4 - LOW VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION

Receiving and Storage. Prior to handling and storing switchboards or

panelboards, consult the manufacturers instructions for any special considerations
that must be accommodated for equipment. Visually inspect equipment to ensure
that no shipping-related damage has occurred and that all components are properly
rated for the given application. Unless the switchboard or panelboard is to be
installed immediately, do not damage the packaging, so that it may be used again
while the equipment is in storage.
If all possible , switchboards and panelboards should be stored indoors, in a dry
location with a uniform temperature. If it is necessary to store equipment outdoors,
switchboards should be provided with temporary heating (about 250W per section)
to prevent condensation. Outdoor switchboards with integral heaters could have the
heating circuits temporarily energized to provide the desired protection. Additionally
indoor equipment must be adequately protected from weather and dirt. Securely
cover such equipment with canvass or plastic and keep it out of contact with earth
or wet ground by using blocks or pallets.

Handling. Become familiar with all installation hardware and requirements

and determine the best method for moving the equipment from the delivery point
or storage to its installed location. Depending on size, distance to be moved,
whether the installed location is on the same level or up a number of stories, etc,
anything from a forklift to pipes and crowbars to hand-carrying can be used to
move equipment to the point of installation. For larger and heavier equipment,
always balance the load and support top-heavy loads to prevent tipping. To provide
protection to the structural frame and finish, switchboards should remain bolted to
their shipping skids during handling. However, ensure that all isolation or shock-
mounts and other shipping-related hardware are removed prior to installation.
Whether lifting the equipment with eyebolts and spreader, integral bars with lift
holes, or spreader bar and sling, always use shackles or safety hooks to attach the
lift cables. Never pass the cables through eyeholes. For uneven loads, it may be
necessary to adjust the rigging lengths to redistribute the weight, but the lift point
should be maintained above the lift bar or spreader at a distance not greater than
one half of the distance between the eyebolts or lift holes. This will ensure the angle
between the lift cables and vertical remains less than 45 degrees, thereby reducing
tension and compression on the rigging and lifting bar or spreaders.

Installation of switchboards and panelboards should always be accomplished

in a neat and workmanlike fashion. Verify that proper clearances for work space
required by the NEC are provided. In wet location or outdoor, ensure that equipment
is in a raintight enclosure or otherwise equipped to prevent water from entering and
contacting live parts.
Seals should be installed in raceways that enter from an outdoor area to prevent
water from migrating to indoor electrical enclosures. The same precautions should
be taken when the raceway run will experience a significant change in temperature
that will cause condensation within the raceway.
Switchboards and panelboards must be installed or mounted so that they are level
and square. Switchboards and panelboards must not be installed under pipes, ducts
or other equipment that is foreign to the electrical equipment. However, sprinkler
piping and other equipment used for fire suppressions is not consider foreign and
therefore not be excluded.
In damp or wet locations, panelboards must be mounted with a 6mm clearance
between the enclosure and its mounting surface, and they must be capable of
excluding water from the enclosure. A panel marked rainproof is inadequate in
this case because, according to NEC definition, the operation of such panel would
not be affected by beating rain, but water may enter the enclosure. For wet and dry
locations as well as outdoors, a panel marked raintight must be used.
Unless otherwise marked, a panel fed by feeder circuit protected by a fuse is suited
for not more than 10,000rms symmetrical amperes available short-circuit current;
and if protected by a CB, the maximum short-circuit withstand rating is 5000 rms
symmetrical amperes.
Conduits entering a switchboard or panelboard must be properly bonded to the
equipment enclosure. It is also necessary to verify that the lugs within the
equipment are compatible with the cable to be installed. For switchboards, unless
otherwise marked(with both size and temperature rating), the termination provided
are rated at 60 C for 2.0 sq. Mm to 38 sq. mm and 75 C for 50 sq. Mm and larger. All
lugs must be tightened to the proper torque value as indicated in the
manufacturers instruction or on equipment.
For switchboards mounted on channel sills, either embed the sills directly in the
concrete or floor, or grout them to the surface. The entire length of each sill must be
levelled and properly aligned. Aligning the switchboard with the incoming conduit
stubs will help ensure adequate bending space for conductors entering the
enclosure and maintain clearances from live parts. Conduit stubs entering a switch
must rise no more than 75mm into the equipment, measured from the floor to top
of the stub, including the end bushing.