Electrical Panels is mandatory to be found in all kind of projects. This is to feed all the electrical loads with the required power.
In this article, I’m focusing on the practical installations of these electrical panels On-Site.
First of all, let us know the different types of panels which you can find in your project.
Types/names of the electrical panels:
01- Ring Main Unit Panel, will be used with the Medium Voltage System (MV).
02- Switchgear Panel, also like the above panel, will be used with the Medium Voltage System (MV).
03- Outdoor Package Substation, this is a combined unit which will include different items, RMU on the MV side, in the middle will be a step-down transformer to convert from Medium Voltage to a Low Voltage, and the last part of this panel will include the LV side “MDB panel”.
04- Main Distribution Board, or MDB.
05- Synchronization Panel for the Generators.
06- Automatic Transfer Switch Panel, or ATS panel.
07- Manual Transfer Switch Panel, or MTS panel.
08- Uninterruptible Power Supply panel, or UPS panel.
09- Motorized Control Center Panel, or MCC panel.
10- Control Panels
11- Sub-Main Distribution Panel, or SMDB.
12- Final Distribution Panel, or FD panel.
13- Lighting Control Panel, or LCP.
14-…..other panels.
Now, you will know how to install practically on-site the SMDB, or Sub-Main Distribution Boards, plus the Final Distribution Boards.
Firstly, the installation works of the electrical panels shall be carried out only in accordance with the latest approved shop drawings, approved material submittals, and the project specifications.
Secondly, here is a list of the tools that will be required to complete the job:
Thirdly, these are the steps of the installation:
Please ensure that all civil and finishing activities are completed before starting the work.
Ensure the area is released for the installation area and cleared by the civil section to proceed with the Distribution Board installations.
Also, ensure the work area is clean and safe for activities.
Ensure the floor/wall surface is ready for the installation of the Distribution Boards.
Clearances between SMDBs and FDBs must be maintained as specified in the approved shop drawings.
The height of the Distribution Boards shall be maintained as per the approved shop drawings, to ensure easy access for cable termination and other maintenance work.
Connection of cable trays/Cable trunking to all Distribution Boards shall be rigidly supported.
All knockouts made on the panel covers shall be filed and provided with grommets to avoid sharp edges, and unused knockouts shall be covered.
All cable entries shall be properly closed and sealed.
Termination of cables shall be done using approved cable glands, lugs.
Connections should be made only by competent technicians or electricians, as per the approved shop drawing.
SMDBs and FDBs shall be provided with proper earthing connections as per approved shop drawings.
Approved Heat Shrinks to be installed above each lug inside the panel.
This is a sample of the heat shrink
This is a sample of the Cable Lugs
Doors of SMDBs and FDBs are to be earthed with flexible connections.
Identification labels of the approved type shall be affixed to SMDBs and FDBs.
Raise (WIR) for installation of SMDBs and FDBs along with gland installations and termination to the Consultant.
You can watch this video to see the different components of SMDB in practice on site.
(Free videos) The practical explanation for the components of the electrical panel On-Site
Please make sure that, before starting work, your electrical team is wearing their proper PPE. If you would like to know more about the most important PPE, click here
Also, if you would like to know more about the tools available to the electricians, click here
