An Easter weekend for IES to swap
out vital obsolete LV switchgear
The challenge
One of world’s largest pet care companies
created an Amtech model to verify the
installations compliance with BS7671.
• 2000A Switchboard in place and
energised with second at the rear
What was achieved / results: • Full NICIEC Testing & Inspection to
update its low voltage switchboards. A detailed project plan ensured all • New switchboard is form 4 type 6, one
Due to the 24/7 production schedule, on a scheduled basis and helped identify both switchboards needed to be upgraded milestones and key dates within the
manufacturing leading pet food brands
24 hours, 365 days per year needed to
with minimal impact for production. IES
identified the Easter weekend of 2019,
with a 6-day window running day and
night shifts to achieve this tight install
timeframe.
information and manufacturing proceeded
project’s lifecycle. As a result of careful
planning, the weekend installation was
successful with power being restored to
the factory at 10am Tuesday morning,
eight hours ahead of schedule.
Preparation
BS7671 Wiring regulations.
of the highest forms of separation, and
built to BS-EN61439-2 standards.
• New switchboards are 2000A for
additional load for future requirements.
• T.V.S.S type 1/2 protection now
provided to the switchboard
• Full metering installed on all outgoing
circuits and overall incomer. The new
multifunction metering is integration
IES carried out two surveys of the special
into client SCADA system.
requirements (e.g. access routes, ceiling
• 2x New 542kVAR Detuned PFC cubicles
heights, trench locations, room size
etc). The existing power cables from the This was another great example of IES
switchboard were to be retained and understanding the needs of the Food and
re-utilised. One of the surveys identified Beverage sector to deliver safely, on-time
issues with existing installation, e.g.
and in-budget.
cables not the size documented and
fuses above the rating of the cabling. IES
Site Installation of switchboards
www.iesworks.co.uk
FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk 53