Electrical distribution switchboards and motor control centres
An MCC, distribution board or electrical switchboard needn't be a complex structure if all the elements are considered.
Electrical distribution and motor control has a major role to play in today's industry. The systems that control these are usually referred to as a Motor Control Centre (MCC), Distribution Board or Electrical Switchboard. Every compartment within an MCC, distribution or switchboard will normally house a circuit breaker and/or a motor starter, normally side by side with sufficient space left over for control, power transformer and a relay.
With modular MCCs, distribution or switchboards, it is essential that a level of separation is achieved and these forms of separation extend from Form 1, which is based on a traditional open 'cabinet' type MCC construction, to the extremity of Form 4b Type 7 where all starters or feeders are separated from each other - even the control terminals.
Designing an MCC, distribution or switchboard can be very time consuming, as not only does the front 'general arrangement' require organising to make use of the valuable space, but the internal components require careful planning in order to make sure that fine details, such as mounting plates and busbars, are included.
Rittal Ri4Power represents a uniform system solution for low-voltage switchgear of up to 5500 A in versions 1-4, based on the Rittal TS 8 Top Enclosure system. By combining their Ri4Power low-voltage switchgear with designs 1 and 2-4 to form a single system technology, Ri4Power Form 1-4, allows switchgear manufacturers to fabricate every known form of internal subdivision from one single set of modules. Units for very different needs and applications can be made with one and the same component.
Switchgear manufacturers now have access to three busbar systems for the different performance categories of one single low-voltage switchgear system. Rittal's RiLine60 is a compact busbar system with component and connection adaptors, offering a solution for up to 1600 A, for power distribution at the lower distribution level. Rittal's Maxi-PLS provides a compact busbar system of 1000-4000 A that cuts installation time and their Flat-PLS is a rugged busbar system for currents up to 5500 A, based on flat copper bars, meeting maximum requirements with its' high short-circuit resistance.
Type testing
Type testing in low voltage switchgear is increasingly becoming an issue of prime importance worldwide. Type tested panels, in accordance with IEC 60439 Part 1, assures a high level of personal protection as well as system protection. However, one important thing to remember is to ensure that all the plastic materials used for the busbar supports are self-extinguishing in accordance with UL 94-VO. With such type tests, more safety is assured through heat dissipation and comprehensive short circuit resistance testing. When type tested along with various manufactures protective devices MCCs offer even more flexibility of system permutations.
Rittal's Ri4Power low-voltage switchgear system Form 1-4 has been tested to accommodate circuit-breakers from all well-known manufacturers. Switchgear manufacturers now have at their disposal circuit-breakers from no less than eight manufacturers which can be installed quickly and easily. The consistently modular system and the high manufacturing quality of the Ri4Power Form 1-4 guarantee the ultimate in safety and efficiency during assembly.
It is also possible to plan and configure the various combinations quickly and easily, with the aid of Rittal's Power Engineering software Version 5.0, Rittal's new version of planning and configuration software for type-tested low-voltage switchgear of their Ri4Power systems, Form 1, Form 2-4 and Ri4Power Form 1 ISV. The software offers quick and easy generation of quotations and bill of materials with better assembly information and the capability to view the side of the assembly, where part numbers and their location within the system are indicated.
Software includes project handling that ranges from an automatic generation of bill of materials via price determination, up to material ordering. By means of comprehensive import and export functions it is possible to add third party products, required for distribution, to the software database. Special enclosure designs can be optionally stored in the software as own field types.
Comprehensive help functions lead the user through the programme and explain the necessary steps. When entering some parameters, bill of orders and drawings can be generated for individual field types. The user is able to add further Rittal products or other articles from a self-created article master at any time during field configuration. Included in the bill of materials are new technical brochures; tightening torques for flat-PLS bus bar system and assembly instructions for Ri4Power low voltage switchgear.
