Watch Webinar Recording Here

Low Voltage Switchboard Design and

Construction Verification
Wednesday, 12 April 2023 | Technical Webinar

Presented By
Ms. Alex Gregory (EIT Lecturer and AECOM Principal Engineer)
Agenda

1. Introduction
2. Switchboard Basics
3. Switchboard Design
4. Switchboard Shop drawing Review
5. Switchboard Inspections
6. Conclusion and Q&A

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
 Switchboard Basics

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Basics
• Main Switchboards
• Generator Switchboards
• Distribution Boards
• Panel Boards
• Load Centre
• Mechanical Services Switchboards

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Basics

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Basics
Can you identify
• Lift off panels
• Withdrawable breakers
• Meters
• Selector switches
• Cable zones
• Plinth
• Isolators

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Main Switchboards - Terminology
• Front Connected – all access from the front
of the switchboard. Front Connected boards
often sit against walls. They are wider to
account for cable zones.
• Rear Connected – all access to cables and
busbars from the rear of the switchboard.
Will be ‘islanded’ in the middle of a
switchroom. They are deeper.
• Form of Segregation – details how
the boards are constructed internally.

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Main Switchboards - Terminology

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Forms of Segregation
• How to read:

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Forms of Segregation
• Form 1: No internal Separation (load centre)

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Forms of Segregation
• Form 2: Separation of Busbars from functional units (DB)

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Forms of Segregation

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Forms of Segregation

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
 Switchboard Design

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Updated Specification Input
• Suggest using Annex C of AS/NZS 61439 ‘User information template’ as input into the specification

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Allowable Locations and Clearances
• Standards have many rules around where switchboards can be located, and what space needs to be allowed around a
board for safety and egress.
• Common requirements
• Smoke sealed cupboard if located in a corridor
• Switch room doors should open in the path of egress without the use of a key or tool
• Large boards may require further segregation or additional egress doors
• Fire rating may be required of the switchroom
• Minimum lighting levels
• Door heights and dimensions
• Ventilation requirements
• Arc flash containment

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Clearances – Example

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Clearances – Examples

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard labelling
• Switchboards must be clearly and
legible marked ‘MAIN
SWITCHBOARD’
• Sometimes you have clearance, but
still need protection (bollards)

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Sizing Switchboards
• It can be difficult to estimate the size of a switchboard at the beginning of the project when the architect
wants a MSB Room size.
• The following is a sensible approach:
o Work out how many DB’s you’ll have in the building – work out zones
o Work out how many MSSB’s you’ll have
o Understand if there is a generator / incoming supply arrangement
o Estimate your building load (VA/m2 method)
o Sketch up an approximate SLD layout for your MSB
o Decide if front or rear connected is appropriate
o Add ‘spare’ space
o Work out door locations

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Sizing Switchboards
• Spreadsheet

• Supplier assistance

• Online switchboard sizing tools

• Previous Projects

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Project Example of Spatials
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

L&P BOH GSE1L&P MSSB CHASSIS

L&P 1 UPS DB

ACB L&P 2 COMMS 1 MSSB East

2000A L&P 3 (Zone 5) COMMS 2 MSSB West

HGR 1L&P COMMS 3 (Zone 5) MSSB Chiller 2100MM

HGR 2 1L&P PFC MSSB SPARE

Meter / 400HZ SPARE

controls WKS L&P SPARE SPARE

FRONT
ACCESS

DB SCHEDULE FRAME SIZE DESCRIPTION LOAD ESTIMATE

1 L&P BOH 40-250A Fire pumps/lighting/SW Pump 80A

2 L&P 1 40-250A Support facility general - West
100A
3 L&P 2 40-250A Support Facility General - East
100A
4 L&P 3 (Zone 5) 40-250A Support Facility Zone 5 L&P 100A
5 HGR 1 L&P 40-250A HGR North 100A
6 HGR 2 1 L&P 40-250A HGR South 100A
7 400HZ 40-250A 400HZ Converter 150A
8 WKS L&P 40-250A DB for Workshop and Logistics
100A
9 GSE1 L&P 40-250A GSE Storage 100A
10 UPS DB 40-250A 100A
11 COMMS 1 40-250A Comms Unclass & Class - West40A
12 COMMS 2 40-250A Comms Class - East 40A
13 COMMS 3 (Zone 5) 40-250A Server Room Zone 5 100A
14 MSSB East 40-250A Estimate 100A
15 MSSB West 40-250A Estimate 100A
16 MSSB Chiller 40-250A Estimate 100A

