Switch Panel upgrade

atm84 · Dec 20, 2014

If an fuses for existing spare switched fuse unit within a switch panel is now obsolete (GEC Alsthom) then is it going to be a case of upgrading the whole panel if I want to add a new circuit?

That could turn a £500 job into about a £10k job.

I suspect I could get the parts off eBay but they probably aren't back by manufacturers warranty any more and don't want to install something that isn't legit.

atm84 · Dec 20, 2014

Tony said:
atm84 said:

I have been informed it is a 750kVA transformer and the fuses in the CT Chamber are sized at 800 amp. I will be contacting the DNO to get confirmation of this however.

Click to expand...

750KVA on a dedicated circuit would have a 1200A SF, 1000A @433V.

I think a call to the DNO is in order. Don’t take this the wrong way, this could turn in to an expensive exercise. Get all the information you can first.

If the CT camber is on the bottom of the MiniForm 800A SF the cover only has 4 screws and is hinged at the bottom and will swing downwards. If you do have a look, be careful.

Cheers, like a said I will be contacting the DNO. The CT Chamber is separate to the MiniForm.

atm84 · Dec 23, 2014

I've had a quote from Slaters for a refurbished switch fuse. They provide 18 mths warranty. Going to inform the client and see if they still want the panel upgrading for future works.

Engineer54 · Dec 23, 2014

atm84 said:
I've had a quote from Slaters for a refurbished switch fuse. They provide 18 mths warranty. Going to inform the client and see if they still want the panel upgrading for future works.

There you go!!

If this company can supply refurbished switch fuses, then maybe you won't need to go with replacing the switchboard, you can purchase refurb switch fuse units of the correct rating for the existing empty spare cubicles.

Knobhead · Dec 23, 2014

They’re still available new. To uprate from 100A to 200A is a five minute job.

Just for information MiniForm is available as 30, 60, 100, 200 and 250A. Only one 250A can be fitted in each vertical row of switches. It must be mounted in the first bay from the busbar chamber.

atm84 · Dec 24, 2014

Tony said:
They’re still available new. To uprate from 100A to 200A is a five minute job.

Just for information MiniForm is available as 30, 60, 100, 200 and 250A. Only one 250A can be fitted in each vertical row of switches. It must be mounted in the first bay from the busbar chamber.

Thanks. I'm fitting a 200 amp. Is there any stipulation as to where that can go?

Engineer54 · Dec 24, 2014

atm84 said:
Thanks. I'm fitting a 200 amp. Is there any stipulation as to where that can go?

It can go wherever you have a space. Ideally though if no 250A switches are present or are envisaged for any future installation, at the first bay on the bus riser....