How to choose a form of separation for LV

switchboard and how to classify them

Forms of internal separation
By form of separation it is meant the type of subdivision provided within the
switchboard. Separation by means of barriers or partitions (metallic or
insulating) may have several functions.

How to choose a form of separation for LV switchboard and how to classify

them
And these functions:

1. Provide protection against direct contact (at least IPXXB) in the case of
access to a part of the switchboard which is not live, with respect to the
rest of the switchboard which remains live;
2. Reduce the risk of starting or propagating an internal arc;
3. Impede the passage of solid bodies between different parts of the
switchboard (degree of protection of at least IP2X).
A partition is a separation element between two parts, while a barrier
protects the operator from direct contact and from arcing effects from any
interruption devices in the normal access direction.

The following table from Standard IEC 61439-1-2 highlights typical forms of
separation which can be obtained using barriers or partitions:
 Main criteria
No separation
Separation of busbars from the
functional units
Separation of busbars from the
functional units and separation of all
functional units from one another.
Separation of the terminals for external
conductors from the functional units,
but not from each other
Separation of busbars from the
functional units and separation of all
functional units from one another,
including the terminals for external
conductors which are an integral part
of the functional unit
Subcriteria Form
– Form
1
Terminals for external conductors Form
not separated from busbars 2a
Terminals for external conductors Form
separated from busbars 2b
Terminals for external conductors Form
not separated from busbars 3a
Terminals for external conductors Form
separated from busbars 3b
Terminals for external conductors in Form
the same compartment as the 4a
associated functional unit
Terminals for external conductors Form
not in the same compartment as the 4b
associated functional unit, but in
individual, separate, enclosed
protected spaces or compartments
Symbols of forms of separation

Where:

a. Housing
b. Internal segregation
c. Functional units including the terminals for the associated external
conductors
d. Busbars, including the distribution busbars
Form 1
(no internal segregation)

Form 1 of separation
Form 2
(segregation of the busbars from the functional units)

Form 2a
Terminals not separated from the busbars

Form 2a separation

Form 2b
Terminals separated from the busbars

Form 2b separation

Form 3
(separation of the busbars from the functional units + separation of the
functional units from each other)

Form 3a
Terminals not separated from the busbars
Form 3a separation

Form 3b
Terminals separated from the busbars

Form 3b separation

Form 4
((separation of the busbars from the functional units + separation of the
functional units from each other + separation of the terminals from each
other)

Form 4a
Terminals in the same compartment as the associated functional unit

Form 4a separation
Form 4b
Terminals in the same compartment as the associated functional unit

Form 4b separation

Form 2B Segregations assembling (VIDEO)

https://youtu.be/4OkJ58JTVto

Animation about segregation form 3b 4b (VIDEO)

https://youtu.be/_wWFysjKGg8

Classification of LV switchgears
Different classifications of electrical switchboard exist, depending on a range
of factors. Based on construction type, Standard IEC 61439-1 firstly
distinguishes between open and enclosed assemblies .

A switchboard is enclosed when it comprises protective panels on all sides,

providing a degree of protection against direct contact of at least IPXXB.
Switch- boards used in normal environments must be enclosed.
Open switchboards, with or without front covering, which have the live parts
accessible. These switchboards may only be used in electrical plants.

External Design
With regard to external design, switchboards are divided into the following
categories:
1. Cubicle-type assembly
Used for large scale control and distribution equipment. Multi-cubicle-type
assembly can be obtained by placing cubicles side by side.

Cubicle-type assembly

2. Desk-type assembly
Used for the control of machinery or complex systems in the mechanical, iron
and steel, and chemical industries.
 Desk-
type assembly

3. Box-type assembly
Characterized by wall mounting , either mounted on a wall or flush-fitting.
These switchboards are generally used for distribution at department or zone
level in industrial environments and in the tertiary sector.

Wall mounting electrical panel

4. Multi-box-type assembly
Each box, generally protected and flanged, contains a functional unit which
may be an automatic circuit-breaker, a starter, a socket complete with
locking switch or circuit-breaker.

Intended function
With regard to the intended function, switchboards may be divided into the
following types:

1. Main distribution boards

Main distribution boards are generally installed immediately downstream of
MV/ LV transformers, or of generators; they are also termed power centres.

Main distribution boards comprise one or more incoming units, busbar connectors, and a

relatively smaller number of output units.

Main distribution board

2. Secondary distribution boards
Secondary distribution boards include a wide range of switchboards for the
distribution of power, and are equipped with a single input unit and numerous
output units.

Secondary
distribution board

3. Motor operation boards

Motor control boards are designed for the control and centralised protection
of motors. Therefore they comprise the relative coordinated devices for
operation and protection, and auxiliary control and signalling devices.
MCC – Motor Control Centre (photo credit: meijielectric.ph)

4. Control, measurement and protection boards

Control, measurement and protection boards generally consist of desks
containing mainly equipment for the control, monitoring and measurement of
industrial processes and systems .

Control, measurement and protection boards

5. Machine-side boards
Machine-side boards are functionally similar to the above. Their role is to
provide an interface between the machine with the power supply and the
operator.

6. Assemblies for construction sites (ASC)

Assemblies for construction sites may be of different sizes, from a simple
plug and socket assembly to true distribution boards with enclosures of metal
or insulating material. They are generally mobile or, in any case,
transportable.

Assemblies for construction sites

Reference // Electrical installation handbook – Protection, control and

electrical devices by ABB