Search

Premium Membership ♕

Limited Time Offer: Save 15% on PRO Plan with discount code: LRN15 and study specialized LV/MV/HV technical articles and studies.

Home / Technical Articles / Example On How To Design a Low Voltage Switchboard

Low voltage switchboard construction

This technical article has the aim of helping the panel builder and the designer in the construction of ABB SACE ArTu low voltage switchboard. To this purpose, starting from the single-line diagram of a plant, it is possible to arrive – by selecting the suitable components – to the construction of an switchboard and to the relevant declaration of conformity with the Std. IEC 61439-2.

Example On How To Design a Low Voltage Switchboard
Example On How To Design a Low Voltage Switchboard (on photo: LV switchboard type 'MNS')

Characteristics of the low voltage switchboard, according to the specification:

  • “not separated” switchboard;
  • IP 65;
  • exposed wall-mounted.
Single-line diagram of LV switchgear
Figure 1 – Single-line diagram of LV switchgear

Single-line diagram

Let us suppose that realization of a main distribution switchboard is required, to be placed immediately on the load side of a 2000kVA MV/LV transformer. Three 850A outgoing feeders from this switchboard supply other distribution switchboard, but they are not dealt with.

Due to reasons of selectivity with other circuit breakers of switchboards on the load side, air circuit breakers have been chosen branched from the busbars. The main distribution busbar short-circuit current is 48 kA.


Selection of the circuit breakers and of the conductors external to the switchboard

Circuit breakers //

As shown in the single-line diagram, the circuit breakers chosen are:

  • 1 pc. of Emax E3N3200 PR121/P-LSI In 3200 (main circuit breaker of the switchboard QF1);
  • 3 pcs. of Emax E1N1250 PR121/P-LSI In 1250 (circuit breakers for the three outgoing feeders QF2, QF3, QF4).

Conductors //

  • Incoming, from the transformer:
    – 1 bus duct with Iz = 3150 A; L = 5 m
  • Outgoing from the switchboard, hypothesizing overhead installation on perforated trays, there are three low voltage cables:
    – 1 cable L = 20m 3 x (3 x 120) Iz = 876,3 A;
    – 1 cable L = 70m 3 x (3 x 120) Iz = 876,3 A;
    – 1 cable L = 100m 3 x (3 x 120) Iz = 876,3 A.

Switchboard front, distribution system and metalwork structure

With regard to the positioning of the equipment, it has been decided to locate the main circuit breaker in one column, and the three outgoing feeders in another one. Since the power supply comes from below, it has been decided to position the circuit breaker QF1 at the bottom.

The switchboard assembly is of “not-separated” type. A possible layout of the busbars and of the circuit breakers is shown in the following figure:

LV switchgear construction and devices
Figure 2 – LV switchgear construction and devices

Distribution system //

As regards the busbars inside the switchboard, by first approximation, they are selected according to the size of the circuit breaker:

Main distribution busbar system

Circuit breaker QF1
(From the “Distribution Switchgear – General catalogue”)

BA2000 In=3200 A (IP65); Icw max =100 kA

To get an Icw value suitable to the short-circuit current of the plant:
– 5 busbar holders PB3201 at a maximum distance of 425mm (Icw=50 kA) must be positioned.

Busbar holder 3200A - PB3201
Busbar holder 3200A – PB3201
Being in the presence of non-current limiting air circuit breakers, the Icw value of the distribution system shall be higher than the prospective Icp at the busbars.

Branch busbars of the circuit breakers

Circuit breakers QF2, QF3, QF4
(From the “Distribution Switchgear – General catalogue”)

BA1250 In= 1250 A (IP65) Icw max = 75 kA

1250A busbar
1250A busbar

To get an Icw value suitable to the short-circuit current of the plant:
– 5 busbar holders PB1601 at a maximum distance of 425mm (Icw=50 kA) must be positioned.

