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LV Switchgear and Motor Control Centres (MCC) Installation Procedure

1 PURPOSE.
2 REFERENCES.
3 RESPONSIBILITY.
3.1 The Site Manager.
3.2 The Quality Control Inspector.
3.3 Field Engineer.
3.4 Electrical Superintendent.
3.5 HSE Officer.
3.6 Vendor Representative.
4 MATERIALS AND CONTROL.
5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
6 INSTALLATION.
6.1 WORK.SITE PREPARATION PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
6.2 LV SWITCHGEAR I MCC INSTALLATION.
7 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT.
8 INSPECTION.

1  LV Switchgear and Motor Control Centres (MCC) Installation Procedure

This  procedure  covers  the  Method  Statement  pertaining  to  installation  of low  voltage switchgears  and motor control  centers to be carried out in Power Plant Project. This procedure shall be applied to the method and criteria for installation work carried out by the Electrical Department. Field installation personnel must  verify  the  feasibility  of this  procedure  with  the  approved  construction drawing, actual site condition and project specification.

Low Voltage  (LV) switchgear  and Motor  Control  Centers  (MCC) shall  mean  electrical apparatus intended for switching circuits of voltages less than 600V for isolation, protection or control of the circuits.

2    REFERENCES

  • NEMA National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association
  • NEC (NFPA 70) National Electrical Code
  • Project and Manufacturer’s Specifications.
  • Project Technical Specifications
  • Approved/Issued for Construction Drawings

3   RESPONSIBILITY

3.1     The Site Manager

Responsible for the Quality Procedure to ensure that construction work is carried out as per Project requirements. His Superintendent/Supervisor shall check that work is ready for inspection  and prepare  Internal  Inspection Request. The  Superintendent/Supervisor  shall inform all parties concerned for any of inspection and the time schedule.

3.2    The Quality Control Inspector

Responsible for conducting surveillance and inspection duties for work and ensuring quality compliance and efficient recording and reporting of results as required.  He shall review all relevant  documents,  material  conformance  certificates  and non-conformance  reports and shall receive all internal requests for inspection from various sections of implementing work and prepare (RSI) Request for Site Inspection as per schedule work priorities and proceeds with the Quality inspection with the client, owner representative as required. He shall also prepare Witness I Hold Point inspection and the corresponding work releases by reviewing records and results as proof that work inspected confonns  to contract requirements. He shall also  be responsible  to  ensure  that  an  approved  detailed  IFC/AFC  or  shop  drawing  is available prior to commencement of the work and all materials to be used are in compliance with the approved project specifications or requirements.

3.3    Field Engineer

Ensure that all related works are carried out in accordance with approved Issued for Construction drawings, specifications, schedule, quality and safety. Check Design and Construction details in reference with the project standard and specification.  See to it  that the  design  drawings  provide  adequate  infonnation  for purchasing  and site  construction. Report to Site Manager.

3.4    Electrical Superintendent

Ensure that work once started is carried out as planned and that the applicable standards are complied  with. Check working methods  and precautions  to be taken by the supervisors/foreman before commencing  work.  In charge  of planning  and preparation  of manpower, materials, tools and equipment together with his supervisors prior to start of any activity. Monitors project completion schedule and the discipline supervisors under him.

3.5    HSE Officer

Supervise the project activities relating to health, safety and environmental compatibility. He shall carry out regular inspection at site and workplaces whether work is being carried out according to the given instructions and those personnel are wearing the necessary protective equipment (PPE). Perform,  in co-operation  with the Site Supervisors and Foremen regular Tool Box meetings. Report any adverse condition to health and safety.

3.6     Vendor Representative

Lead  testing  and  commissioning   activities   for  the  equipment  supplied  in  accordance   to project specification  and contract requirements. He shall ensure that project requirements  are complied,  with  the necessary  test to be performed  and  results  are recorded  and  acceptable with the manufacturer’s data, project standards and specifications

4    MATERIALS AND CONTROL

a. Ensure  that  materials  and  equipment  are  stored  and  handled  in  accordance   with project and vendor requirements.

b. Check    all   supplied    materials    are   in   conformance    with   Purchase    Order   or Specifications or Drawings. Any discrepancies shall be reported immediately to ABENE

c. Store switchgear  & other associated  components  on dust  free area and protect them against  atmospheric   action  and  dirt  preferably  in  air  conditioned  room  to  prevent damages of electronic  components  part.

d. Coordinate  with  contractor  for  space  heater  needs  to  be  energized  during  storage period   to   prevent   damage   to   components   due   to   condensation    and   negative accumulation.

