Story goes, there is a TPN distribution board serving local circuits in a kitchen and cafeteria. The main 100 amp main switch is showing signs of over loading, and feels very warm, and plastic is showing signs of melting. I have checked the terminations and there are no loose connections.
In the first instance, I would like to carry out some load monitoring to determine the exact load that is being drawn over a period of time.
In the meantime and in the attempt to be pro active I am looking at possible solutions if the Dis Board is suffering from overload.
At the moment the supply to the aforementioned dis board is served from a switch fuse unit rated at 100 amp TPN (located approx 20m away) with BS 88 fuses which is in turn is served by a Switch Fuse Unit within a Switch Panel at the Main Intake.
Now, at the moment no fuses have blown but this is most likely due to the fusing factor.
If the Dis Board in the cafeteria and kitchen is overloaded, then I am thinking about upgrading the dis board to one that is rated at say perhaps 250amp, and taking the supply direct from a spare Switch Fuse Unit located at the main intake and obviously run a new sub-main in.
My problem is the spare Switch Fuse Unit with the Switch Panel has no 'goobins' and I would need to obtain the relevant protective device to go inside. The switch panel, I suspect is about 40 years old (GEC Alsthom) and was wondering if anyone was aware of parts. I do not want to obtain parts which will not be provided with manufacturers warranty.
If parts are not available then It may be a case of upgrading the whole Switch Panel, which would be very expensive for the client and extremely disruptive.
Any suggestions?
In the first instance, I would like to carry out some load monitoring to determine the exact load that is being drawn over a period of time.
In the meantime and in the attempt to be pro active I am looking at possible solutions if the Dis Board is suffering from overload.
At the moment the supply to the aforementioned dis board is served from a switch fuse unit rated at 100 amp TPN (located approx 20m away) with BS 88 fuses which is in turn is served by a Switch Fuse Unit within a Switch Panel at the Main Intake.
Now, at the moment no fuses have blown but this is most likely due to the fusing factor.
If the Dis Board in the cafeteria and kitchen is overloaded, then I am thinking about upgrading the dis board to one that is rated at say perhaps 250amp, and taking the supply direct from a spare Switch Fuse Unit located at the main intake and obviously run a new sub-main in.
My problem is the spare Switch Fuse Unit with the Switch Panel has no 'goobins' and I would need to obtain the relevant protective device to go inside. The switch panel, I suspect is about 40 years old (GEC Alsthom) and was wondering if anyone was aware of parts. I do not want to obtain parts which will not be provided with manufacturers warranty.
If parts are not available then It may be a case of upgrading the whole Switch Panel, which would be very expensive for the client and extremely disruptive.
Any suggestions?
