Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, is a sports facility built to international tournament standard. Devpan supplied the power panels feeding the broadcast-quality pitch lighting, the main distribution boards, and enclosure solutions suited to a tropical climate.
Electrical Profile of the Project
- LocationDouala, Cameroon
- Building typeSports facility
- Installed power≈ 6,400 kVA
- Transformer configuration4 × 1,600 kVA
- Main busbar rated current2 × 2,500 A
- Short-time withstand current (Icw)50 kA / 1 s
- Devpan scopeLow voltage switchboards, engineering and site coordination
- Verification standardIEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2
About the Project
The most demanding load in a stadium is the pitch lighting. For televised matches, illuminance level and freedom from flicker are defined by international federation criteria. Floodlight groups draw a high instantaneous power and require staged energisation; switching them on simultaneously can cause a voltage dip on the network.
The second challenge is crowd management. On match day, with tens of thousands of people present, emergency lighting, the public address system and turnstile supplies must operate without interruption. The third is climate: the high humidity and temperature of Douala increase the risk of corrosion and condensation in outdoor panels, so degree of protection, surface treatment and ventilation are specified for tropical conditions.
Devpan Scope and Switchboard Architecture
The Devpan scope reaches from stadium main distribution to floodlight power panels and the sub-panels beneath the stands. Enclosure protection is a design topic in its own right for outdoor locations.
- Lighting and power panels (DevPower): Staged energisation arrangement for pitch floodlight groups, plus stand and perimeter lighting circuits.
- Main distribution boards (DevPanel): 2,500 A class, 50 kA / 1 s, with bus coupler arrangement.
- Sub-distribution boards (DevBox): Spaces beneath the stands, changing rooms, press and VIP areas.
- Power factor correction (DevComp): Detuned stepped compensation matched to floodlight and HVAC loads.
- Motor control (DevControl): Motor outgoing ways for ventilation, pumps and irrigation systems.
Technical Configuration
| Installed power | ≈ 6,400 kVA |
|---|---|
| Transformer configuration | 4 × 1,600 kVA |
| Medium voltage level | 30 kV |
| Low voltage / frequency | 400 / 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Main busbar rated current | 2 × 2,500 A |
| Short-time withstand current (Icw) | 50 kA / 1 s |
| Form of internal separation | Form 3b – Form 4a |
| Degree of protection (IP) | IP54 |
| Generator back-up | 2 × 1,250 kVA |
| Verification standard | IEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2 |
Devpan Products Used in This Project
Project-Specific Engineering Topics
Broadcast-standard pitch lighting
For televised matches, vertical illuminance and freedom from flicker are decisive. Floodlight groups are divided into separate circuits according to camera angles, and each circuit is protected independently.
Staged energisation and voltage dip
Switching every floodlight on at once creates a severe current surge. A staged energisation arrangement spreads that surge over time and prevents a voltage dip on the network.
Tropical climate and corrosion
High humidity and salt-laden air accelerate corrosion in outdoor panels. Enclosure surface treatment is upgraded, anti-condensation heaters are fitted and the gasket system is selected to keep IP54 performance durable.
Crowd safety and emergency scenarios
Emergency lighting, public address and turnstile supplies are grouped on a dedicated branch. Continuity of that branch during an evacuation scenario is secured physically through panel compartmentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does stadium lighting require?
In a stadium built to international broadcast standard, the pitch lighting alone draws in the order of 1,000 to 2,000 kVA. At the scale of Japoma Stadium the total installed power is approximately 6,400 kVA, with a typical transformer configuration of 4 x 1,600 kVA.
Why are floodlights energised in stages?
Because switching all high-power floodlights on at the same moment creates a surge far above the nominal current. That surge causes a voltage dip on the network and affects other loads. Staged energisation spreads the load over time and removes the risk.
How does switchboard design change in a tropical climate?
It changes in three respects: enclosure surface treatment is upgraded to resist corrosion, anti-condensation heaters are added, and the ventilation arrangement is recalculated for high ambient temperature. Busbar and cable cross-sections are also increased by applying a temperature correction factor.
Similar Reference Projects
Kervansaray, TurkistanHotel and hospitality · Turkistan, Kazakhstan
Akasya MallShopping mall · Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul Airport TerminalAirport terminal · Istanbul, TürkiyeDo you have a project of a similar scale?
Send us your single-line diagram, your transformer rating or simply your load list. Our engineering team runs the short-circuit and discrimination study and defines the form of separation and busbar cross-section with you.
Request a quotation