Switchboards SECTION 16441
Switchboards SECTION 16441
SWITCHBOARDS
SECTION 16441
PART 1 - GENERAL
A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including Conditions of Contract and
Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
1.2 SUMMARY
A. This Section includes Main Distribution Board(s) work for low voltage (LV) distribution,
ancillary mounting frames, fittings, cable termination accessories and supports.
B. Connection to BACS system, including interface elements such as relays, transducers, etc.
as detailed in Division 15 Specification Sections BACS schedules and /or shown on the
Drawings.
1.3 DEFINITIONS
F. The following terms used on the Drawings and in the Specification are synonymous and
may be used interchangeably: "Switchboard" and "Main Distribution Board".
1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Product Data: Submit for approval detailed description of main distribution boards including
all components supported by manufacturer’s catalogues, indicating compliance with the
Standards specified under "Quality Assurance" Article, equipment characteristics, details of
construction, operating data, dimensions and weights etc. Give details of miscellaneous
items including incoming and outgoing feeder terminal arrangement, connections at
busbars, isolating, earthing, interlocks, control devices, indicating and metering instruments
etc. Boards are to be factory assembled and tested and shipped as complete package (s).
B. Shop and Construction Drawings: Submit drawings for approval including, but not limited
to, the following:
1. Plans and elevations with indication of built-on equipment, exact dimensions, and
weights.
2. Arrangement of boards inside rooms allocated, indicating spaces and clearances.
C. Technical Literature: Submit the following for approval prior to placing orders for equipment
manufacture:
D. Samples: Representative portion of mimic bus with specified finish, for color selection.
E. Qualification Data: For firms and persons specified in "Quality Assurance" Article. Provide
evidence of applicable registration or certification.
F. Tests and Certificates: Submit complete certified manufacturer’s type and routine test
records, in accordance with the Standards specified in "Quality assurance" Article.
G. Field Test Reports: Submit written test reports and include the following:
I. Updated mimic-bus diagram reflecting field changes after final main distribution board load
connections have been made, for record.
1. Routine maintenance requirements for main distribution boards and all installed
components.
2. Manufacturer’s written instructions for testing and adjusting overcurrent protective
devices.
3. Time-current curves, including selectable ranges for each type of overcurrent protective
device.
A. Installer Qualifications: Engage an experienced locally based installer with minimum five
years of successful installation experience on projects utilizing main distribution boards
units similar to those required for this project.
B. Manufacturer Qualification: A firm, based in the State of Qatar , regularly engaged in the
manufacture of main distribution boards, of types, sizes, and capacities required, and
whose products have been in satisfactory use in similar service for not less than five years.
1. IEC 439-1: Low Voltage Switchgear and Control Gear Assemblies: Type-Tested and
Partially Type-Tested Assemblies.
2. IEC 947-2: Low Voltage Switchgear and Control Gear: Circuit Breakers.
3. Relevant IEC Standard for other components, where not otherwise specified.
4. IEC 831-1 & 2 for power factor correction capacitors.
E. Product Selection for Restricted Space: Drawings indicate maximum dimensions for main
distribution boards, including clearances between main distribution boards, and adjacent
surfaces and other items. Comply with indicated maximum dimensions.
A. Deliver in sections of lengths that can be moved past obstructions in delivery path. Deliver
MDBs and components properly packaged and mounted on pallets, or skids to facilitate
handling of heavy items. Utilize factory-fabricated type containers or wrappings for MDBs
and components to protect equipment from damage. Inspect equipment to ensure that no
damage has occurred during shipment.
B. Store indoors in clean dry space with uniform temperature to prevent condensation.
Protect from exposure to dirt, fumes, water, corrosive substances, and physical damage.
A. Environmental Limitations: Rate equipment for continuous operation under the following,
unless otherwise indicated:
1.8 COORDINATION
A. Coordinate layout and installation of main distribution boards and components with other
construction and electrical work, including conduit, piping, equipment, adjacent surfaces,
raceways, electrical boxes and fittings, and cabling/wiring work. Maintain required
workspace clearances and required clearances for equipment access doors and panels.
