SmartNodes Installation Project

Project Overview

Riggs Distler’s Underground Utility division was tasked with the installation of over 33,000 smart nodes in Maryland street lighting fixtures throughout 2023. This project enhances streetlight functionality and efficiency by integrating smart technology across various fixture types.

The installation project will be executed in multiple phases over several years due to the extensive number of streetlights in the system. This phased approach ensures thorough and systematic installation, monitoring, and integration of the smart nodes.

The integration of smart nodes into our client’s street lighting system marks a significant step towards modernizing public lighting infrastructure. This project not only improves service efficiency and public safety but also supports environmental sustainability goals. The successful completion of this project will enable our client to monitor and manage nearly one million streetlights in real time, significantly enhancing the customer experience and operational capabilities.

Challenges Overcome

The installation process for this project required precise execution and meticulous attention to detail. It began with accurate navigation to the exact GPS coordinates provided by the application. Upon arrival, the team scanned the smart node’s QR code to retrieve its unique serial number, then documented essential details such as the pole type, color, and height, as well as the streetlight fixture’s color, wattage, style, and manufacturer. If a streetlight arm was present, its color and length were also recorded.

The crew then carefully installed the smart node into the streetlight’s photocontrol receptacle, ensuring a successful network connection.

Each step demanded careful attention to detail to guarantee proper installation and functionality, overcoming the challenges of precise documentation and connection.

Results Delivered

The introduction and integration of smart nodes into the our client’s street lighting system have brought about significant advancements and benefits across multiple domains, including service reliability, public safety, environmental impact, and overall customer satisfaction.

Award Winning

This project has earned the NECA 2024 Project Excellence Award for Street Lighting. Presented by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), these awards celebrate projects that exemplify innovation, technical achievement, and excellence in the electrical contracting industry.

Projects were evaluated on criteria including aesthetics, application, difficulty, innovation, originality, and results delivered. This recognition underscores Riggs Distler’s commitment to delivering complex electrical construction solutions with excellence and innovation.