Discuss 3 Phase Distribution Board Dilema in the Commercial Electrical Advice area at ElectriciansForums.net

Sooo MCCB option, seems like a viable idea but then I'd need to bolt 2 sets of 95mm tails to the switch fuse unless a busbar chamber is used??

No, you'd only need one set of conductors from the switchfuse to the MCCB distribution board, then suitably sized outgoing conductors from each MCCB.

I had to do pretty much the same thing on this job, take an existing 200A feed and split it down to 2x 100A feeds. Previously the fuses in the fuse-switch had been changed to 100A to feed the one outgoing distribution circuit. I needed to add a second distribution circuit so swapped the fuses back to 200A and fitted the MCCB board.
(Yes I fixed the gap in the trunking lid)

The board is an MG25C2 Scheider Merlin Gerin MG25C2 Powerpact 4 - 13 SP Ways, 250A Panelboard - https://electricalwholesalers4u.com/products/scheider-merlin-gerin-mg25c2-powerpact-4-13-sp-ways-250a-panelboard?variant=44704876888310&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Shopify%20Custom%20GMC%20Feed&utm_content=Scheider%20Merlin%20Gerin%20MG25C2%20Powerpact%204%20-%2013%20SP%20Ways%2C%20250A%20%20Panelboard&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA35urBhDCARIsAOU7QwkSOymDJNpGhIUA29hoH4fm2Mx-5DhK5dkP9ueAsGsdRUrUqr7CY-MaAksFEALw_wcB

IMG_20231129_210338.jpgIMG_20231129_210258.jpgIMG_20220114_150926.jpg
 
I have a roughly 800mm length of 4inch trunking with the Isolator on top, the main dB to the right and a 500mm space between the board and Isolator on top of the trunking for a Ryefield. This seemed like the easiest option and one which I've has experience with! Cost the factor which has lead me here.

The easiest option isn't necessarily the best option and the cheapest option is rarely best.

Fuses vs MCCBs both have their pros and cons.
MCCBs offer convenience of being easily resettable.
With the Ryefield option the whole installation would need to be isolated to replace 1 fuse (removing/reinstating fuses into a live board is hard to justify in a risk assessment without a good reason and expensive arc-flash PPE)
 
The easiest option isn't necessarily the best option and the cheapest option is rarely best.

Fuses vs MCCBs both have their pros and cons.
MCCBs offer convenience of being easily resettable.
Very true!
With the Ryefield option the whole installation would need to be isolated to replace 1 fuse (removing/reinstating fuses into a live board is hard to justify in a risk assessment without a good reason and expensive arc-flash PPE)
As there is a 200A fused-switch feeding it then easy to do, and if 100A fuses feeding the TPN boards they should be no more likely to be blown than typical house DNO fuses, and will have total selectivity with the 200A ones.

Assuming sensible distribution of loads, overall demand, etc.!
 
Wow a few options coming at me here.

Sooo MCCB option, seems like a viable idea but then I'd need to bolt 2 sets of 95mm tails to the switch fuse unless a busbar chamber is used?? In which case we may as well just fit one 95mm tail and use fuses in the chamber?

Please forgive my lack of knowledge on commercial, I'll try to keep up!
Don't forget that 434.2 allows for positioning of the over-current protection to be downstream of the device where downstream protection exists (so your MCCB incomer). As such, you may only need 35mm tails which the vast majority of switchgear would accept being double-lugged (normally one behind and one in front of the bus bolt).
 
There has been some great feedback here guys and all sooooo helpful! All my boss wants to do is quickly me along and cheap cheap cheap! With absolutely no understanding where he's been off the tools for so many years!

So ive taken all of your knowledge and suggestions and think ive decided on an engineering judgment on how I'm going to move forward on this project!
1 - 434.2 is gold here because well... I really don't want to work with cable bigger than I really have to!
2 - MCCB Incomers - Ive never had to consider before and this allows me to comply with the above whilst protecting my DB main switches
3 - I can be cost effective in that two separate MCCB enclosures is apparently cheaper than the Ryefield (which is about a grand according to the boss)
4 - I can be time effective in that making all the links for a Ryefield is time consuming. (im sure you can probably buy somthing prefabricated)
5 - I will use a 100amp MCCB Incomer for the HVAC DB, a 125 Amp for the Main DB

You have all been absolute stars and a great response for my first posting here! Ill have to grab pictures of the final product!
Play safe out there!
 
There has been some great feedback here guys and all sooooo helpful! All my boss wants to do is quickly me along and cheap cheap cheap! With absolutely no understanding where he's been off the tools for so many years!

So ive taken all of your knowledge and suggestions and think ive decided on an engineering judgment on how I'm going to move forward on this project!
1 - 434.2 is gold here because well... I really don't want to work with cable bigger than I really have to!
2 - MCCB Incomers - Ive never had to consider before and this allows me to comply with the above whilst protecting my DB main switches
3 - I can be cost effective in that two separate MCCB enclosures is apparently cheaper than the Ryefield (which is about a grand according to the boss)
4 - I can be time effective in that making all the links for a Ryefield is time consuming. (im sure you can probably buy somthing prefabricated)
5 - I will use a 100amp MCCB Incomer for the HVAC DB, a 125 Amp for the Main DB

You have all been absolute stars and a great response for my first posting here! Ill have to grab pictures of the final product!
Play safe out there!
One of the things that I have always loved about this forum (above many others) is the breadth of experience and knowledge and the willingness to share that, especially when trying to solve a genuine problem. You’re welcome!!
 

Reply to 3 Phase Distribution Board Dilema in the Commercial Electrical Advice area at ElectriciansForums.net

Similar Threads

Hello, Looking for some advice following a botched 3 phase upgrade today. Some background: Commercial unit originally fitted out (4 years ago)...
Replies
7
Views
671
When working in a control panel. If I needed to replace a 3 phase contactor do I need to carry out a 10point check to prove dead on just the mains...
Replies
16
Views
1K
Absolutely losing my brain here guys What I would like to be able to do is power our 3 phase motor on a single phase supply. Thought I had it...
Replies
3
Views
675
Hi guys, So, a friend of mine has a three phase 100a supply and wants to install 2 x three phase 20a fork lift chargers and a three phase car...
Replies
24
Views
3K
Hi Looking at a job currently adding a 3 phase solar installation but the distribution board is full obviously a new board is the best option but...
Replies
9
Views
1K

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

YOUR Unread Posts

This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by untold.media Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Back
Top
AdBlock Detected

We get it, advertisements are annoying!

Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website. For the best site experience please disable your AdBlocker.

I've Disabled AdBlock