What to Look for When Buying Switchboards & Switchgear

Switchgear and switchboards are a crucial equipment for the right distribution of power. Switchboard is a power centre of a building or facility and if it’s not correctly built or maintained, it can cause not only a lot of hassle but also safety hazards. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right one from a trusted supplier. Check out what to pay attention to before making the final call.

Safety

The first priority should always be the safety of the people and the building. You need to minimise health hazards and choose an equipment which will fit all the safety requirements. Before any purchase consult with an electrician and ask about all the details and specifications of the needed equipment. You also need to have properly maintained installation and ensure that everything is connected properly and in place.

Location

If you are still at planning stage, make sure that the room designed for electrical equipment is spacious and well ventilated. Unfortunately, in most cases, electrical rooms are left at the very end of planning which results in too small rooms. Space is very important when it comes to any preparations or in case you will need additional equipment in the future.

Extras for the future

Equipment such as switchboard has a long lifespan and can last even around 40 years if maintained properly. If adjusted right, there won’t be any need to replace it. Having this in mind, it’s good to plan for the future and try to predict additional needs that might come along the way.

Efficiency

The efficiency of your switchgear and switchboard can be assured thanks to few solutions. To start with unexpected events, you should choose a switchboard which will operate critical procedures remotely. In case of power cut during the night or over the weekend, the generator has to be on and fully functional without anyone having to come in. Another aspect is a functionality of a switchboard. Especially with large equipment, you might want to make it easy to operate and introduce colour coding. Labels and marks can be confusing while colours are a much simpler solution. Also, make sure that switches are mechanically interlocked in case electrical control failures. Sources can’t be cross-connected.

Reputation

Choose a reputable provider, which has many good references. A company with good reputation provides high-quality products as well as good customer service. When choosing, for example, a salvavita, you will want a good quality product, with a long warranty period. Moreover, you can expect a professional staff which can guide you through all possible choices and advise which solution might be the best for you. After such purchase, you will gladly entrust the same company with your other electrical needs.

Experience

If you are looking for a custom-made equipment the important factor to consider is a level of experience a company has. Many providers can supply standardised solutions, however, when it comes to designing something more advanced, you will need a specialist. Look for a company which has a broad experience in complicated, customized solutions for large companies. Most likely such company won't be afraid of any challenges.

Deadlines

Before your purchase ensure that a company can supply the demanded products on time, especially if you are on a short deadline and need the equipment urgently. Don’t forget to ask about the available stock and if the company will be able to supply you with additional equipment on short notice if needed. You might want to choose a bigger supplier with large stock in case of any urgent needs.

Installation

You will need a professional electrician to install a switchgear or switchboard for you. If you don’t have a regular contractor, ask your supplier for a recommendation. A company which knows the market well will be able to direct you to a reliable electrician.

Guarantee

Before the purchase make sure you read terms and conditions of the warranty well, you understand and agree with them. In case of any doubts, double check with your supplier in order to avoid unpleasant surprises along the way.  

This article is brought to you by ESS Ltd, a leading provider of switchgear and switchboards in Malta and Gozo.

Since 2001, ESS has been a major supplier of a vast range of high quality electrical and lighting solutions. The company's stock includes switchgear and switchboards, lighting fixtures, lighting bulbs, energy saving products, cables and wires and much more. Visit the premises in Birkirkara and check the full list of offered products.