After configuration of the individual fields a CAD view can automatically be displayed, printed or exported if required. The generated bills of materials, whose content can be freely generated, can optionally be printed or exported as a file. With the assistance of the integrated assembly planning tool, individual assembly plans can be drawn up for each enclosure field. From these, the switchgear manufacturer can assign the different components quickly and perform assembly smoothly.
With any purchase of a motor control or distribution board it is also important to consider the future use of the equipment. Although it may be suitable for today's business requirements, will it be able to cope with tomorrow's demands? If an extension is needed, can the enclosure units be easily bayed together? Any MCC, distribution board or electrical switchboard needn't be a complex structure if all the elements are considered. With advances in technology and an expanded array of options designed to help deliver improved safety, increased productivity and greater cost savings are possible.
VIDEO
Other News from Rittal Ltd
Latest news about Enclosures, cabinets, fans and Electrical
Considerations to make when choosing an industrial enclosure
Installation and care of hygienic latch fasteners
OKW’s TOPTEC enclosures now in 28 permutations
Simple and secure approach to installing panel hardware
BCL Enclosures launches new e-commerce website
Enclosure assembly service reduces lead times for turnkey solutions
Air cooling versus liquid cooling for industrial enclosures
Innovative field shelter delivers off-grid cooling solution for remote basestation
Protection against frost as temperatures drop
Rittal’s VX25 Ri4Power panels deliver impressive solution for renewable energy project
Cooling technology delivers energy savings for bakery ovens
Rittal installs new production line chillers for Irish manufacturing business
New Pinet aluminium hinges from FDB Panel Fittings
Spelsberg’s new fire-resistant enclosure maintains electrical system safety
Visual indication IP69K stainless steel compression latch from Emka
FDB Rocfast lock assembly and logistics ready to help rebuild the industrial enclosures industry
Foremost introduces control panel and HMI enclosure systems
Rotary latch actuator features modern styling and integrated electronic locking
Emka 1056 hinges for Covid barriers and shields
Rugged general purpose AB Series and BM Series enclosures from BCL
New FDB/DIRAK telescopic cover supports for control desks - tops and covers
New XL size BODY-CASE wearable enclosures from OKW
EMKA publishes enclosure sealing technology 2020 catalogue
Important considerations for designing electrical enclosures
Rittal’s infrastructure protects compact IT data centre within industrial unit
Robust, high-quality range of ABS power supply cases includes flame-retardant ABS models
Rittal offers liquid cooling for the industrial space
Intertec acquires Thermotex Engineering
New fast-assembly UNICASE instrument enclosures
Rittal publishes guide to intelligent PDUs
New Pinet stainless steel friction hinges from FDB Panel Fittings
Compact, robust hand held case models from BCL Enclosures
Specifying TECHNOMET 19in rack enclosures in custom sizes up to 16U
Emka stainless steel series includes locks, handles, hinges and swinghandles
New spring hinge from Pinet via FDB Panel Fittings assures ease of operation
Transparency and control across IT tacks’ power consumption
Addressing the challenges in the food industry
Multi-point locking ensures uniform sealing, resists unauthorised opening
Protection in the harshest of environments
Selecting enclosures for outdoor installations
IT Cooling: Look beyond the norm for true innovation
Hammond introduces EJSS IP66 stainless steel industrial enclosures
Rittal’s infrastructure protects compact IT data centre within industrial unit
RS Components expands RS PRO range of high-quality enclosures for electrical installations
Expert free service from Rittal provides checks and advice to prevent system failures
Suitable enclosures for different food hygiene zones
Rittal publishes review of five trends for data centres
Rittal publishes guide to HD enclosures for food and beverage industry
Cabinets and components for the Water and Waste Treatment industry
FDB Panel Fittings compression latches for special purposes
