Feeder Pillar Panels

I think one must distinguish between regulatory and customer requirements. So long as the customers' requirements do not conflict with regulations, they can ask for whatever they wish, even if legally superfluous. And then the prospective contractor can explain how a simpler (and less expensive) system will comply with the regs. It then becomes a matter of negotiation.

Dear sir

Thanks for your prompt reply.

I am not finding fault with the customer.For convincing the customer only I have approched CR4 forum to get the Trend /latest developments in other parts of the world,so that I can suggest to the customer.

May be experts like you can inform us the latest trends.

Technically speaking compartmentalised arrangement has an advantage that in the event of any short circuit within a particular module, other modules and the panel as a whole don't get affected. However this will be costlier arrangement than a non-compartmentalised feeder pillar panel. If this was not specified in the enquiry specification, you can negotiate the commercial implications with the customer.

Dear Sir

Thanks for your response.

I also do agree with you that compartmental design will be better and any short circuit will not get spread to other areas.But the cost will be high because of additional sheet metal work.

Discuss with Consultant the economic advantage of single compartment for 6 outgoing instead of 6 compartments which occupy more space. Also ask him why he want that way.Check his credentials(his past experience etc).

I am not familiar with the term "Feeder Pillar Panel" but is this what your are referring to:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=residential%206%20meter%20breaker%20center&source=web&cd=6&sqi=2&ved=0CJcBEBYwBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cuny.biz%2FPDFs%2FDistribution%2FSquare%2520D%2FMetering%2520Equipment.pdf&ei=6WK-T9qdLc74ggejjOWFDw&usg=AFQjCNFqX8gXr_i8HnfhRsKDOBo90LAlwQ

Dear Sir

Thanks for the Link.This is really useful to us.

This is made to American standard, do you have a link to similar document in BS or VDE?.

My company use Merin Gerin (Schneider) SAIF feeder pillars. These can be designed to suit requirements including MCCB, metering and load shedding as required. They are designed to be IP2X compliant and allow some works to be carried out while the panel is live (dependent on individual risk assessment and method statement) They also allow individual circuits to be isolated and earthed while working on them and come with lighting and heaters as required.

Can you show some drawings/pictures of different models?.

Feeder pillar usage , in the IEC world (i e outside North America) , is only seen in British influenced public distribution networks (UK, Ireland, Australia, India, gulf ........).

Usually, each feeder is not compartimented individually.

In your case, as you have energy meter for every outgoing, which is not always the case, your customer may want that different people have access to different feeders metering, which could be a good explanation for this request.

Mr. Obouill has given the almost good answer.

Before giving my reply, I would like to have some more information on outgoing MCBs that whether it is 3-Pole or 3-Phase or 1-pole or single Phase. From calculation based on MCCB Amps rating & MCB amps rating it looks as single phase type. In Saudi Arabia Feeder Pillar Panel is all 3phase due to the electricity is available one of the cheapest in cost in the world

Dear sir

It is 3 phase 4 wire system and the MCB to be incorporated would be 63 Amps 4 pole.

can you post a picture of a "feeder pillar"?

The link below is picture and details by a manufacturer

http://www.unimeeceng.com/modular-power-distribution-panel-958025.html

Recently in India the the trend is for modular compartmental unit for each flat or house in newly built colonies to protect from malpractices which you know. This is not a real technical requirement and I feel not required in US or UK as such tampering never happens there . So they do not think to design such feeder pillar boxes which costs more. In US mostly power distribution is normally overhead and small pole mounted transformers are installed for three four houses and service wire are taken directly to the house meter board and from there to the DB inside the house. And for large buildings normal indoor type DB are used.

Page to view Schneider SAIF feeder pillar http://www.schneider-electric.co.uk/sites/uk/en/products-services/electrical-distribution/products-offer/low-voltage-switchgear-feeder-pillars/switched-insulated-fusegear/saif-switched-insulated-fusegear.page Hope this helps