B. Coordinate size and location of concrete bases. Cast anchor-bolt inserts into bases.
Concrete, reinforcement, and formwork requirements are specified in Division 3 Section
"Cast-in-Place Concrete."
1. One set of fixed and moving contacts for every type of replaceable (consumable)
contact set.
2. One operating motor and/or coil for each type of electrically operated circuit breaker.
3. Two sets of each type of indicating lights, fuses, LEDs, control switches, and similar
devices subject to failure or breakage at any time.
B. Tools and Instruments: Provide tools and instruments required for normal routine inspection
and maintenance and testing of circuit breakers and protective devices as appropriate for
type of switchgear supplied.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 MANUFACTURERS
Important: The form and type of Main Switch boards shall be Form 3B Type 2.
A. Generally: Main distribution boards are to be dead-front type, metal enclosed, multi-cubicle,
floor mounted, free standing, with 1000V rated insulation voltage, and 600 V rated
operational voltage, with fixed or draw-out switchgear, manually or manually and electrically
operated, as shown on the Drawings, with matching vertical sections to form a continuous
integral and rigid structure. Outgoing sections are to be of equal width.
B. Generally: Coordinate with Building Management System (BMS) supplier and provide all
necessary interfaces, relays, transducers, etc, necessary for the functions specified in the
BACS schedules and/or shown on the Drawings.
C. General Construction: Rigidly framed and bolted, with Electro-galvanized sheet steel
enclosures, minimum thickness 1.5 mm, phosphatized, primed with rust inhibiting primer
and finished with thermal polymerized polyester epoxy powder coating, gray color (RAL
7703 or ANSI 61) to approval. Switchgear is to be vermin, dust and rodent proof, IP42
protection to IEC 144 for indoor installations, with adequate lifting means and base-frames
and capable of being moved into position and directly bolted to floor without additional sills.
E. Main Distribution Boards are to have a short circuit withstand current of 44kA for 3 sec.
G. Arrangement is to permit incoming and outgoing busbars and cables to enter enclosure as
indicated on the Drawings and connect at respective terminals without inconvenience to
installation or maintenance.
H. Removing Circuit Breakers: Suitable arrangements and equipment are to be provided for
extracting, lifting and unloading switchgear from enclosures as appropriate for type of
switchgear.
J. Busbars: Site rated for normal current as shown on the Drawings or at least site rated to
same rating of main circuit breaker frame size, and braced for a symmetrical rms short-
circuit duty as specified. Busbars are to be copper, of sufficient size to limit temperature
rise to allowable insulation or equipment temperature ratings, and to maximum 90 deg C.
Connections and buswork are to be bolted with copper alloy hardware and are to be
accessible for inspection and maintenance unless otherwise recommended by the
manufacturer and approved by Engineer. Contact surfaces are to be Electro-silver plated.
K. Connections from busbar to switchgear are to be rated to carry full continuous current
rating of switchgear frame and are to be insulated.
L. Full size neutral is to be continuous through all sections. Neutral bus is to be insulated and
separate from earth bus and connected to it with removable links, at every bus section.
Links are to be of the same cross-section of the earth bus.
M. Earth bus is to extend full length of board, firmly fixed to each section in accordance with
the Regulations and Standards, complete with two main earthing lugs (one at each end),
and required number of feeder protective earth connectors.
O. Switchboard Type: Switchboard(s) are to be of the following type(s) unless otherwise stated
specifically in drawings.
1.Form 3B Type 2.
2.Incoming: Withdrawable type.
3.Tie: Withdrawable type.
4.Outgoing: Fixed type.
Q. Drawout circuit breaker assembly is to have disconnecting contacts, wheels and interlocks
to prevent connecting or disconnecting circuit breaker unless in the open position, and to
prevent closing circuit breaker while racking into any of the three positions (connect, test,
disconnect). Racking mechanism and rail assembly are to be approved worm and lever
mechanism. It is to be possible to close the unit door with breaker in any of the three
positions and when removed. External position indicator is to be provided. Fixed
disconnecting primary contacts are to be accessible and replaceable from front and are to
be silver plated copper. Moving primary disconnect contacts are to consist of self-aligning,
silver plated, spring pressure, finger-cluster, copper contact fitted on line and load studs of
circuit breaker.
