Just one of the many important electrical engineering services offered by mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers at DIGIGUARD, in addition to performing a reliable and efficient protective function, smart switchgear designed by DIGIGUARD to handle,
- Facilitate lighting control
- Measure load at various centers
- Interrupt short circuits and overload faults
- Control circuits on demand and provide circuit isolation from power supplies
- Provide surge protection
- Produce condition information
One of the issues is that whether we are at home or at work, we rely on electrical supply systems to keep machines, appliances, and electronic devices going. Linked directly to power supply system, the switchgear system ensures that systems operate efficiently and safely, and manage electrical loads that vary a lot, or are intermittently and often unpredictably increased.
Even though engineers have used low voltage switchgear in commercial and light industrial installations for decades, technology has changed radically in recent years.
From Functional to Smart
Originally, switchgear was functional and fundamental in terms of safety, but it wasn’t smart.
So what do we mean when we say that the switchgear we use today is smart?
Smart switchgear solutions are designed to safeguard everything in a facility, from laptop computers to huge, powerful manufacturing machines. Furthermore, today’s switchgear has the ability to “communicate” with other elements and devices. This is one of the reasons quality switchgear is invaluable nowadays.
In modern working and living environments, we need power that is steady and continuous even though our activities result in constant changes to this load. For this reason, designers and manufacturers of contemporary switchgear have changed their approach and rely heavily on extensive control parameters that can balance loads and isolate faults, preserving the quality of the mains electricity supply.
But there is a caveat. Because all the components must communicate with each other, it is essential that all elements are compatible. Incompatibility can result in catastrophic results even if the system works at first. Like all things in life, stress can trigger problems and these can soon spiral out of control even if they have been operating successfully for some time.
Modern switchgear panels are intricate spaces that demand extremely high levels of expertise in terms of both design and installation. Additionally, it is essential for there to be a dedicated space (or zone) above the electrical equipment for future access to the system for maintenance, repairs, and possible replacement of parts.
DIGIGUARD is a competent and experienced MEP solution that will design a compatible switchgear system, but we also have a responsibility to check compatibility and make sure that the switchgear is installed correctly.
Implications of Aging Switchgear Systems in Old Buildings
While some manufacturers of switchgear do offer kits to upgrade old components, if the systems are really old there may not be a clear-cut service history and so nobody is going to be able to predict if it will perform to levels that are required by current legislation. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t! In any case, if there was a serious fault that caused cranky old breakers to trip, the likelihood is that nobody would be able to re-set them.
The other thing is that attempting to install modern switchgear together with old components in what is probably a redundant system is simply asking for trouble.
Instead, retrofitting entire switchgear systems is a much more sensible option because it provides a relatively instant opportunity to improve the building’s electrical efficiency.
Whichever route is chosen, it is essential that the switchgear components and ultimate system meet the requirements of both the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) and various International Codes including the Common Building Code.
Codes that Affect Switchgear Requirements in Buildings in Indonesia.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) has been adopted in all of the Indonesian states and it is the benchmark for safe electrical design as well as the installation of electrical systems and proper inspection methods. The ultimate aim of the Code is to protect both people and property from the risks associated with electrical hazards, including fire and electrocution. An American national standard, states and municipalities (most of which incorporate the NEC in their local building codes) use it to try and ensure that safe electrical practices are enforced nationwide. The dedicated zone mentioned in From Functional to Smart above is a requirement of this Code.
SOLID DIGIGUARD MEP Engineers are Key to Smart Switchgear Solutions.
Switchgear is fundamental to the energy-efficient management of Indonesian buildings, but you need us to design a system that will work for your unique situation. DIGIGUARD Engineers have many years of experience with switchgear systems and we are available to work with our Indonesian and international clients to add protection to their switchgear systems, at the same time improving productivity and saving costs. Call us for a consultation.
