Control and protection
EPA take a look at some recent applications for a variety of low-voltage electrical distribution and circuit protection equipment.
The hi-tech 15,000 seat stadium, Parc-y-Scarlets, home to the Llanelli Scarlets rugby team, has been fitted with a range of equipment which will provide control and protection to the stadium's electrical systems.
To provide reliable control and protection, Whitehead building services incorporated ABB's electrical distribution gear into the installation from its 8-way Protecta distribution boards to purpose-built, 18-way sub meter panel boards. The boards incorporate Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB), Residual Current Devices with Overload protection (RCBO), metering modules and air circuit breakers (ACB).
ABB's Protecta range of final distribution boards are designed to save space, installation time and cost and are said to offer good electrical equipment handling capabilities in a compact space saving unit. Within the unit, MCBs and RCBOs provide protection against overloads and short circuits, while regulating the flow of electricity throughout the installation. Metering modules allow electricity usage to be monitored and areas identified where further savings can be made through more prudent usage.
A new ABB distribution switch panel has been installed to help ensure security and protection at the development. The switch panel features a 2,500 amp ACB with a withdrawable switch disconnector to provide a quick termination of the new low voltage supply when needed. The panel is divided into two sections via a 2,500-amp main bus coupler that runs over 800 amps from the mains, connecting to a 250KVA generator. This runs parallel to the main supply of electricity. In the event of a power shortage or the electricity supply tripping out the generator, there will still be a guaranteed supply of electricity.
Commenting on the project, Ray Bird from Whitehead Building Services said: "During the project we worked closely with ABB to determine the best course of action. One of the most important aspects to consider was the need to deliver reliable electrical control."
Appointed as distribution specialists for the project, ABB was equipped to provide each floor with a 1 to 8-way sub-metered distribution board to serve all essential electrical equipment. By appointing ABB as distribution specialist to the project, Whitehead Electrical was able to enjoy 24/7 access to a specialist engineer who was on hand to assist with any distribution network problems.
Line protection devices
ABB equipment is also helping to maximise electrical safety for residents in a new apartment development in Portsmouth.
Berkeley Homes (Southern) has installed line protection devices from ABB in its latest development, the No. 1 Gunwharf Quays tower in Portsmouth.
The new development, the tallest residential skyscraper on the South Coast of England, will be protected by a mix of MCBs and RCBOs, providing protection against overloads, short circuits and electrical failures.
The development includes numerous variants of ABB’s System ProM compact MCB S200 series - from 6 to 32 amps - which are designed to immediately interrupt the supply in the event of a fault. When the fault is fixed, MCBs can be either manually or automatically re-set to resume normal operation, leading to a more cost-effective set-up. ABB’s MCBs satisfy all the requirements of BSEN 60898-1.
ABB’s RCBOs combine the benefits of a residual current device (RCD) with the overcurrent protection of MCBs. They work by detecting the leakage current and quickly reacting to prevent electrocution and ensure personal safety, as well as preventing equipment damage from overcurrents.
The development also includes ABB’s isolator switches, which enable the building’s main electrical circuits to be completely isolated for service or maintenance.
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