Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, has announced that its Prisma switchboard enclosure systems are fully compliant with the International Electrotechnical Commission’s new 61439-1&2 standard, which governs the safety and performance of electrical switchgearand controlgear assemblies.

All the verifications proposed by standard IEC 61439 contribute to the achievement of three basic goals: safety, continuity of service and compliance with end-user requirements. Jaque Maré, product manager for installation systems at Schneider Electric South Africa highlights that from a safety perspective Prisma switchboard systems offer excellent short-circuit withstand capability. “The conditional short-circuit test is passed thanks to full coordination using Schneider Electric’s devices associated with Prisma distribution components from incoming to outgoing stages. This paneldesign characteristic allows a much improved service continuity of the switchboard in case of electrical fault,” he says. Prisma switchboard systems also offer protection against electrical shock by including components to achieve the right level of electrical protection. “Prisma switchboard enclosures come standard with terminal block covers, terminal shields for devices, and partitioning for busbar and connections,” adds Maré.

Also offering voltage stress withstand capability, Prisma switchboards systems are designed from an early engineering stage, taking into account minimum clearance distance for any type of assembly of Schneider Electric devices configuration. “For instance, the Compact NSX breaker can be installed with a rotary handle or motor control or plug-in base with guaranteed clearance distances. For creeping distances, all busbar supports are designed to take into account minimum creepage distances required by the IEC standard,” explains Maré.

From a continuity of service goal, the Prisma functional system has been designed to offer a clear and logicalelectrical organisation. “It enables safer and more secure accessibility for maintenance and upgrades. In addition, interventions are made quicker with reduced risks of mistakes, therefore decreasing down time and improving service continuity,” says Maré. Importantly, Schneider Electric’s Linergy and Linergy Evolution busbars are used in the Prisma systems and can safely be accessed for installation upgrade by removing a single “Form 2” front barrier only. “All conductors are shifted 25 mm enabling qualified electricians to perform intervention from the front of the cubicle only, no need to dismantle the side partitioning for access.Upgrade or maintenance interventions are made faster and more straightforward,” says Maré.

When it comes to complying with end-user requirements, the Prisma enclosure systems offer users components that are designed to match Schneider Electric’s devices with impulse voltage withstand reaching up to 12.8 kV specification. “Customers are guaranteed to have the right safety margin in case of network transients, increasing safety and installation service continuity over time,” says Maré. He adds that Prisma systems can also be installed on site and, in addition to being lift-tested, they also feature handling plinths in order to cover all possibilities for site installations where lifting space is too limited.

“In its role as an OEM, Schneider Electric has always considered that the conformity of its solutions with IEC standards was a minimum, a springboard allowing it to build on its value offering to users,” says Maré.