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Switchroom Clearances
Clearances around switchboards should comply to local regulations. In the absence of other guidelines the following
minimums can be used:
Protection Panels
While relays can be incorporated within the switchboards, often they
are installed in separate panels/racks. Provision needs to be made for the installation of any protection panels and
control cabling to the associated switchboards.
Earthing & Lightning Protection - given the high levels of fault current
associated with MV switchrooms, consideration of the earthing (grounding) is
an important aspect of the design. Earthing systems need to provide adequate
paths for fault current, ensure sufficient current for relay operation and limit
step and touch potentials to safe values. Lightning protection if necessary
needs to be installed and coordinated with the earthing system to provide a safe
means to discharge any strike to ground.
EMF - there is a growing concern over the effect of EMF on the human body.
Where people have access to areas surrounding switchrooms cable distribution
paths it is necessary to establish that the associated EMF levels are below
recommended limits.
Switchroom Layout
Switchrooms are built to house switchgear and associated systems (cables, dc systems, SCADA and cable
containment). Suitable provision should be made within the room for all these systems. In addition requirements such
as toilets, desks, telephones, security systems, etc. may need to be considered.
Much of the equipment located within the switchroom is large and heavy. Suitable provision should be made for
access to the switchroom, entrance into the room and moving the equipment around. Installation and removal of
individual items of equipment should be possible with the switchroom live. Care needs to be taken around columns
and other obstructions to ensure that clearance distances are maintained.
It is good practice (and a regulatory requirement in many countries) to provide at least two means of emergency
egress. Doors providing emergency egress should open outwards.
Entry/exit to the building needs to be considered carefully to ensure suitable access and that water does not
leak/enter the room.
Circuits – the room has been designed for a 22 kV system of five circuits and a
bus-coupler, give a total of seven panels (two for the bus-coupler). Depending
on actual number of circuits the room width can be easily expanded or reduced.
Provision has also been made for the installation of future panels.
Front Entry – the scheme shown allows for access to the rear of the
switchboard. Should the switchboard require only front access, the rear space
could be reduced (to say 100 mm, just keeping the switchboard from the wall).