Rittal unveils new AX and KX enclosure ranges
FDB Panel Fittings has a handle on clip-on technology
Rittal’s Therm software makes short work of specifying climate control equipment
Cut enclosure configuration time by 95%
Quick and easy cam mounting for swinghandles
Rittal adds new ranges of small and compact enclosures
Rod latch system simplifies multi-point locking
Smart enclosures choices for energy management systems
Enclosures for UK’s deepest mine
Protecting industrial environments through applying ergonomic design
Stylish IP68 wall mount or desktop plastic enclosures
Spelserg believes in UK stock
Reducing the energy output of machine tools
Enclosures deliver reliability and flexibility in the most challenging of environments
Rittal unveils AX and KX enclosure ranges
Top ten tips for specifying small metal and plastic enclosures
Rittal celebrates 40th anniversary in the UK
In times of uncertainty, make the most of your assets
Custom three-point lock developed for rack data cabinet installations
DIN rail adapters for plastic enclosures
Risk-free electrical installation for offsite manufacturing
Rugged subrack from Verotec conforms to MIL STD 167
Rugged subrack from Verotec conforms to MIL STD 167
Safety latch lock with visual indicator
The enclosure testers
Enclosures are enhanced for extreme applications
Enclosures for machine control equipment
Enclosures for the Internet of Things
Enclosures help maximise efficiency for fast food kitchen fit-outs
New range of powerful and small magnetic catches
Rittal laser machining centre revolutionises panel production
Strong, small ABS enclosures with lids
Make improvements now ready for the summer
Merger of CamdenBoss and Smartboxx creates comprehensive enclosure range
Dancing Robots are a reality at Rittal’s Manufacturing Plant in Germany
Interlocked hinge wraps it up
Specifying enclosures to meet fire regulations
Stainless hinges for specialist enclosures
The benefits of bespoke motor control centres
Universal cable entry system for maximum packing density
Your opportunity to test drive Rittal’s Perforex solution
Enclosures ensures lift passengers can make emergency calls
Hydraulic reservoir breathers protect equipment from moisture and humidity damage
Excellence in STEM
Minimising downtime in the food production industry
Rittal Offers Panel Opportunity to Test Drive the Perforex Solution
Temperature management
Protection inside and out
Rittal Publishes UL Regulations Advice
Enclosures speed construction of North Wales’ newest prison
Optimised protection and reliability for energy storage applications
How lithium batteries react with water
Spelsberg partners with CED to offer top class junction boxes
IP65 latches for specialist cabinet locking systems
New hinge concept increases flexibility
Rittal’s Hygienic Solution for Large Control Systems
Assembly benefits combined with savings in time
Systematically Innovative Enclosures
Rittal hits the road with Routeco Live 2018
Rittal cooling units now with new output class
Assured moisture protection in missile containers
Enclosure positioning is as important as specification
IP66 enclosures now in ten sizes
Protecting sensitive equipment in the field
Rack enclosures enable global network infrastructure to expand
Slimline motor controllers create space in enclosures
Laser machining centre revolutionises control panel production at LCA Controls
Rittal’s new laser machining centre to revolutionise control panel production at engineering firm
Are you cool about enclosure climate control performance?
Combating condensation in enclosure installations
Considerations for specifying an enclosure latching system
Suspension arm assemblies from ETA
CamdenBoss adds universal enclosures and more sizes for Takaichi range
MSA Foams supports the Bloodhound SSC project
Choosing a stainless hinge
Distribution boards help keep pressure stable for divers
Don’t get lost in the fog
Pole kits extend mounting options for enclosures
Verotec chosen for Multi Scout SV project
Rittal joins the Open19 Foundation
Elesa “V0” certified quarter-turn latches, locks and bridge handles
Spelsberg’s next day custom enclosure samples keep projects on schedule
Intelligent industrialization of datacentres
Breakthrough antistatic coating for hazardous areas
Is the cooling output inside your enclosures sufficient?
