The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is the nation’s first federal physical science research laboratory. Completed in 2004, the Advanced Measurement Laboratory (AML) offers an unprecedented combination of features designed to virtually eliminate environmental interferences that undermine research at the leading edge of measurement science and technology. AML houses 338 reconfigurable laboratory modules and a Class 100/ISO 5 cleanroom in the 8,520 square-meter Nanofabrication Facility.
Singleton was responsible for providing incoming 13.8 kV services to network transformers and 4000a electrical substations. The team installed associated electrical distribution to five buildings within the AML, two of which are underground. Singleton also installed components of a state-of-the-art clean room, instrument and metrology labs requiring vibration and EMI isolation, as well as wired and fit-out high-accuracy labs that are able to hold temperature and humidity within a .01 degree tolerance.
The project requires extensive grounding and more than 60 different types of custom-made specialty light fixtures with low voltage and dimming controls. Singleton installed various additional specialty items including a life safety system, a master clock system, slab heating and lightning protection.
While environmental-control requirements are tailored to categories of scientific need, no other facility of this size has so successfully achieved the combined features of strict temperature and humidity control, vibration isolation, air cleanliness, and quality of electric power. This project earned Singleton a 2004 WBC Craftsmanship Award for Power Generation, Distribution, and Switchgear.