Ferrous enclosure termination example

[Mr Malcontent]

Hello all, visit to site today to see in an install of a 315A 400V supply to a machine. Client mentioned previously they were going to use single core AWA cables from the distribution board to the machine so I advised them amongst other things to factor reg 525.1 and how they terminate the individual conductors into any ferrous enclosures.

So, turned up today to find a separate 4 pole 947-3 isolator installed in a steel enclosure separate to the machine, conductors installed as per photos. The gland plate has been replaced with what looks to be a stainless steel plate and the outgoing conductors terminated directly onto the top horizontal section of the steel enclosure through compression glands! The outgoing conductors are then installed to a length of cable tray along the wall and into the base of the control panel through a slotted gland plate.

I am lost for words?

 

[Pete999]

Hello all, visit to site today to see in an install of a 315A 400V supply to a machine. Client mentioned previously they were going to use single core AWA cables from the distribution board to the machine so I advised them amongst other things to factor reg 525.1 and how they terminate the individual conductors into any ferrous enclosures.

So, turned up today to find a separate 4 pole 947-3 isolator installed in a steel enclosure separate to the machine, conductors installed as per photos. The gland plate has been replaced with what looks to be a stainless steel plate and the outgoing conductors terminated directly onto the top horizontal section of the steel enclosure through compression glands! The outgoing conductors are then installed to a length of cable tray along the wall and into the base of the control panel through a slotted gland plate.

I am lost for words?

View attachment 48618View attachment 48618 View attachment 48619

Nice spacing!!!!!

 

[buzzlightyear]

advised them amongst other things to factor reg 525.1 and how they terminate the individual conductors into any ferrous enclosures.

we you did tell them ,did you give them a drawing .

 

[westward10]

You sure that isn't aluminium plate in the first two pics.

 

[buzzlightyear]

You sure that isn't aluminium plate in the first two pics.

looks like the bottom plating is existing .

 

[Mr Malcontent]

No didn’t tell them how to install it, just advised them to be aware of the factors when installing singles into ferrous enclosures and to ensure they comply with applicable regs.

I didn’t have a magnet to hand to be honest but I thought the plate looked aluminium, the manufacturer of the control panel was still on site and he thought maybe stainless. Unfortunately the electrical contractor responsible for the supply was not on site today to ask.

Going back in the morning when I’ll have more time to investigate.

Surely the conductors terminated directly into the enclosure without the gland plate are susceptible to electro magnetic effects? This I can’t fathom why he used a ferrous box?

 

[westward10]

looks like the bottom plating is existing .

No that is ad hoc looks like countersunk wood screws holding it in place. Tis a rough old job though.

 

[Mr Malcontent]

The gland plate isn’t original, poor job though, I haven’t even opened it yet.

 

[westward10]

No didn’t tell them how to install it, just advised them to be aware of the factors when installing singles into ferrous enclosures and to ensure they comply with applicable regs.

I didn’t have a magnet to hand to be honest but I thought the plate looked aluminium, the manufacturer of the control panel was still on site and he thought maybe stainless. Unfortunately the electrical contractor responsible for the supply was not on site today to ask.

Going back in the morning when I’ll have more time to investigate.

Surely the conductors terminated directly into the enclosure without the gland plate are susceptible to electro magnetic effects? This I can’t fathom why he used a ferrous box?

Must admit if the bottom pic is steel then yes it is incorrect. It is a poor job overall they must have had limited skills it is really rough.

 

[westward10]

Up my street that sort of install and so easy to do a neat job.

 

[Pete999]

Up my street that sort of install and so easy to do a neat job.

Those outgoing conductors aren't rated for 315A.

Don't think they care mate.

 

[buzzlightyear]

No didn’t tell them how to install it, just advised them to be aware of the factors when installing singles into ferrous enclosures and to ensure they comply with applicable regs.

Unfortunately the electrical contractor responsible for the supply was not on site today to ask.

it is not your responsibility its the sparks , do you your job and walk away .

 

[Chris1234]

We had singles installed for a printing machine which was around 300A.
Electricity North West installed them into our switchgear cabinet with plastic compression glands. The top of the cabinet used to get a bit warm where the cables passed through but never any burning.

Probably not always the case.