Busbar holder PB1601, max. 1600A
Busbar holder PB1601, max. 1600A

Joining pieces between circuit breakers and busbars
(circuit breakers QF2, QF3, QF4)

Table 11.2 of clause 11.4 of the Technical Application Paper shows the cross-sectional areas of the busbars for the connection of the circuit breakers:

  • E3N323200 – A cross-sectional area 3 x (100 x 10)
  • E1N121250 – A cross-sectional area 1 x (80 x 10)
Cross-sectional areas of the busbars for the connection of the circuit-breakers
Table 11.2 of clause 11.4 of the Technical Application Paper: Cross-sectional areas of the busbars for the connection of the circuit breakers

Moreover, according to the terminal types, the maximum anchoring distance of the first anchor plate, shown at clause11.3 of the Technical Application Paper, shall be respected.

Clause 11.3 - Emax air circuit breakers an example of the maximum distance in mm (D)
Clause 11.3 – Emax air circuit breakers an example of the maximum distance in mm (D) at which the first. Anchor plate of the busbars connecting to the circuitbreaker shall be positioned according to the type of terminal and making reference to the highest admissible value of short-circuit current and of its relevant peak.

Joints for busbars //

As indicated in the “Distribution switchgear. General catalogue” the following joints are necessary:

  • Joint from 3200 busbar to 3200 busbar, T joint, AD1073
  • Joint from 3200 busbar to 1250 busbar, AD1078
Busbar connection joints
Busbar connection joints

Earthing busbar //

As shown on page 44 and 45 of this technical Application Paper, the earthing busbar shall have a minimum cross-sectional area equal to 1⁄4 of the cross-section of the main busbars. Therefore a bar 50×10 has been chosen.

Minimum cross-section of the corresponding protective conductor
Minimum cross-section of the corresponding protective conductor

Metalwork structure

As regards the metalwork structure, an ArTu K series switchboard with door (IP 65) is used. In order to house the circuit breakers, the vertical busbar system and the outgoing cables the following is used:

  • 2 columns for the circuit breakers;
  • 2 cable containers, one for the busbar system and one for the outgoing cables.

For a correct selection of the structure it is advisable to consult the “Distribution switchgear. General catalogue” where:

  • to house Emax E1-E2-E3 circuit breakers a switchboard assembly with 800mm depth and 600mm width and one installation kit KE3215 are required.
Kits for installing Emax circuit-breakers X1-E1-E2-E3-E4
Kits for installing Emax circuit breakers X1-E1-E2-E3-E4

The cable container has obviously 800mm depth and 300mm width. In the general catalogue for distribution switchgear the fixing crosspieces for busbars with shaped section can be found:

  • For the 3200 A horizontal busbars (BA2000) the selected type of installation is number 5, for which the correct choice is two components TV6221 and one TV8011;
  • For the 3200 A vertical busbars (BA2000) the selected type of installation is number 2, for which the correct choice is TV8101 component;
  • For the 1250 A horizontal busbars (BA1250) the selected type of installation is number 5, for which the correct choice is two components TV6221 and one TV8011.
Busbar horizontal at any height
Busbar horizontal at any height – TV6221 (24 DIN mod W=600mm), TV8011

As specified in the general catalogue for distribution switchgear, the metalwork structure shall be completed by the side-by-side kits (AD1014).

Completed by the side-by-side kits (AD1014)
Completed by the side-by-side kits (AD1014)

References //

  1. Guidelines to the construction of a low-voltage assembly complying with the Standards IEC 61439 Part 1 and Part 2 – ABB
  2. Distribution switchgear General catalogue // ArTu K – ABB

Premium Membership

Get access to premium HV/MV/LV technical articles, electrical engineering guides, research studies and much more! It helps you to shape up your technical skills in your everyday life as an electrical engineer.
More Information
author-pic

Edvard Csanyi

Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for design of LV/MV switchgears and LV high power busbar trunking (<6300A) in power substations, commercial buildings and industry facilities. Professional in AutoCAD programming.

