Important Design Considerations for an Electrical Switchroom in a Commercial Building
Posted on: 26 May 2016
If you want to put up a building for commercial purposes, it is important to get it right when it comes to electrical connections. Particularly, the electrical switchroom should be built in compliance with any set regulations and equipped with the all the necessary safety equipment. The building's electrical switchrooom is the central sub-station that supplies electricity to all the places within and around the buildings. Certainly, it handles high voltage at all times. Its design considerations are not only important for ensuring a reliable supply of power but also guaranteeing that the high voltage does not jeopardise the safety of the occupants. Here are some of the design considerations you need to know about your commercial building's switchroom:
Access for Personnel and Equipment
Ideally, it should be easy for personnel to access the switchroom, particularly during emergencies. At the same time, you should consider that several large equipment will be taken into the switchroom during installation, repair and maintenance. The room should be easy to access and take equipment in and out. For instance, it should ideally be located on the ground floor for a large storey building so that personnel do not have to navigate a flight of staircases with heavy equipment.
Water Sealing
If the switchroom is located in the basement of the building, it should be water sealed. Water infiltrating through the walls and seeping into the room elevates the risk of a short circuit because water is a good conductor of electricity. This can easily lead to a fire breakout. To avoid, this you can use waterproofing alternatives such as waterproof cement when building the walls to ensure that the switchroom is perfectly water sealed.
Compliance with Regulations
In some cases, state authorities have regulations that you must comply with when designing a switchroom. Such regulations can be included in building and occupancy permits. Look out for any restrictions on the materials you want to use to build the switchroom or those that must be used in the room such as insulation mats (dielectric carpets). At the same, you may also be required to comply with safety audits during after the construction process.
Air Conditioning
The switchroom should be well ventilated to help regulate temperature in extreme weather. This will ensure that the power equipment stays in good condition and that the room is conducive for personnel to carry out repairs and maintenance. In cases where it is difficult for you to achieve good air conditioning naturally, you can opt for artificial ventilation mechanisms to help keep temperatures in check.
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