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Seismic Solutions For Low-Voltage Switchboard Systems

An earthquake, also known as a tremor or quake, is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. Earthquakes can range in size from barely noticeable tremors to devastating events that can cause widespread damage and loss of life.

Although technology that is developing and improving day-by-day in the world, resolves many problems in our lives, there is no final cure for some negative situations like natural disasters.

Even though it is not possible to prevent the occurrence of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tsunamis, it is possible to protect our lives and properties as much as possible from disasters by constructing our livinghood in such a way that we will not be affected or will affected very low level of loss.

World earthquake maps are being upgraded and updated in some period of time. It is easy to observe that seismic risk ratios of some regions have increased in the updated earthquake maps. The interesting thing is that considering that the structures built are thought to have a lifespan of at least 50 years, a region does not yet carry any risk now, but may become a high-risk zone 20 years later depending on changeable geological conditions. 

Due to this reason, it is crucial to construct all buildings as much as stronger against earthquakes collapsing results considering all areas in the world.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict where, how and at what magnitude an earthquake  will occur. We can face off with an earthquake at any time in our daily life. The risk of encountering an earthquake exists at any moment in our daily lives, whether in residences, workplaces, educational institutions, commercial centers, healthcare facilities, or elsewhere.

Because of this reason, it is not applicable to categorize buildings according to earthquake. Without exception, it is mandatory to construct all permanent buildings to be resistant against high-intensity earthquakes. 

Building a seismic-resistant structure is crucial, but it's not enough to create a truly safe living space. In addition to the building withstanding the earthquake and its aftershocks, all critical infrastructures within must also be seismic-resistant. The continuity of essential services such as power distribution, fire safety systems, water supply, and communication plays a vital role in maintaining the building's functionality and ensuring the safety of its occupants.

Low-voltage switchboards are one of the most critical products used in energy infrastructures.

The seismic-resistant is also necessary to take precautions for LV switchboards as well as the whole building.

There are two main processes in order to sustain seismic-resistant for LV switchboards .

  • Low voltage switchboards having seismic test certificate
  • Fixing of low voltage switchboards with seismic steel ropes or support accessories in the panel room.

Low Voltage switchboards Having Seismic Test Certificate

Low voltage switchboards must be tested and certified in accordance with IEC 60068-3-3 and IEC 60980 standards.

3-different earthquake levels are defined in the IEC 60068 standard.

Earthquake Levels

General

ag m/s²

Richter Scale

Moderate Intensity Earthquakes

2

D < 5.5

Medium Intensity Earthquakes

3

5.5 < D < 7

Major Earthquakes

5

7 < D

For protection against potential strong and very strong earthquakes, the switchboards must pass tests at the highest seismic level and possess a corresponding certification.

In addition to this, 3-different criteria have been defined depending on products’ performance as a result of the tests.

These are;

Criterion 0: An equipment subjected to seismic test which experienced no defection or fault either during or after the test.

Criterion 1: An equipment subjected to seismic test which experienced no defection or fault either during the test, but returns to its normal condition after the test.

Criteria 2: An equipment subjected to seismic test which experienced a defection or fault during the test and required resetting and adjustment after completion the test, but required no replacement or repair.

Although Criteria 1 and Criteria 2 conditionally pass the test, it is better to use LV switchboards having a Criterion 0 test certificate that is required to work as in normal condition during and after the test.

Fixing Low-Voltage Switchboards    

Low-voltage switchboards should be fixed during installation by bolting them to the floor with anchor bolts and fastening them to the ceiling or a reinforced concrete wall using steel ropes or rigid components.

Key Points For Fixing 

Rigid Fixing on Top

elektrik-panolari-ustten-rijit-baglanti

Each section must be fixed to the mounting floor with M12 anchor bolts with a minimum of 8.8 mechanical strength through 4 mounting holes in the base.

Each section must be fixed to the reinforced concrete building element by using M12 anchor bolts with strong brackets made of steel material of a minimum 3 mm thickness from at least one of the upper lifting connection bolts. 

It is assumed that structural elements in which the connections are made should have their own seismic strength.

It is assumed that structural elements in which the connections are made have their own seismic strength.

It is assumed that the bottom mounting area should be concrete floor or steel construction having its own seismic test. 

Fixing with Steel Ropes From Above

elektrik-panolari-ustten-celik-halat-ile-baglanti
Each section must be fixed to the mounting floor with M12 anchor bolts with a minimum of 8.8 mechanical strength through 4 mounting holes in the base.

Each section must be fixed to the reinforced concrete building element by using a minimum of 4.8 mm diameter steel and M12 anchor bolts through eyebolts. Single-lifting eyebolts must be used in the first and last sections, but double-lifting eyebolts must be used in the intermediate sections.

The angle must not exceed 60° between steel ropes and panel top surface.

It is assumed that structural elements in which the connections are made have their own seismic strength.

It is assumed that the bottom mounting area should be concrete floor or steel construction having its own seismic test. 

The ceiling or wall must be concrete to where steel ropes are fixed.

PanelMaster and E-Kabin Seismic Solutions


PanelMaster and E-Kabin solutions have been tested in internationally accredited laboratories according to IEC 60068-3-3 and IEC 60980 standards and their seismic-resistant levels have been verified.
elektrik-panolari-panelmaster-ve-e-kabin-sismik-cozumler

Test Conditions:
 
Tests have been performed for the enclosures at their maximum sizes fitted on the earthquake shake tables.
  
The enclosure was tested with a 6300 A, 4-pole ACB switchgear, which is the largest and heaviest equipment in the section, and MCCBs were used for outgoings.

All breakers and busbar arrangements were positioned at the highest possible location to ensure that the tests were carried out under the most challenging conditions.

6300 A ACB incoming switch connected with 6300 A busbar module on top of section was tested.
 
Solid copper bars were used for all connections in the switchboard.

These conditions are the most challenging parameters of the seismic tests requiring the switchboard to perform high quality at the extreme test conditions.

Brands

Test Value

Test Axis

Performance Criteria

PanelMaster

0,66 g

X-Y-Z

Criteria 0  (Best)

E-Kabin

0.5 g

X-Y-Z

Criteria 0  (Best)