R. Front and rear accessible, front and rear aligned, individually mounted fixed MCCB
distribution sections as basic construction for form 3 and form 4 switchboards, are to be
compartmentalized construction, consisting of front modular circuit breaker compartments,
busbar system compartments and rear cable termination compartments (as per the form
type selected), with insulating barriers between front compartments and busbar
compartments and between rear compartments and busbar compartment (removable for
maintenance). MCCBs are to be closely coupled to busbars (to minimize chances of bus-
side faults), and to rear cable terminals, through compatibly frame-sized insulated
connectors. MCCB modules are to be covered on the front, by recessed frame-type bolted
covers, 1.5 mm minimum thickness, to protect circuit breaker handles. Top, sides and rear
are to be covered with removable screw-on plates having formed edges all around.
S. All Enclosures for DB, SMDB, MCC Panels shall be from the same manufacturer of the
switchgear, and shall be made from Europe/USA. Third Party Enclosures will not be
accepted.
A. Type: Encased in high strength, high temperature resistant, molded plastic insulating
materials, for normal operation at maximum temperature within enclosure at point of
application, tested to approve standards, manually operated for normal functions, and
automatically tripped under over-current conditions. Trip power is to be derived from main
power circuit, with sufficient tripping energy to reliably trip circuit breaker. Fixed mounted
circuit breaker is to be rear connected.
C. Control Power: For electrically charged circuit breaker and/or for shunt trip device, where
required, control power is to be 120V ac obtained from in-built MDB control power
transformer connected and fused on line-side of circuit breaker. Where shunt trip and/or
under voltage release are required, a sufficient capacitor trip device is to be provided.
D. Rating: 4-pole, unless otherwise shown on the drawings. 600 V class, with continuous
current rating (frame size) as shown on the Drawings, ranging between 400 A and 4000 A
(400, 800, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3000, and 4000 A), fully rated (100%) for service under
worst site conditions. Breakers are to be rated for a symmetrical rms service short-circuit
breaking capacity as shown on the Drawings, to IEC 947-2 sequence II (rated service
short-circuit breaking capacity) at specified voltage and frequency, meeting IEC 947-2,
sequence I, II, III and IV tests (for circuit breakers of utilization category B), tested in an
enclosure substantially the same as the enclosure in which they are to be installed.
E. Trip Unit: Totally enclosed, programmable, solid state device, interchangeable for
compatible frame sizes, pluggable into front of circuit breaker, tamper-proof and with
transparent, sealable cover. Trip unit is to measure sinusoidal and non–sinusoidal current
wave forms (fundamental to thirteenth harmonic) by continuously sampling each phase
through out every cycle. Trip unit is to be direct acting trip device, current transformer
operated, with flux transfer shunt trip that requires no external power. It is to have
adjustable current setting (0.5 - 1.0 times trip unit rating) with adjustable long-time delay,
short-time pick-up and short-time delay, earth-fault pick-up and time delay instantaneous
over current pickup. Current setting range is to be by means of replaceable trip-units within
the maximum frame size rating. Once removed, circuit breaker is to remain in the trip-free
position. Earth-fault trip is to be adjustable, range 10% to 60% of normal current rating of
the circuit breaker and a maximum of 1200A, with adjustable time delay between 0.1 and
0.5 seconds. Short time delay is to be adjustable in steps, 2 - 9 times current setting, with
pre-settable or adjustable time band having maximum delay of 0.3 to 0.5 seconds.
Instantaneous trip is to be adjustable in steps at least 2 – 13 times the trip unit rating.
Over-ride protection is to allow full sensitivity up to interrupting capacity of Circuit Breaker.
F. Trip Unit shall have the metering functions for each phase comprising:
1.Voltage.
2.Frequency.
3.Energy.
4.Total power.
5.Peak power demand.
1.Over-voltage
2.Voltage unbalance.
