Installing Switchboards – A Quick Reference Guide

An electric switchboard is a device through which electricity is directed from one or more sources of supply to various smaller regions of usage. In other words, it is an assembly of one or more panels, each of which contains switches that permit electricity to be redirected. For the installation of switchboards, only a licensed electrical contractor Menlo Park should be hired.

Switchboards

Before main switchboards are provided authorization to be energized by they must:

• have all penetrations filled for fire sealing and avoid vermin entry;
• be installed in a suitable well-ventilated place;
• have all labels in place as prescribed by the Wiring Rules for safety services;
• have all doors installed;
• be fixed permanently in position and installed to meet the standards of Wiring Rules;
• be labeled and main earth and bond locations marked;
• have clear access without being obstructed by the contents of the building or by fittings and fixtures within the building;
• be safeguarded against the effects of dust and moisture; and
• be 100% complete.

Additional requirements include:

• All fire doors and smoke detectors are to be fitted.
• Where necessary, stop switch room doors being blocked.
• Where necessary, mechanical protection of the switchboard is in place.
• No cables are to be drawn into cabinets after the switchboard is energized.
• All sub-mains shall be terminated, danger tagged and locked off.
• Prescribed clearance around the switchboard on all sides where people are to pass to permit for servicing and maintenance.

Switch Room Environment

• Advise construction safety officers installation cables emanating from the main switch room are live as from the date of authorization.
• The signage for emergency lighting and emergency exit must be functioning and tested.
• In case a switchboard is installed in a car park or installed lower than parking bays, all barriers shall be in place to avoid spillages reaching the main switch room.
• Permanent lighting is the main switch room shall be completed and maintained from the temporary supply before connection of the network supply.
• Signage must be in place for the location of the main switchboard on the fire indicator panel or at each entry to the building.

Hire a licensed electrical contractor in Menlo Park to ensure everything functions the right way!