25 Comments


  1. Bradley Henao
    Mar 25, 2023

    I am upgrading all schools power distribution boards to IP56 rating which should include ATS,Utility and genset power main switches, main KWHM metering 18 pole chassis to accommodate 250A, 100A, 400A MCCB for load and also inbuilt community board with a Check meter. Panel on plinth and weather proof. Board rating at 630A 3phase.
    Can you assist me with advise and quotation to source from your company.
    Cheers. Bradley Henao Licensed electrician. International Education Agency Papua New Guinea. Ph: 675 72762875 Cheers,


  2. Jitendra G Gharat
    Jun 13, 2021

    It’s very helpful for design various electrical power project


  3. Lal Khan
    Apr 22, 2021

    Best diagram developed with all systematic safety components can be operated balance load as per requirements in each phase through control panel.


  4. ibrahim srogy
    Mar 29, 2020

    thanks, good information.


  5. Muhammad Abdullah Khalid Seyal
    Mar 28, 2020

    AoA,
    Respected Edvard,your are serving the humanity in general and engineering community in particular. May you live long for the sake of education.
    With Best Regards :Engr. Muhammad Abdullah Khalid Seyal MSEE,MIEEE


  6. Auob
    Feb 10, 2020

    Tanks


  7. Nsubong Johnson
    Nov 04, 2019

    Mr Edvard,
    Your presentation is worthy and very educative. Thanks a lot.


  8. Charles
    Aug 11, 2019

    Very educative. You groom me. Can I get soft copies of these articles on my email please.


  9. Madan Sachdeva
    Aug 10, 2019

    Excellent Presentation. Some of the contribution by readers are quite interesting. Where we can find the answer / replies to those questions,


  10. Davis Mwakyusa
    Aug 10, 2019

    Very educative. Thanks so much.


  11. Hüseyin Güzel
    Aug 10, 2019

    Thanks Mr. Edvard


  12. alejandro markarian
    Aug 10, 2019

    There are a free software ABB-DOC, for construction switchhboard ABB- ARTU, I use that for my jobs.


  13. Mohammed salem
    Aug 10, 2019

    Thanks lot for the article it is well explained and informative can Ihave a copy on my mail direct.

    Thanks,


  14. Amita kumari
    Jul 03, 2019

    Thank you sir ,
    Can you share me 11kv & 33kv TD article on my mail.


  15. mohammed yousif
    Mar 07, 2019

    thank you


  16. khaled abdel rahman
    Jul 09, 2018

    Its very good effort please keep with.


  17. Makmun
    Jul 09, 2018

    Thank you Edvard, can i get the article by email


  18. Rogelio
    Jul 06, 2018

    thanks Edvard so Could you share this information by email?


  19. Bor
    Aug 25, 2017

    Need some advise I have a PFC bank when it engages the banks instead of improving power factor of the system it drops what could be the problem CT position is correct and right size


  20. mohammad
    Dec 12, 2016

    thank you for all


  21. Simon Oyuu egoriat
    Jul 18, 2016

    Thank you very much Edvard for such a well elaborated and educative article. Iwas requesting if possible if I get a soft copy of your articles direct on my email.


  22. hoss
    Nov 22, 2015

    Thank you dear Edvard.


  23. Mohammad Haroon
    Nov 19, 2015

    Very professional, explained nicely and informative.


  24. Jahangir
    Nov 19, 2015

    Thanks


  25. Rakesh Sharma
    Nov 18, 2015

    You are a Genius Edvard.

    Please keep it up

Leave a Reply to Bradley Henao

Tell us what you're thinking. We care about your opinion! Please keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. So, please do not use a spammy keyword or a domain as your name, or it will be deleted. Let's have a professional and meaningful conversation instead. Thanks for dropping by!

seven  +  2  =  

Learn How to Design Power Systems

Learn to design LV/MV/HV power systems through professional video courses. Lifetime access. Enjoy learning!

Subscribe to Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our Weekly Digest newsletter and receive free updates on new technical articles, video courses and guides (PDF).
EEP Academy Courses - A hand crafted cutting-edge electrical engineering knowledge