New Panelboard System
meets print deadlines

A tight contract programme and restricted space for installation of the main switchboard were two of the challenges facing Waring & Marriott, the electrical contractors for a new Nottinghamshire printing works. The new Memshield 2 MPS modular panelboard system from Eaton MEM Circuit Protection and Control proved to be the solution.

RCS plc of Retford has grown rapidly since it was established as Rainbow Copy Shops eight years ago.

As a result, in September it moved into a new purpose-built 3,250m² (35,000 sq ft) factory and offices on the Hallcroft Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Retford. New equipment includes two large offset printing presses, each requiring a 400A three-phase supply.

The challenge facing Waring and Marriott was to design a main switchboard, comprising two 250kVA panels, which would fit into the plant room. This forms a narrow corridor along one side of the factory. It would not have been possible to manoeuvre a conventional switchboard into the space. Another constraint was the need to design, order and install the switchboard in about six weeks to meet the commissioning schedule for the new presses.

"I prefer MEM equipment because it is good quality so I use it most of the time," says Bill Marriott. The options for an MEM switchboard were discussed with Amco Distributors of Retford. Darren Pearce, the local MEM Sales Engineer proposed the new Memshield 2 MPS panelboard system. Its modular construction meant that it could be built up in the plant room and the 250mm depth of the modules meant that it would take up less space in the narrow corridor than a conventional switchboard.

Memshield 2 MPS offers outstanding flexibility, with incoming current ratings up to 1 250A and options for fuse or circuit-breaker technology on the incoming and outgoing sections. The modular design means that anything from a basic panelboard, comprising one incoming and one outgoing module, to a comprehensive switchboard can be built up on site. A mix of outgoing sections such as fuse combination switches, moulded-case circuit-breakers (MCCBs) or miniature circuit-breaker (MCB) distribution modules is possible.

The RCS factory has two Midlands Electricity feeders, so the switchboard is split into two separate 25OkVA boards, each with a 600A MCCB incomer and 800A busbar feeding a variety of modules housing MCCBs or MCB distribution boards. One half has three sections and the other four; the factory and office loads are shared between the two.

The principal loads are the two printing presses, for which the German manufacturer specified residual current protection as well as overload protection. One is fed from the three-section board and one from the four-section board. There is provision for power factor correction and for connection of additional presses. 100A and 200A MCCBs control circuits to dryers, compressors and other plant while distribution modules with a variety of single-pole and two-pole MCBs control lighting, small power and other requirements. Both boards have generous provision for future requirements.

"The installation went well" says Bill Marriott. The boards were supplied through Amco as modules and built up on site by Waring & Marriott in time for commissioning of the presses. (The innovative design of Memshield 2 MPS means that boards can be supplied either in modular form for on-site assembly or as factory built assemblies.)

In the office block, wiring accessories such as switches and socket-outlets are from MEM 250, a sister-company to Eaton MEM Circuit Protection and Control.