Switch Panel upgrade

[atm84]

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.

 

[itselectric]

Op you started off wanting fuses to replace existing ones, but you then want to upgrade to 200 amps, so your switch would have to be upgraded to 200 amp therefore you have no option but to replace switch or upgrade
One of the companies I worked for needed to replace an obsolete switch, and Slaters came up with the goods, inside the switch was like brand new.

 

[atm84]

Op you started off wanting fuses to replace existing ones, but you then want to upgrade to 200 amps, so your switch would have to be upgraded to 200 amp therefore you have no option but to replace switch or upgrade
One of the companies I worked for needed to replace an obsolete switch, and Slaters came up with the goods, inside the switch was like brand new.

First of all I did not say that I wanted to replace any fuses in existing switch fuse unit. I said if fuses for existing switch fuse unit are obsolete then would it require an upgrade. There is currently no fuses in the existing switch fuse unit, hence how can I replace something that isn't there.

Like you say, its not a case of just fitting some bigger fuses, the whole switch fuse unit will need to be replaced or a whole panel upgrade.

The existing switch fuse unit is rated at 100 amp TP, I want to fit a 200 amp TP and I am looking at locating this.

That is why I am maybe going to have to upgrade. I have contacted Slaters so hopefully they will come back with something.

Ill keep you all posted.

 

[Simon-0116]

Try srs electrical worksop all sorts of new old stock

 

[Engineer54]

I said 25% SPARE WAY capacity not 25% spare LOAD capacity. The incoming service head is rated at 800 amps Three Phase. I suspect there is approx 500 amps load but will be carrying out load monitoring for a min two week period to ascertain actual max demand but I think there should be plenty of spare LOAD capacity.

That won't be a standard DNO supply then, is there is a site TX supplying this premisses

This is what you stated in your post...

Thats where I would specify an MCCB Panel board with a minimum of 25% spare capacity and use MCCB's.

Nothing about ''spare way'' only capacity!!

Another thing you'll need to consider, is that the MCCB's will require a far lower Zs value than the existing Switch fuses

 

[atm84]

That won't be a standard DNO supply then, is there is a site TX supplying this premisses

This is what you stated in your post...





Nothing about ''spare way'' only capacity!!

Another thing you'll need to consider, is that the MCCB's will require a far lower Zs value than the existing Switch fuses[/QUOT

Yes there is a site TX.

I need to double check with DNO that the fuses in the CT Chamber are rated at 800 amp, but I have been informed by the client that they are 800 amp. (They had a new meter fitted a couple of years back and that is how he knows). However I will be contacting the DNO to fully ascertain that this information is correct before any major works and will also be carrying out load monitoring, first of all on the cafeteria DB and also at the Main Panel to ensure that there is in fact spare load capacity for future expansion.

 

[snowhead]

Is this GEC Miniform you're looking at?;

http://www.scatco.co.uk/technicalinfo/miniform.pdf

 

[atm84]

Is this GEC Miniform you're looking at?;

http://www.scatco.co.uk/technicalinfo/miniform.pdf

Yes it is champion

 

[Knobhead]

Scatco are good to deal with. MiniForm is a doddle to extend.

You will find the transformer is 500KVA with a maximum O/P of 666.7A @433V so don’t be over confident you have XXXA spare capacity. A 800A fuseswitch is standard kit for 500KVA.

 

[atm84]

Scatco are good to deal with. MiniForm is a doddle to extend.

You will find the transformer is 500KVA with a maximum O/P of 666.7A @433V so don’t be over confident you have XXXA spare capacity. A 800A fuseswitch is standard kit for 500KVA.

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.

 

[Knobhead]

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.

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.

 

[atm84]

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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?