Pump failure causes blackout, cancels classes

The chemistry and geology building and Scobee Planetarium lost power at 9:25 a.m. after heavy rains and wind blew through the city overnight and earlier this morning.

Facilities superintendent David Ortega said rain filled a pit underneath the transformer east of chemistry and geology and caused a pump malfunction.

The water levels tripped a circuit breaker and possibly shorted the system, which is the main power supply for the building.

He said electricity comes directly from the city through underground conduit and is then harnessed to create proper voltage for lights, security and outlets.

About 2 feet of water filled the pit where the city's electric line connects to the transformer.

Adolf Sauceda, heating, ventilation and air conditioning foreman, said the water level did not trigger a pump, which would normally keep the level at or below six inches.

Sauceda was unsure of the cause but said it could be a faulty float, a buoy that monitors water levels in the pit.

Tutor Carlos Flores was about to clock in for the day when the power went down.

"We have flashlights," he said. "We are not that dependent on power."

Corina Canizales, chemistry secretary, said power went out overnight as well because she had to reboot her computer when she arrived this morning.

At 9:35 a.m., professors gamely continued classes using window light and flashlights.

Security lights created a dim glow that faded to darkness at the end of each hall.

Meanwhile, Scobee Planetarium Coordinator Bob Kelley, waited by the planetarium entrance to tell students the planetarium was temporarily closed.

He said the power went out just as he was prepping the Digistar system for the day's presentations for groups on field trips.

Kelley canceled two showings and said he will try to reschedule before scheduled renovations close the planetarium in March.

By 10:45 a.m., the backup generator failed, and the chemistry and geology building was evacuated.

Geology Professor Ann Dietz said all classes through noon were canceled and building access was restricted to faculty and staff.

Ortega watched journeyman electrician Joseph Dinscore don protective gear and enter a fenced enclosure to switch on the transformer's breaker.

At 11:19 a.m., power returned to most of the building, and by 1:30 p.m., the building was back online.

To report facility damage or disrepair and to notify personnel about power outages, call the maintenance office at 210-486-1235.