New cases are 40% lighter and come in three new colours
Verotec helps Abbey Road Studios continue to expand and innovate
New plastic hinges and mounting adjustment devices
Rittal’s DX enclosure-based cooling solutions support growing IT needs
Rittal showcases enclosures at Railtex 2017
New shutter cam latch is designed to prevent accidental opening
Enclosure hardware to protect both users and equipment
Hammond enhances modification capability
Quality enclosures for potentially explosive environments
Spring loaded slam cam for door cylinder locks, handles and inserts
Say goodbye to tangled cables
Rittal launches slotted cover plate for electrical distribution systems
Rittal LED light series now complete
Bespoke cabling systems company grows with Spelsberg enclosures
Comfort zone for hot converters
Eliminating thermal runaway within electrical enclosures
Ultraviolet considerations when specifying enclosures
Rittal to build world’s most advanced production plant
Rittal Blue e+ cooling unit wins international award
Verotec acquires IMRAK 1400 in £250k+ investment
Improved accessories for ETA enclosures
Die cast enclosures from Hammond
Enclosures protect control equipment in milking parlours
RS Components enters into global distribution agreement with Pfannenberg
Rittal automation system delivers commercial benefits to panel builders
Cable entry made easy with support arms
Rapid Electronics adds to its Fibox offering
Rittal's heavy current busbar systems approved for use on board ships
Aiding asset management within the rail industry
Heat build up in enclosures
Interior installation: quick and with plenty of space
Mini waterproof breathers for electronic enclosures
Greater scope for the interior configuration of enclosures
Overview brochure from ETA
“Rittal – The System” on show at Drives and Controls 2016
Electrical safety assured with enclosures
Guide to closed cell sponge rubber
IP65 weatherproof distribution boxes
Spelsberg slashes lead times on custom orders thanks to new CNC machine
Cost-effective wall box solutions
Easier custom case production
ETA and Wöhner partner for power distribution solutions
GRP housing provides corrosion resistant cooling
Spelsberg Pro-Active simplifies ordering for reduced lead times
Rittal Ri4Power switchgear and busbar system installed on ocean liner
Rittal’s Ri4Power press stoppers offer in-built protection against arcing faults
Energy efficient cabinet cooling options from ETA
Tests confirm performance of CE-TEK fire-rated enclosures
The A-Z of electrical enclosures
Thermal management with cloud-based monitoring highlighted by Pfannenberg
Windows and swing handles
ETA Enclosures and Wӧhner combine their expertise
It’s not just an enclosure: Rittal’s cost-effective wall box solutions
Take the heat off next summer, says Rittal
A world of knowledge with Rittal CPD seminars
Rittal brings innovative Blue e+ cooling system to the UK
Versatile enclosure ranges at Northern Manufacturing
New busbar System from Rittal for safe and quick switchgear
TE 7000 - the versatile IT rack from Rittal
Verotec contributes to THAAD systems
Rittal's enclosure solutions on show at Offshore Europe 2015
Fibox takes enclosures design to a new level
Rittal's busbar systems prove highly seaworthy
Custom enclosures keep the underground running
Demand based cooling
Industry 4.0 whitepaper from Rittal
Plastic enclosures meet the needs of Wi-Fi installations
Protective packaging
They're not all little boxes and they're not all the same
Designing a chiller - in just four steps
3D laser improves enclosure machining
Fibox adds Euronord 3 range of enclosures to portfolio
Rittal's New Ri4Power 185mm Power Distribution Busbar System
Reduce down-time, equipment failure and energy use
Waterproof Breathers prevent water damage to enclosures and instruments
New whitepaper on "Industry 4.0" now available from Rittal
Automation in enclosure assembly
IP65 addition to ergonomic family
Reece Safety Products chooses Fibox for substation rescue kits
Is IT taking you backwards into the future?
