United Switchboards

🎉 Stepping into 2025 with purpose and passion! At United Switchboards, we're energised to build upon our commitment to powering a more resourceful future. Our dedicated team continues to innovate and deliver solutions that make a difference.

Happy New Year from United Switchboards! Thank you for your trust and support in 2024. We look forward to 2025 with enthusiasm and commitment to excellence. Wishing you a joyful and successful New Year!

Happy New Year from United Switchboards! Thank you for your trust and support in 2024. We look forward to 2025 with enthusiasm and commitment to excellence. Wishing you a joyful and successful New Year!

Why Short Circuit Withstand Testing is Critical for Switchgear Safety: Insights from IEC 61439-1

How Well Do You Know Electrical Switchboards? In what type of environment is a switchboard with an IP65 rating suitable? A) Indoor use with minimal dust B) Outdoor areas exposed to water and dust C) Highly corrosive industrial settings D) Only in air-conditioned environments Kindly provide your responses within comments.

Form 3bih vs. Form 4aih: A Closer Look As electrical professionals, we often encounter specifications from engineers nominating Form 3bih. For those unfamiliar, this means that the traditional Form 3b separation requirements can be achieved either by insulation (meeting the required dielectric strength) or by the housing of the circuit breaker. But here’s the concern: do we truly understand what Form 3bih entails? Let’s begin with Form 3b. Its requirements are straightforward:  - Separation of busbars from functional units (e.g., circuit breakers).  - Separation of functional units from one another.  - Separation of outgoing terminals from functional units. When specifying Form 3bih, these separations can be achieved by using insulation on the busbars, designating the circuit breaker housing as separation, and ensuring the outgoing terminals are isolated from the functional units. How is this practically achieved?  According to the standard, this often involves extending a copper bar into the cable zone (or another area) for external cable connections. For setups like miniature chassis, a cable connection to a terminal may suffice. What is often overlooked?  Neither Form 3bih nor Form 3b mandates the separation of external conductor terminals from one another. This can lead to a cable zone filled with live, exposed terminations. Even in a chassis setup, these live connections are adjacent to each other, which poses a safety risk. (Refer to the attached image for clarity.) For years, I’ve advocated for engineers to consider Form 4a or Form 4aih, which provide a safer, more efficient alternative. Here's why: 1. Direct Termination to the Circuit Breaker:    - In moulded case or miniature chassis setups, direct connections to the circuit breaker are possible.    - Proprietary terminal shields can cover connections, saving unnecessary time and material otherwise spent on extending terminals.    - Certain gaps are permitted to IPXXB standards, ensuring touch-proof safety. 2. Enhanced Safety in Main Switchboards:    - Door interlocks in Form 4a main switchboards ensure cables are not live during access.    - Each module or circuit breaker cell is separated from others, reducing the risk of exposure to live parts. It's crucial to remember that Form 4aih and Form 3bih are not true derivatives of Form 4 and Form 3. Instead, they are Form 1 (or Form 2) assemblies with additional insulation and specific terminology to suggest separation. The takeaway is simple: understanding the nuances of each form of separation and the reasons for choosing one over another is essential. This ensures safety, efficiency, and adherence to standards in every design choice we make. What are your thoughts? Let’s discuss in the comments. info@unitedswitchboards.com.au We're here to support you every step of the way.

Important Update for WA Electricians (New CPR Training Requirements for WA Electricians) Building and Energy has announced a significant change for all licensed electricians in WA. As of 17 October 2024, it will be mandatory to complete CPR training every three years. Here’s what you need to know: - CPR Training Requirement: You must complete the HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation course through a Registered Training Organization (RTO) approved to deliver this unit. - Ongoing Compliance: This is a recurring obligation, requiring renewal every three years after your initial training. - Record-Keeping: Keep your CPR training records for at least five years from the completion date, as Building and Energy will conduct compliance audits. - Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to meet these requirements may result in a $500 infringement notice, with repeated non-compliance potentially leading to fines of up to $10,000. Stay compliant and keep your records up to date! f you're looking for reliable solutions or need expert advice for your next project, don't hesitate to reach out. You can send your inquiries directly to us at info@unitedswitchboards.com.au We're here to support you every step of the way. Follow our page and stay updated on our latest innovations and services. Let's connect and explore how we can collaborate!https://lnkd.in/dN_22M9Q #ElectricalSafety #SwitchboardSafety #RiskAssessment #WorkplaceSafety

🌿 October is Mental Health Awareness Month 🌿 At United Switchboards, we believe that health and safety extend beyond physical well-being. Mental health is equally important, and as a team, we are committed to fostering a supportive and open work environment. This month, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the importance of mental health—both in the workplace and in our daily lives. Stress, anxiety, and burnout can impact anyone, and it's essential to prioritize self-care, reach out for help when needed, and support each other in times of difficulty. At United Switchboards, we encourage our team and community to: • Take regular breaks to reset and recharge. • Share concerns with trusted colleagues or professionals. • Practice mindfulness and self-care. • Foster a culture of understanding and compassion. Let’s work together to break the stigma around mental health and ensure that everyone feels valued and heard. Remember, it's okay to not be okay. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. 💬💚 #MentalHealthAwareness #WellbeingAtWork #UnitedSwitchboards #SupportingEachOther

Essential Safety Guidelines for Working with Switchboards