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