Innovative enclosures specified for airport approach lighting project
Rittal's enclosure solutions on show at RAILTEX 2015
CMCs deliver better reporting for more control of data centre racks
Energy-efficient enclosure cooling in cool but dusty environments
Providing the right environment for a G59 electrical installation
Even the electrical enclosures are innovative on new aircraft carriers
Stainless steel suspension arm and HMI enclosures
Verotec wins contract to supply custom enclosures for flight simulators
Rittal's TS 8 enclosure system
Assured performance with aluminium enclosure
Create cases for working prototypes
Ergonomics in enclosure assembly
Freedom of component choice is key to successful designs
Material choices for enclosures
New biometric locking system
Stay connected with Hylec-APL's compact IP68 solutions
Rittal Therm 6.3 - updated thermal calculation software
Rittal EC fan-and-filter units with speed control
Enclosures target rugged and electronic environments
Rittal's RiLine busbar system for AC and DC applications
Mild steel and stainless steel enclosures
Rittal offer more TS IT rack options
Counting the costs of poor quality
Low cost ABS enclosures
MSA Foams: protective packaging for products
Reduce your design time
When good metal goes bad
Rittal offers advice on HCFC ban
Panel feed-through housings offer sealing on both sides
Rittal's new operating housings
Safe and simple locks
Tubular handle with high electrical insulation properties
Wall and pole mounted cabinets
Metal versus plastic for large outdoor enclosures
Novel fire shelters enhance safety in offshore gas project
Rittal cooling units for quiet environments
Rittal provide state of art technology for flooded airflow cooling solution
Fan speed control is now demand based
Modified enclosures within five days
When one distribution hub is not enough...
Rittal's latest RPE design software
Phenomenal response to Fibox ARCA at the Hannover Messe
Rittal and the IEC 61439 Standard
Everything you need to know about industrial climate control
New push-push indexing plungers from Elesa
Flush pull handles with snap-in assembly from Elesa
Spelsberg customises enclosures to help prevent freezing pipes
Rittal housings for TFT monitors
Passively cooled cabinets protect instrumentation on world's largest vessel
PUE efficiency package for Rittal RiMatrix S
Electronic enclosures handbook
Stainless steel enclosures
Rittal's RiDiag II Software
Enclosures
IP ratings: what you need to know
How to deal with damaging condensation
Comfort handle optimises installed equipment
Extended range of enclosure handles
Handle with added security of cam lock
Handles with lock cylinders
Integrated enclosure hardware
Padlockable stainless steel L handles
Understanding the standards for explosion-proof enclosures
Backplane solutions for industrial applications
Rittal offers IP69K hygiene for all sectors
Rod control system is smoother and quicker
Understanding ingress protection ratings
Laminated copper bars
Retex UK enclosures and racks are now available through Evatron
Global centre of server rack design in Plymouth
Brownell acquires moisture protection specialist Diatero
Cool agreement for ETA Enclosures and Cosmotec
How to deal with potentially damaging condensation
New features enhance air/water heat exchangers
Rack and enclosure specialist opens in the UK
How enclosure accessories can make or break a design
The importance of effective enclosure climate control
Latches and hinges
RFI shielding and conductive coatings
Floor mount cable conduit system from ETA Enclosures
Reduce costs with effective enclosure climate control
White paper on hinging from Elesa
Storage tank vent breathers for protecting sensitive fluids
Dispose of the cost of disposal
Corrosion resistant folding handles from Elesa
New stop locks from Elesa keep things in place
Energy efficient climate control
Rittal supplies optimum solution through consistency
Build and refurbish enclosures, boxes, guards and cabinets
FDB stainless steel IP67 lock for food and clean room areas
Fibox moves to brand new accommodation
Interior installation made easy
It all hinges on EMKA
Enclosures and more
Economic approach to low voltage switchgear
Moisture adsorbing polymers
Spring latches add to standard parts range
ETA Enclosures and Wohner partner in the UK
Nitrogen purging protects sensing systems against humidity and condensation
Free standing enclosures
A double for Rittal
Custom design enclosures offer rapid lead times
Enclosures for tough environments