3.Current unbalance
4.Reverse power.
H. Trip Unit Status Display: Shall indicate in words the status of normal breaker operation,
long time over current pick up, instantaneous time over current trip, short time over current
trip, ground fault trip. Unit shall have integral resetable counter to count long time, short
time, instantaneous and ground fault trips.
I. Position Indicators: Positive with trip indication target. Target indicator is to be mechanical
and is to give indication even when control power has been lost.
J. Trip unit shall have inputs from conventional potential transformers for every phase.
Current sensors transformers for every phase. Current sensors shall be encased in epoxy
filled plastic housing to protect against damage and moisture and shall be integrally
mounted in breakers.
K. Neutral Current Transformer: Provide on the neutral conductor of each main, tie or outgoing
circuit having earth fault protection. Rating and characteristics of the neutral current
transformer are to be suitable for proper operation of the earth fault protection system.
M. Auxiliary Contacts: Include N.O. and N.C. contacts on switchgear as required for remote
monitoring and control, plus 2 N.O. and 2 N.C. spare contacts.
N. Electrical Interlock: If electrical interlock is required between power air circuit breakers (as
shown on the drawings), the mechanical closing button of the circuit breaker is to be
disabled in the connect position and an additional electrical push button is to be provided
for the closing of the circuit breaker through the breaker’s shunt close coil. The electrical
interlock is to be provided on both shunt trip and close coils of the circuit breaker in order to
perform simultaneous tripping and inhibit closing functions on the interlocked breaker.
A. MCCBs generally are to be thermal-magnetic type for ratings below 400 A frame size,
unless otherwise shown on the Drawings. MCCBs 400 A and larger are to be electronic
solid-state trip type. All circuit breakers are to be 3-pole unless otherwise shown on
drawings.
B. Construction: Totally enclosed, molded case, constructed from high quality, high
temperature resistant, tropicalized, molded insulating materials, for normal operation at 70
C. Thermal magnetic circuit breakers are to include, on each pole, a bi-metallic inverse time-
delay over current trip element for small overloads and instant magnetic over current trip
elements for operation under short-circuit conditions. Circuit breakers 250 A frame size
and larger are to have adjustable instantaneous trips.
D. Thermal over-current trips are to be compensated to allow for ambient temperature higher
at breaker than at protected circuit or device. Compensation is to be applicable between
25 and 50 deg. C. In case of adjustable thermal settings, range of adjustment is not to
exceed maximum trip rating shown on the Drawings.
E. Electronic trip circuit breakers are to have solid state trip units with long time delay setting
range at least between 0.5 and 1.0 times maximum trip rating, short time delay range 3 to
10 times maximum trip rating with maximum clearing time of 0.2 seconds, and
instantaneous protection adjustable from 5 to 10 times continuous rating. Solid state trip
units are to be insensitive to changes in ambient temperature between -20 and +55 deg. C.
Earth fault protection is to be built into trip unit where specified, and is to be adjustable
between 0.2 and 0.6 normal phase current pick-up with maximum time delay of 0.2
seconds, and is to be suitable for connection to external current sensor. Push-to-trip button
is to be provided on cover for testing the trip unit.
H. Sealing: Non-interchangeable trip circuit breakers are to have sealed covers. Circuit
breakers with interchangeable trips are to have trip unit covers sealed to prevent
tampering.
I. Circuit breaker ratings are to be non-current limiting, fully rated (100%) with continuous
duty at site conditions, and with frame size and interrupting capacity to IEC 947-2,
sequence II (rated service short-circuit breaking capacity), and maximum trip rating as
shown on the Drawings. Interrupting capacities at specified voltage and frequency are to
meet IEC 947-2 test sequence I, II, III and IV for circuit breakers of utilization category B
(with intended short time withstand capability).
J. Accessories: Circuit breaker design is to allow addition of electrical operator, control and
interlocking functions, under-voltage release, shunt-trip coils, alarm and auxiliary switches,
padlocking devices, key-lock devices, and the like.
