Failed transformer to be rebuilt; estimated cost is $35,000

(updated 12: 15 p.m.)

A blown transformer caused the electrical panel failure that shut down power in Metzger Hall, according to Brian Phillips, director of facilities services. A backup generator arrived at 11:10 a.m., and Phillips says the crew is on schedule to have power flowing by 1 p.m.

He ruled out human tampering or fire as a cause for the incident. The blown transformer was 30 years old – original to the building – and likely failed due to old age. Options on the table included repairing or rebuilding the transformer, but Phillips said rebuilding it is the most probable solution. That would take about a week and will cost around $35,000.

In the mean time, a 1-megawatt backup transformer will power the building, which houses main administrative offices including the registrar, accounting, marketing and financial aid departments. The transformer is parked behind the building and will be fueled around the clock until the permanent system is in place.

Earlier hypotheses pointed to yesterday’s storms for the blown transformer, but Phillips said there were no indications of moisture damage once the machine was located.

This is the first time a major outage occurred in Metzger, Phillips said, but the department takes precautions to prevent such failures. This summer, the building’s high-voltage cable was replaced, and the broken transformer had been inspected and serviced in the summer of 2007.

An earthquake drill within the past few weeks helped speed up Biola’s response to the emergency. Facilities services had reviewed its procedures for electrical outages and checked that emergency lighting was working.

“The first thing we did was get battery-operated fluorescent lanterns to light up the restrooms and offices,” he said, noting that the process flowed smoothly after the drills.

Irene Neller, director of integrated marketing communications, said the school’s preparation made for a swift response and open communication. Campus Safety deployed the 3N notification system to give students voicemail updates about the situation.

Meanwhile, displaced Metzger employees flocked to other offices and the library in search of light and working electrical outlets. Neller estimated that about 90 percent of the building’s workforce did show up to campus today, but the work is somewhat different without internet access.

“They’re getting creative,” Neller said – writing memos by hand or cleaning up their offices while waiting for power.

Another unfortunate side effect of the outage: The Biola Web site is unavailable both on- and off-campus.

“It’s very disconcerting,” Neller said. Viewed by thousands of visitors daily, and heavily used by employees and students, the site will not be live again until power is restored.