Reprogrammable lock latches
Junction box solves solar cable problem
Modular approach delivers increased levels of versatility
Clip fit rod guides speed assembly
New enclosure range from ETA
Technically advanced products from a new strategic partner
Thermoelectric cooler functions as heater, too
Rittal's new Power Engineering tool
Cabinet coolers run on compressed air supply
Power distribution
ATEX certified stainless steel enclosures
Enclosures deliver maximum versatility and cost saving
Rital's system concept for enclosures
Hinges on display from Elesa
Hinges with adjustable friction from Elesa
Air Control Industries expands Slimline fans range
Cabinet cooling solutions get eco-friendly
Economical compressed air cooling
Schroff appointed agent for McLean Cooling Technology
Extruded aluminium cases designed for keypad devices
Keep cooling simple with Rittal fan and filter units
Pizza box 1U rack enclosures to take away
Remote unlocking for EMKA swinghandles
Snap-in panel fittings
Camden acquires Boss Enclosures
Hygiene award for Rittal enclosures
Rittal receives SAFEcontractor accreditation
Cost cutting today could impact on your business tomorrow
Motor Control Centre design made simple
Positioning technology
Custom cases designed quickly
Poetry in motion
Wing handles to IP65
ETA takes a no-compromise approach to enclosures
Handle eases hot-swapping of boards
Handles with more style
Hermetic micro packaging with heat sinks
IP65 sealed enclosure is stylish and rugged
IP67 push-fit grommet seals are quick and easy to install
Mini breathers for electronics enclosures
Telescopic stays for cabinet door
Variable technology fits modular Slim-Box Vario
Enclosures
Control panel design software gets smarter
Packaging solutions
Breathers prevent enclosure damage
Ergonomic enclosures suit slimline displays and controls
PC enclosure fuses durability with iconic style
Photo-machined parts despatched within 48 hours
Rack extinguisher system provides fire protection
Rugged enclosures for tough environments
Stainless hinge for larger doors
A fan for all reasons
Elegant solutions meet the needs of real world problems
Hygienic protocol versus divine intervention
No shocks with latest range of enclosures
Stainless lift-off hinge is designed for use on larger cabinet doors
Swinghandle protects enclosures from vandals
Tuned in to digital TV
Automated building control for Heathrow T5
Enclosure cooling
Enclosure hardware
ETA introduces line of cabinet cooling units
Hand-held enclosures in die-cast aluminium
Increased Protection for OKW's Datec-Control hand-held cases
Integrated ventilation for compact desktop case
Stainless hinges resist corrosion
Stainless steel draw latch
Staying cool in demanding circumstances
Stylish design for flame retardant enclosures
Why go for electronic locking?
Telecoms applications outdoors
Climate control for MicroTCA systems
DIN rail cases allow multiple connectors
Is MicroTCA the future for industrial applications?
Sealing the gap
Small enclosures bring big benefits
Taking the heat out of the situation
The implications of the latest edition of the EMC directive
Grommets to protect your vulnerable cables
Pull latch handle secures 19in racks
Storage and protection for a wide range of tools
Tough enclosures for demanding tasks
Versatile Dissipator metal enclosures
Desiccants, but not as we know them
Economic IP65 enclosures
When does bespoke design become practical?
Cabinet cooling solutions
ATEX approved enclosures
Impact resistant IP65 enclosures
It's all about colour
New compression latches
Small size shielding strips
The power of distribution
Extended range of UNIMET aluminium enclosures
Last minute adjustment
Push-pull handles on the slide
Cabinets get the wind up - Emka stops the flap
A commitment to the environment
Integration service cuts cost and time to market
Sand cast panels
Saving time on your electrical installations
Tailored solutions
New range of latches and catches
Pocket-sized innovation
A handy range of accessories
Carbon impregnated fan filters
Enclosures have high IP rating for hostile environments
Ideal fan where space is at a premium
Industrial grade latch offers lockable security
Bespoke handles and hinges
Comfort panel for your HMI
Compression latch for unusual tasks
Enclosures for cameras
Hinges are free-operating
Instrumentation enclosures
Modular design for motor control centres
Pitched roof and a fitted viewing window
Protection for your PC
Stainless steel enclosures
Suspension arm assembly