Introduction
Due to the growing demands for greater efficiency, safety, reliability and compliance with international regulatory requirements on electrical systems, the consultant and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor markets have begun to experience an increase in demand for electrical systems that meet these expectations and who will deliver them within the increasingly compressed timelines set forth by regulatory agencies and increasing scrutiny from regulatory agencies. Every component in the overall system must now be evaluated in the design phase of the project.
Type-tested electrical power distribution boards and panels have become the product of choice for electrical engineers and EPC contractors. The use of type-tested equipment allows project managers to reduce the overall risk associated with the project, enhance the reliability and long-term performance of the electrical system and expedite the review process with regulatory agencies. In this blog, the benefits that consultants and EPCs realize through the specification of type-tested electrical panels from reputable manufacturers will be examined in detail.
What Makes a Power Panel “Certified”?
IEC 61439 Type-Tested Panels
IEC 61439 nationally accepted criteria serves as the foundation for the certification of panels. Certified type-tested panels have been validated to be able to handle short-circuit capacity, elevated temperatures, insulating resistance, and structural integrity. The validation provides assurance that the panels will perform in realistic situations without jeopardizing the safety or performance of the equipment. Therefore, all stakeholders (i.e., designers; contractors, etc.) can be confident that the panels will operate in accordance with their designs.
Compliance Documentation
In addition to enhanced performance, certified panels provide full technical documentation that streamlines the integration process. Technical documentation includes the general arrangement (GA) drawings, bills of material (BOM), wiring diagrams, and fabrication standards. This documentation ensures compatibility and allows consultants and project engineers to determine cable routing, and receive timely design approval.
Quality-Control Procedures
Electrical panels manufactured by a reputable company will be subject to strict inspection and analysis during the manufacturing processes. The manufacturing process will begin with component Type Testing and end with a type test. Every manufacturing process is documented and verified in order to provide an accurate final testing report to the customers so there are no surprises when the panels are received and installed at the customer’s site, and as such, the panel delivered is built according to the specified technical specs and safety connections.
Why Consultants and EPCs Prefer Certified Panels
1. Guaranteed Safety & Performance
Using a Type-Tested Electrical Panel may greatly minimize the risks associated with system failures, overheating, and other electrical hazards. Safety is paramount for critical infrastructure and high-value commercial projects. Furthermore, the Certified Panels provide the customer with the assurance that the panel will perform consistently based on tested loads and under fault conditions.
2. Faster Approvals & Project Execution
Certified Power Panels have been built to the local and international standards from the moment the panel was produced. This allows for faster project approvals and inspection cycles and provides an efficient process for working with clients, utilities, and regulatory agencies. This eliminates delays due to compliance-related inquiries and product clarification issues for professional consultants.
3. Predictable Reliability
The healthcare, data center, and manufacturing industries require a high level of reliability when it comes to electrical panel systems. Certified type-tested panels have gone through a rigorous testing process, allowing for consistent performance and efficient load management, as well as allowing for minimal disruptions due to adverse conditions such as heat and humidity. In addition to offering EPCs prevention against callbacks associated with poor-quality installations, these systems build trust with customers with regard to the quality of the project they have completed.
4. Reduced Liability for EPCs
Installations that do not meet compliance guidelines can leave EPCs vulnerable to safety violations, increased rework costs, and potential lawsuits. Utilizing type-tested and pre-qualified panels minimizes the contractor’s risk (financially and operationally) while producing compliant installations on every project.
Key Benefits of Type-Tested Power Distribution Boards
Accurate Fault-Level Tolerance
One advantage of using type-tested panels is their ability to endure high fault levels. They perform effectively during short circuit conditions, thermal stress conditions, and load variation conditions. These are the same conditions that will exist in every electrical panel installation where a contractor does not utilize a type-tested panel.
Uniform Quality Across Projects
By following standards in manufacturing processes, all certified panels have the same level of quality, regardless of the size or scope of the project. This consistency makes type-tested panels an important tool for EPCs and consultants who are managing the rollouts of projects at multiple locations.
Extended Lifespan of Electrical Systems
Type-tested panels will provide protection to all types of electrical equipment that are connected to them. Protecting all types of electrical equipment will result in reduced downtime and extended overall life of electrical systems, as a result, EPC’d have to reduce the overall cost of ownership for their clients.
How Pre-Qualification Simplifies Large-Scale Projects
Predictable Delivery Timelines
The panels that are pre-qualified are created from a well-defined process that includes pre-approved specifications. The manufacturing process guarantees the timeframe for delivery/installation will remain consistent within the timeframe that is important for large infrastructure projects.
Clear Documentation & Engineering Support
A consultant working with a certified electrical panel manufacturer receives the full range of technical documentation, engineering design files, and engineering assistance, which supports the design process, accelerates design approval, and streamlines installation of the panels.
Reduced Rework and Site Issues
The certified electrical panel manufacturer provides its customers with certified, pre-tested, and documented panels that are ready for installation. Because of this, many of the typical challenges associated with installing electrical panels (re-work, wiring mis-match, missing parts, etc.) are eliminated. As a result, the contractor experiences fewer challenges on site and reduced project overages.
Why Load Controls Is a Preferred Partner for EPCs & Consultants
Load Controls India is one of a very limited number of manufacturers in India that provide a complete product line of type-tested and certified power distribution boards. With a production facility of 62,000 square feet, they handle every aspect of manufacturing from design to shipment and have complete control over both the quality and delivery schedule of their products. Their engineering team uses AutoCAD, E-Plan, Modular 3D Design Software and other platforms for creating engineering designs quickly and designing layout designs for their panels.
Every panel manufactured by Load Controls India is completely type-tested to meet IEC standards. All panels manufactured by Load Controls India are manufactured to IEC type-tested standards and comprehensively supported with documentation, so you can be assured that you have received a completely type-tested product and you can be confident that you have received a panel produced to the quality specifications required for most commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects. Load Controls India’s proven track record of developing, manufacturing and providing high quality products for commercial, industrial and infrastructure applications demonstrates their reputation for reliability and dependability among engineering professionals and EPC contractors.
Load Controls provides solutions that fit on-site and in-detail from complex automation-enabled control panels through to dependable LV Switchgear.
Conclusion
Today’s electrical projects require certified and pre-qualified power panels; they lessen the risk associated with a project, promote streamlined execution, promote safety, and provide consistent performance. Therefore, it has become commonplace for consultants and EPC’s to utilize manufactured panels that are type-tested, documented and certified by a third party.
For a dependable manufacturer of power distribution boards and tested and trusted electrical panels, connect with Load Controls today and execute your project with confidence.