5   GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1      LV   Switchgears   and   MCC’s   shall   be   installed   in   an   indoor,   as   per   project specifications  and approved drawings.

2    Base plate,  floor fixing,  wall  fixing etc.  shall be checked  for level  and location  and fixing points checked  against  their position  on the respective  sections. Cable sleeves and ducts shall be inspected to ensure correct line and location.

3     Before  installing  in position,  cabinet  sections  shall be opened  up and  inspected  for cleanliness  and ensure  no foreign  bodies are present.  Dust shall be removed  using a vacuum cleaner or with rags as appropriate.

4    Sections  will  be inspected  for mechanical  damage  and megger  checked  to ensure  it has no direct connection  to earth.

5    Installation  shall be witnessed to ensure the equipment  is vertical  and fixing bolts tightened.  Where equipment  consists  of a number of sections,  the assembly  shall commence  from the control  section.  Section on either  side of the center shall be alternated, levelled and shimmed as necessary.

6   The joints between sections shall be neat and inconspicuous and each cabinet section shall be flush with those adjacent to it.

7   The joints  between each section shall be neat and inconspicuous  and each cabinet shall be flush with those adjacent to it.

8   All enclosures  will be provided  with an earth terminal  of no less  than  12  mm in diameter  to which all internal  apparatus,  screens  and supporting  material  will be connected.

9    Switchboard earth bars shall be connected to the main earthing grid at each end of the equipment.

10  Wires shall not be jointed or teed between terminations. All wires shall be clearly identified at each end. The same identifier shall not be used on wires in different circuits on the same section.

11   Stranded conductors shall be terminated  accordingly; larger conductors shall use an approved crimped terminations lug.

12  All exposed terminals  and cable terminations  will be shrouded with non-flammable material to prevent accidental contact.

6  LV Switchgear and Motor Control Centres (MCC) Installation

6.1     WORK SITE PREPARATION PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

a) Check manufacturer’s instructions  for transporting,  loading  and unloading activity for LV switchgear and MCC.

b) Sequence of installation and general assembly must be considered when transporting the equipmen Check the equipment’s identification tag to detennine equipment or parts need to be transported first.

c) When transporting  the  equipment  to work  site,  ensure  that  equipment  is  finally secured on the trailer/truck.

d) Loading and  unloading  of switchgear  and control  gear  must  be  performed  by a competent  rigging  crew  and performed  in accordance  with  the company’s safety requirements.

e) Dimension and weight of the equipment  shall be considered  in selecting the lifting equipment  needed  for the activity. All lifting equipment  especially  crane which is usually used for lifting activity must follow the safety requirements of the project.

f) Equipment  will be lifted through the lifting members that are usually bolted to the top of packaging group.

g) Lifting activity must not be done during bad weather condition. All lifting activity must follow the safety requirement initiated by HSE department.

h) Check that loading and unloading area has enough space for the activity.

i) Respective sections and compartments of the equipment will be unloaded in front of the substation or where it will be more accessible and easier to transport inside the building  location. Crane lifts it to the point where a pallet jack can bring it to the specified location.

j) It is advised that packaging should be opened only in front of the substation.  During unpacking  and removal  of wooden  boxes, physical  and visual  inspection shall be conducted to check for damages, dent and paint finishes.

k) Sections are lifted through the lifting bolt. When not provided, slinging through the pallet using stand-off protection at the top corners to space the slings correctly and prevent chafing of paintworks during lifting

Caution:  Cubicles may easily  tip over,  when transported with pallet jack,  observe safe  allowable distance between pallet and the ground

6.2    LV SWITCHGEAR and MCC INSTALLATION

a) Area must be prepared; install warning sign and barricade  the area. Unauthorized person must not be allowed at the activity area.

b) Inside substation, safe practices for shifting and lowering of sections from pallet jack shall be observed. Avoid using metallic levers to protect paint finishes.

c) Remove barrier bags and loose items of equipment’s sections. Check for cleanliness and ensure that no foreign bodies are present inside.

d) Assemble the sections side by side. Set them in the position called for on the drawing of the base plan. It shall be coupled and aligned as describe in the GA lay-ou

e) Set sections into its installation position. Use a spirit level to make sure sections are level both across its width and along its length. Plumb using a plumb line.

f) Successively move the sections  into positions.  Line-up the bolt holes in the steel channels in the foundation. As sections are maneuvered into place, keep front of each section parallel to the base line.

g) Assemble/reconnect bus bar as per manufacturer/vendor detailed drawings. All bus bar bolts will be torque tested (see manufacturer’s manual torque settings)

h) Reconnect all auxiliary wirings and accessories removed during shipmen i)  Bolt the equipment’s sections together through the tie bolt holes.

j) Bolt the entire sections of the equipment to the channels in the foundation. Check the system again to make sure it is level and plumb.

k) Remove all the shipping blocks or braces. Examine all the meters, relays, etc. and remove any shipping blocks or braces.