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Project Example

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Sizing Distribution Boards
• A similar process for sizing DB’s and locating DB cupboards must also occur early in design.
• The following is a sensible approach:
• Work out the structure of your DB (separate Light and Power Chassis?)
• Estimate approximate number of circuits likely to be required – based on ‘type of space’ –
workshop = lots of 3 phase; office areas count desks and likely number of circuits associated
• Refer to the NHP pocket book for various sizes of DB’s
• Refer to shop drawings for similar buildings DB’s
• Always allow for an additional tier to what you think (eg if you think one panel (600mm wide) space
for 2 x panels (1200mm wide)
• Allow minimum 100mm either side of board (to account for different manufacturer)
• Consider door arrangements and depth of DB cupboard.

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Project Example Spatials

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
 Switchboard Shop Drawings

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Shop Drawings

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Shop Drawings

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Shop Drawings

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Shop Drawings
• SLD

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Shop Drawings
• Shop Drawings

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Shop Drawings
• Final inspection

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
 Switchboard Inspections

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Inspections
Condition Reporting
• Compliance is different to condition
• Condition observations:
o Age
o Cleanliness
o Evidence of corrosion
o Evidence of damage
o Check all equipment visually: meters, surge diverter
o Any known fault or issues
o Audible noise from control equipment
→ Do not open live switchboard(s)

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Inspections
Information gathering • ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) or MTS
• Where the mains are coming from (Manual Transfer Switch)
• Spatials in rooms / cupboards / checking clearances • Extent of essential services
• Label on the door to identify services within
• Compliance
• SLD on wall
• Main Entry - top entry or bottom entry (Question: if the cables are • Surge protection
enclosed, how can you tell whether the board is top entry or bottom entry)
• Cable labels (mains cables) and
• Condition/state of the board: Age/Nameplate
information
• Switchgear type (fuse/MCCB)
• Cable Types (Submains) - XLPE/PVC/MIMS • Any metering and type (check the
• Load Shedding equipment/indicator lights maximum recording and the time you
• Condition of the board record it)
• Specification: IP Rating, Form • Arc flash and whether arc flash
• Make sure that the photos are high quality protection has been allowed for in the
• Metering, KA rating existing board
• Circuit breaker and DB Manufacturer
• Labelling

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Inspections

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Inspections

Switchboard Inspections: Distribution boards

• RCDs: if they are on all on/some circuits, if they are 30mA (standard)
or 10mA (body protection)
• Circuit Schedule
• The brand (check to see if it's consistent between the MSB and DBs)
• Zones served by DB
• How many poles?
• How many spare poles?
• Is there a manual test facility for illuminated emergency and exits ?
• Isolator (for supply size)

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Inspections
Switchboard Inspections: Distribution boards

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Inspections
Clearance issues

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Inspections
Withdrawable breakers and indicator lights Viewing Windows

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Inspections
Circuit breaker types, settings Chassis sizes, MCB installation

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Inspections
Chassis powered 3P MCCB Main switch labels

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Inspections
Free standing

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Switchboard Inspections
Step back!

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
Summary
• Decide on the purpose and type of your switchboard
• Switchboard quick checks: Sizing, location, clearance and labelling
• It is your responsibility to check the shop drawings are correct too
• And inspect is appropriately at the factory or on site

EIT CRICOS Provider Number: 03567C | EIT Institute of Higher Education: PRV14008 | EIT RTO Provider Number: 51971
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