IC-T13

(Dec 2020)

Module Component Report

Name : Lam Chak Tung Jeffrey Subject Code : IC2112

Student ID : 21084472d Module Code : TM0389
Low voltage main Switch
board and power
Programme Code : 41470 Module Component : monitoring
Programme Title : EE
Dates of Attendance: 17/5.30/5,31/5,9/6
Important note: This report plays an important part in your IC subject. It is a permanent record of what you consider
important and have learned, which includes but not limited to events occurred, observations made, and problems
identified (and solved). Plagiarism will result in module fail.

Introduction
(Give the general overview of the module component e.g. expected learning outcomes, run-down, etc.)
In this module component, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the various components
in a low voltage switchboard, including Air Circuit Breakers (ACB), Fuse Switches, Energy Meters,
Current Transformers, and protection relays. Participants will learn about the functions and
applications of these components and how to operate a low voltage switchboard efficiently.

In addition, we also learnt about the important safety measures that are necessary while handling
low voltage switchboards. We learn how to conduct safety tests such as primary and secondary
injection tests, insulation resistance tests, phase sequence tests and octor tests. These tests are
important for preventing possible accidents and ensuring that the switchboard operates as it should.

Technical Content
(Describe technically ONE to TWO most important content matters you have learned in this module component, e.g. the
procedures, tools & equipment used, factors affecting the quality, etc.)
I have learned about the various component of a low voltage switchboard in this module
component. Electricity coming from the power company will first enter the high voltage switch room,
then passed through a step down transformer in the HV/LV transformer room. After the electricity’s
voltage is step down, it is feed into the low voltage switchboard in the LV switch room.

The electricity will first pass through the air circuit breaker (ACB) in the switchboard. The ACB has a
rated current of 800-2500A and shall be a draw type in Hong Kong. The min fault level is 40 KA at
380V which is determined by the impedance of the transformer. It is equipped with earth fault
protective device which operates within 5 second and overcurrent protective device which operates
faster than utility company’s 11kv overcurrent protective relay/fuse with grading time(0,4 sec).
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Technical Content (…Continued)

An image of an ACB An image of an drawed out ACB

Inside the low voltage switchboard, current is passed through busbars rather than wires. Bus bar is a
low-impedance conductor, it can be made of aluminium or copper, has a thermal current rating of
200A to 4000A. It has a rated insulation voltage of 690 VAC and can withstand 50KA of current for 1
sec. Sometimes the busbar surface is tinned to reduce the corrosion of copper. When we connect
busbars, we used bolts with washer to ensure the joints are connect with enough pressure.

Insulated busbars Un-tinned busbars

When we want to separate a particular sections of the low voltage for maintenance or testing, we
would use fuse switch or an isolator. A fuse switch is a switch with a fuse link that forms the moving
contact. It is rated for 32A to 600A and has a breaking capacity of 50KA or higher. It can interrupt
very large short-citcuit safely in a much shorter time then circuit breaker and also has a lower cost
compared to a similar rating circuit breaker, it also has no emission of arc and does not require
maintenance.

A fuse switch or isolator Fuse switch under the face plate

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(Dec 2020)

Technical Content (…Continued)

Other components in a low voltage switchboard includes:
•Molded Case Circuit Breaker
• Contactor
• Changeover switch
• Current Transformer
• Protection relay
• Energy meter
• Power Factor Controller (Capacitor Bank)

Safety
(Give the outline of the safety measures taken)
We conduct multiple tests to ensure the low voltage switch board is working efficiently and safely.
Primary Injection test is done to ensure the protective relay is working. 1000A of current is injected
to the bus bars directly

Secondary injection test is also done to ensure the protective relay is working and can protect the
circuit The current is injected into the current transformer’s secondary terminal, we tested for 2
times, 5 times and 10 times the injection current.
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Then we check the contact resistance to ensure the quality of the joints of the busbars and cables.
The measurement of contact resistance provides an indication of contact heating, alignment, wear
and tear, and pitting.

At last, we also did the insulation resistance test. Insulation resistance test is used by applying a DC
voltage of at least 1000V to the equipment being tested to determine the true of the insulation.

Observation/Conclusion
(Describe the knowledge, skills, and experiences you have acquired and how they are related to your discipline. Suggest
ways to further improve the module component)
Throughout this course, I have gained valuable knowledge about the safe operation of a low voltage
switchboard. This includes the testing of the switchboard, as well as understanding the importance
of ensuring it is in good working order. These skills are not only valuable for my own safety, but also
for the safety of those who may come into contact with the switchboard.

Additionally, I have learned about the various nicknames of tools used by electricians in the field,
which has helped me to communicate more effectively with my colleagues. Being able to understand
and use industry-specific terminology is essential in any field and will undoubtedly prove useful as I
continue to work in this industry.

Overall, I feel confident in my ability to safely and effectively operate a low voltage switchboard, and
am grateful for the knowledge and skills I have gained through this course.
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(Dec 2020)

(For Marker Only)

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