As switchgear manufacturers, we’re here to provide high-quality equipment and comprehensive documentation. However, the success of any switchgear installation depends on collaboration. Electrical designers, contractors, and project managers each play a crucial role in ensuring the project’s safety, efficiency, and compliance. This guide outlines key considerations while clarifying roles and responsibilities, including environmental management and system design.
1. Clearance Requirements: Planning for Safe Access
Proper spacing around switchgear is vital for maintenance, ventilation, and safety. We recommend the following clearances for floor standing units. Wall mounted units may require less please consult with your switchgear supplier:
Front Clearance: 600mm is a widely accepted minimum for safe access, allowing for maintenance and operation. . Referenced in BS EN 61439-1:2021 and supported by BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations), Section 132.12, this clearance ensures compliance with safety standards.
This does however get dictated by the width of the column and associated door swing. For instance is a column width is 800mm wide with a full width door you need to allow for that swing. This is especially relevant when it come to sizing and outdoor enclosure to house a board.
Side Clearance (Where Applicable): Side access is a good consideration as well, as the switchgear supplier I would say a minimum of 750mm with consideration for 1 meter (1000mm). This allows an engineer to remove side panels and access internal components without obstruction. Always discuss servicing access with your switchgear supplier prior to ordering.
Rear Clearance (Where Applicable): If rear access is required, work with your electrical designers to determine appropriate spacing based on the system configuration. In reality a rear access switchboard will of course need space all the way around if for full side front and back plate removal. This may include top if even if a bottom entry board.
2. Design Sizing and Electrical Integration
While we supply the switchgear and associated documentation, the responsibility for system design and integration rests with your electrical designers and contractors. Their tasks include:
- Load Calculations: Ensuring the switchgear can handle both current and future power demands.
- Cable Sizing and Routing: Proper cable design is critical for safe and efficient operation.
- Compliance: Electrical system design must meet BS 7671 and other applicable standards.
We are available to assist with technical specifications, ensuring our equipment integrates seamlessly into your designs.
3. Environmental Considerations
Switchgear performance is significantly impacted by its environment, and managing these factors is the contractor’s responsibility. We can provide heat load calculations based on the equipment’s operation, but how those heat loads are managed depends on the installation context:
- Indoor Installations: Contractors must ensure adequate ventilation or cooling systems are in place to prevent overheating.
- Outdoor Installations: Enclosures must provide protection from the elements. This includes proper IP-rated solutions for dust, moisture, and temperature extremes.
The selection and implementation of ventilation, cooling, or protective measures should be based on site-specific conditions, as determined by the contractor.
4. Structural and Loading Requirements
Contractors must also ensure the site can accommodate the physical demands of the switchgear:
- Structural Support: Work with civil contractors to confirm that the floor structure can support the weight of the equipment.
- Space Constraints: For smaller spaces, consider custom enclosures or alternative configurations like wall-mounted units.
5. Documentation and Support
To support your project, we provide:
- Detailed Operation Manuals: Tailored to each unit, these include installation guidelines, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting tips.
- Technical Specifications: Comprehensive data to assist your team in integrating the switchgear into the overall system design.
In a nutshell.
We provide the tools and expertise to support your switchgear installation. While we offer technical data and heat load calculations, environmental considerations, system design, and structural preparations are the responsibility of the contractors and electrical designers. By working together, we can ensure a safe, compliant, and efficient installation tailored to your project’s unique needs.
Possible related reading:
Switchgear Installation: Key Considerations for Contractors and Project Managers
The Vital Role of the Appointed Person (AP) in Safe Lifting Operations
Health & Safety Considerations for On-Site Delivery of Switchgear by Hiab
Contractor: Wall mount LVAC Board Check List
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations or standards. Legislation, industry guidelines, and best practices can change over time, and it is the user’s responsibility to research and ensure compliance with the latest requirements for their specific situation. Always consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your project or application.