A. Generally: Instruments are to be housed in enameled, square, metal cases for flush
installation. Scales and markings are to be protected and sealed. Accuracy of instruments
is to be within 2% unless otherwise specified or dictated by Kahramaa. CT’s shall be rated
and of class stated on drawing and dictated by Kahramaa.
B. Voltmeters: Moving iron type, with center zero adjuster, range 1.25 times nominal system
voltage, 90 degree angle, size 76 x 76 mm.
D. Ammeters: Moving iron type, with center zero adjuster, range 2 times nominal circuit
amperage, 90 degree angle, size 76 x 76 mm.
F. Provide p.f. meter moving iron type with center zero adjuster, size 76 x76mm.
G. Current Transformer (CT): Indoor dry type, rated secondary current 5 A. Rated primary
current, core size and accuracy are to be determined in accordance with nominal current of
plant protected, short-circuit level and burden.
H. Voltage Transformer (VT): Provide where required, complete with primary and secondary
fuses and disconnecting device.
I. Frequency Meter
Provide an automatic power factor correction system for each switchboard as shown in the
drawings.
The automatic power factor correction system shall be housed in a separate section of the
switchboard. The enclosure shall be top entry access, forced air cooled, ventilated and
furnished with earthing lugs. An external door operator shall be provided to de-energize the unit
when the door is open. The enclosure shall have a hinged door with key lock provisions.
Controller shall be a solid state programmable multi-step reactive current sensing unit with
digital display capabilities of power factor, active current, reactive current and number of
energized steps. The controller shall provide the following features:
Fuses shall be provided in each phase of each capacitor. Fuse shall be current limiting type,
installed on the line side of the contractor and have a 80,000 ampere symmetrical rating. Fuses
shall be located to facilitate safe replacement. All capacitor fuses shall be rated to protect the
contractor, capacitor and interconnecting wiring and mounted in 3 pole fuse blocks and must be
replaceable without removal of power wiring.
Torroidal choke coils shall be included in all three phases of each capacitor bank to minimize
the effects of voltage spikes on sensitive electronic equipment. The choke coil shall be
designed to limit the capacitor inrush current to a value equal to or less than the capacitor
switching rating of the contactor. The toroidal choke coils shall be braced to withstand a 80,000
symmetrical ampere short circuit.
A blown fuse indicating light shall be provided for each capacitor branch fuse. The neon light
will illuminate when a capacitor branch fuse operates. The neon light shall be door mounted
with an engraved black plastic with 6mm white lettering identifying the branch capacitor fuse
circuit affected.
Capacitors shall be total dry-type self-healing metalized propylene dielectric type with double
insulation and resin casing vacuum. The capacitor shall be completed with built-in internal
protection electric fuse with each coil and overpressure disconnection device. The operating
temperature from – 40deg.C to 50degC> the discharging resistor shall be self-contained for
each capacitor. It shall be withstand for voltage overload for 1.18 miminal voltage for 24hr.day.
Contactor’s shall be three pole, 600 VAC rated with 240 operating coils. The contactor shall be
capacitor rated to withstand the inrush currents imposed by dynamic capacitor switching.
Main breaker shall be mounted inside the enclosure and have AL/CU terminal lugs, thermal
magnetic trip and door operator’s handle.
Acceptable Manufacturer’s
- ABB
- Siemens
A. Provide ground fault protection on all circuit breakers whether incoming, outgoing or tie,
which are rated 1000 A or more. Ground fault protection shall be as specified for particular
breaker type used.
2.8 WIRING
A. Arrangement: Wiring is to be modularly and neatly arranged on master terminal boards with
suitable numbering strips and appropriate cartridge type fuses where required.
B. Connections are to be made at front of terminal board and with no live metal exposed.
C. Metal cases of instruments, control switches, relays etc. are to be connected, by bare
copper conductors’ not less than 2.5 mm2 section, to nearest earthing bar.
D. Control Wiring: Copper, PVC insulated, 85 deg. C, 600 V grade, and PVC sheathed for
multi-core cables. Finely stranded copper conductor, silicon rubber insulated cables are to
be used in proximity to higher temperature components and as flexible cable.