All transparent  flashover shields and compartment covers should be fitted and doors left closed.  Temporary  protection should  be provided  to protect  equipment  from other construction works.

m) Install and exercise all breakers, starters, and miscellaneous  devices and assure that the equipment is suitable for electrical energization.

n) The draw-out  circuit  breakers  and controllers  shall  be properly installed  in their housings, with any rails adjusted as required for smooth trave

o) Main and secondary contacts on the removable and stationary sides shall be checked for tightness and adjusted if loose. Covers or enclosures shall be securely bolted in place.

p) After completing  the  installation  and  assembly  of switchgear  and  control  gear, energize the space heater when needed.

7   TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

  • Electrician’s standard tool box (pliers, spanners, screw drivers )
  • Crane of sufficient capacity, with complete lifting accessories
  • Forklift
  • Pallet Jack
  • Hydraulic Jack
  • Measuring tape
  • Spirit level and plumb line
  • Calibrated Torque Wrench
  • Chain block
  • Warning sign and barricade tape
  • Electrical drill and drill bits
  • Vendor supplied tools

8  LV Switchgear and Motor Control Centres Inspection

Quality  Control  personnel  verify  that  assembly  and  installation  of switchgear  conforms  to  the approved engineering drawing, manual instructions and specifications of the project. RSI shall be prepared according to the approved Inspection and Test Plan to notify Client’s inspection representative and concern person regarding scheduled dates of inspection.  Once inspection is done and accepted, checklist must be signed and records are properly kept.

Step by Step Guide LV Switchgear and Motor Control Centres (MCC) Installation

Explain in detail the steps that must be taken to ensure that the task is carried out safely (include drawing and sketches where required, include pre commencement of work activities and the work itself in a chronological manner)

A. Verify IFC drawings availability

B. Verify Documents for QC material receiving inspection

C. Mobilization of equipment

D. Transport of materials loading & Unloading

E. LV Switchgear and MCC Assembly and Installation

A. Transport of materials loading &  Unloading (Get approval  for access follow site speed limits  follow proper traffic signs & signals, turn on hazards ligh only competent and certified rigger and operator should do the lifting, ensure one flag man for traffic control during activity. Provide barricade with signage’s)

B. Preparation of materials (Ensure permit to work must be obtain, prior to start the activi Conduct toolbox talk prior to the task to be done.  And wearing of PPE to all personnel. All tools and equipment is in good condition.  a)   Area must be prepared;  install warning sign and barricade the area.  Unauthorized person must not be allowed at the activity area )

C. LV Switchgear and MCC / Loading and Unloading (Ensure all lifting activity will be controlled and supervised by a competent Supervisor and Rigger, Never exceed the SW Operator, rigger and equipment third party certification)

D. Opening of LV Switchgear and MCC Wooden Box (The required PPE must be provided like hand gloves and clear glass inside the building.  Workers must wear safety harness and shall be inspected daily prior to use by the user or if using an A-Type Ladder one man only will be allowed on the ladder and another will be holding to prevent ladder form falling).

E. Shifting & Installation of LV Switchgears and MCC (Proper Manual  Handling Safety Awareness, Practice proper lifting techniques at all times. As much as possible avoid lifting alone.  Ensure people are capable for the task.   All persons to observe careful in manual handling who are required to carry out manual handling tasks. All Personnel given and wear appropriate gloves.  Proper manual  lifting techniqu Maintain good housekeeping / material & tools arrangement on the work area. Mechanical Handling (Using of Lifting Pallet Jack & Chain Block) (Practice proper lifting techniques at all limes. As much as possible avoid lifting alone.  Ensure people are capable for the task.  All persons to be trained in manual handling who arc required to carry out manual handling tasks.  All Personnel given and wear appropriate gloves.)

F. Dally housekeeping (Full supervision on the area remind personnel  for safe working and good housekeeping on the area should be done before and after the work )

 

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