Main Switchboard Room Requirements

As an illustration the diagram below shows simple room layout consisting of a 22 kv switchboard some dc and scada panels click for a larger image.

Main switchboard room requirements.

Stand alone packages. This ifs assembly can incorporate normal main switchboard structures along with structures that incorporate multiple panel boards per structure usually two as well as dry type transform ers. Therefore even if the switchboard is constructed using lift off type doors the switch room walls must be as a minimum 1 metre from all faces of the switchboard to comply with this requirement. Each switchroom is unique and needs to be considered in relation to the specific equipment which will be installed.

Its size is usually proportional to the size of the building. Large buildings may have a main electrical room and subsidiary electrical rooms. Unimpeded space of at least 0 6 metres around the switchboards with switchboard doors in any position and switchgear fully racked out position. Where a clear space of at least 3 m is provided in front of the switchboard and its equipment including its doors only one emergency exit path needs to be provided.

Article 408 contains the requirements for switchboards panelboards and distribution boards for light and power. Switchgear placed in another service area near the genset room opens floor space and helps keep operators out of high decibel areas when gensets are in operation and protects delicate electronics from the heat and vibration associated with these machines. Electrical equipment may be for power distribution equipment or for communications equipment. The most important is not to exceed the permissible maximum temperature.

Dust content may also be set. There are three types of general interior electrical spaces that factor into new building design. Openings or doorways should be at least 0 9 m wide by 2 2 m high to allow access to the switchboard room or enclosure where necessary. Integrated facilities switchboard ifs.

Together with the actual equipment sizes this defines the overall minimum dimensional requirements of the room. In some projects switchboard and panelboard installation may be taking on a new twist with distributed generation applications such as small wind and solar installations. In order to design a good ventilation of switchgear and transformer rooms the air in the room must meet various requirements. Space requirements for electrical rooms remote switchgear.

Main equipment rooms distribution pathways and local branch equipment rooms. Limit values for humidity and air quality e g. Switchboard ifs that requires access from the front only.