Schneider Electric has announced that its Prisma switchboard enclosure systems are fully compliant with the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) new 61439-1&2 standards which govern the safety and performance of electrical switch and control gear assemblies.
Jaque Maré, product manager for installation systems at Schneider Electric South Africa, highlights that from a safety perspective Prisma switchboard systems offer excellent short-circuit withstand capability. “The conditional short-circuit test is passed thanks to full coordination using Schneider Electric’s devices associated with Prisma distribution components from incoming to outgoing stages. This panel design characteristic allows a much improved service continuity of the switchboard in case of electrical fault,” he says.
Prisma switchboard systems also offer protection against electrical shock by including components to achieve the right level of electrical protection. “The switchboard enclosures come standard with terminal block covers, terminal shields for devices, and partitioning for busbar and connections,” adds Maré.
Also offering voltage stress withstand capability, the systems are designed taking into account minimum clearance distance for any type of assembly of Schneider Electric device configuration. “For instance, the Compact NSX breaker can be installed with a rotary handle or motor control or plug-in base with guaranteed clearance distances. For creeping distances, all busbar supports are designed to take into account minimum creepage distances required by the IEC standard,” explains Maré.
From a continuity of service goal, the Prisma functional system has been designed to offer a clear and logical electrical organisation. “It enables safer and more secure accessibility for maintenance and upgrades. In addition, interventions are made quicker with reduced risks of mistakes, therefore decreasing downtime and improving service continuity,” says Maré.
When it comes to complying with end-user requirements, the Prisma enclosure systems offer users components that are designed to match Schneider Electric’s devices with impulse voltage withstand reaching up to 12,8 kV. The Prisma system can also be installed on site and features handling plinths to cover all possibilities for site installations where space is limited.
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