E. Ferrules: Wires are to be fitted with numbered ferrules of approved type at each
termination.
2.9 MISCELLANEOUS
A. Anti-condensation heaters with disconnect switch and pilot lamp are to be provided in
switchboard, controlled by thermostat and/or hygrostat.
B. Schematic and wiring diagram is to be provided suitably located within each cubicle.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 EXAMINATION
A. Examine elements and surfaces to receive main distribution boards for compliance with
installation tolerances and other conditions affecting performance. Notify Engineer in writing
of conditions detrimental to proper completion of the work.
1. Proceed with installation only after unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.
3.2 INSTALLATION
B. Equipment Bases: Ensure that concrete bases and foundations provided for installation of
equipment are constructed in accordance with approved shop and construction drawings
and equipment manufacturers’ drawings and that holes for fixing bolts and provisions for
passage of cables etc. are provided as required.
C. Temporary Lifting Provisions: Remove temporary lifting eyes, channels, and brackets and
temporary blocking of moving parts from main distribution board units and components.
D. Cable Trenches: Ensure that trench construction and covers provided for installation of
power and control cables are in accordance with approved shop and construction drawings.
E. Built-in Items: Ensure that equipment supports, fixings and the like, and sleeves for
passage of feeders and cables which are to be built into concrete foundations, bases, cable
trenches or building structure are provided as and when required and that they are properly
installed.
F. Equipment: Install on concrete bases etc., and assemble completely plumb and level,
before grouting in holding-down bolts.
G. Supports and Terminations: Install all incoming and outgoing cable supports, cable ends
and termination fittings required for power and control cables.
I. Make Good damage painted surfaces, clean and apply rust-inhibiting prime coat and two
finishing coats of approved enamel upon delivery of equipment to site, or as required by
Engineer.
J. Operating Instructions: Frame and mount the printed basic operating instructions for main
distribution boards, including control and key interlocking sequences and emergency
procedures. Fabricate frame of finished wood or metal and cover instructions with clear
acrylic plastic. Mount on front of main distribution boards.
3.3 IDENTIFICATION
B. Main Distribution Board Nameplates: Label each main distribution board compartment with
engraved metal or laminated-plastic nameplate mounted with corrosion-resistant screws.
3.4 CONNECTIONS
A. Install equipment-grounding connections for main distribution boards with ground continuity
to main electrical ground bus.
B. Tighten electrical connectors and terminals, including screws and bolts, according to
manufacturer’s published torque-tightening values. If manufacturer’s torque values are not
indicated, use those specified in applicable Standards.
A. Equipment: Inspect equipment upon delivery to Site and report any damage to Engineer.
B. Switchgear: Inspect and check switchgear for completeness, component ratings, types,
sizes, and wiring connections. Check phasing of busbars, contacts and clearances.
D. Tests: After installation and before hand-over, carry out all visual and mechanical
inspection and electrical tests required by the governing codes and any other tests the
Engineer may require to check compliance of installation with the Specification, including,
but not limited to, the following. Correct malfunctioning units on-site, where possible, and
retest to demonstrate compliance; otherwise, replace with new units and retest.
1. Insulation resistance tests for each main distribution board bus, component, connecting
supply, feeder, and control circuit.
2. Continuity tests of each circuit.
3. Operational tests.
E. Main and Control Circuits: Using 1000 V megger (2000 Megohm range), check insulation
resistance between phases, between phases and earth/enclosure and between neutral and
earth.
F. Primary Injection Tests: Provide portable test equipment to test time-delay characteristics
of circuit breakers by simulating an overload or fault condition. Measure and record all test
results and ambient conditions and compare with manufacturer’s data.
G. Instantaneous Trip Elements: Test by high current primary injection, using high-current
primary injection test-sets and reports all readings.
H. Routine Tests on Site: Carry out on every main distribution board in accordance with the
Standard specified (IEC 439 or BS 5486: Part 1) for FBAs assembled from standardized
components outside the works of the manufacturer. Routine tests are also to be carried out
on every FBA, delivered to site, if requested by Engineer.
3.6 CLEANING