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Anonymous Poster #1

Auto Changeover Systems

11/15/2014 10:31 PM

Should the autochangeover systems from city supply with a distribution transformer with a diesel generator always be kept on ground floor? (I have normaly seen them in the ground floor). As they carry the full load currents, may be in the case of short circuit grounding is easy in ground floor - but is it possible to install the autochangeover systems (Auto Mains Failure systems) in first floor - as other parameters are suggesting keeping the autochangeover systems in first floor (ie. with regards to operation - as other control panels are also there - visibility at site because I can have better view of entire site from first floor than ground floor, and operation staff can be housed in first floor only).

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#1

Re: Auto changeover systems.

11/16/2014 12:09 AM

You can put it wherever your local codes permit, just remember that a DG is a heavy piece of equipment that requires a solid foundation. Putting it on anything other than a ground floor may require additional reinforcement and vibration isolation for the structure not to mention fire suppression/fuel oil containment and handling equipment.

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#2

Re: Auto changeover systems.

11/16/2014 1:32 AM

Why not, especially where areas prone to flood. Like what others said please consult local building authority on this, before doing so.

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#3

Re: Auto changeover systems.

11/16/2014 9:12 AM

Interestingly in some locations it has become popular to install diesel gensets on roofs (even large ones in the 2500 kVA range). Easier to cool, shorter exhaust conduits and also less complicated to replace unless the building is extremely high as you can handle completely self-contained soundproofed units if required.

Anyway, as others said, check local regulations, pay especially attention to fuel storage (main and day tanks) as well as fuel pumps and piping.

The ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) cabinet is typically installed in a way to reduce the cabling or busducts costs.

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Auto changeover systems.

11/16/2014 10:48 PM

In a 10 storey building designed by Australian Architects in a third world country, the 2nos 500kVA sound proof DG sets & synchronising panels were in roof while main switchboard and ATS were in ground floor and fuel tank buried outside the building with fuel pipes laid via duct to roof top.

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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Auto changeover systems.

11/16/2014 11:01 PM

YOu can put anywhere you want for ease in operation as long as local laws arew complied and design i permits. I would prefer actual DG on ground floor and controls with others on first floor.

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#6
In reply to #5

Re: Auto changeover systems.

11/16/2014 11:16 PM

In ground floor cost per sqft of space is very expensive & you can avoid cost of exhaust pipe from ground floor to roof top if DG is located in rooftop.

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#7

Re: Auto Changeover Systems

11/17/2014 12:39 AM

Diesel generator always be kept on ground floor?

I agree with ram consult , except some type most of DG all other Dg's produces noise , vibration and smoke . Also since it is too heavy, in case of any DG failure, transmitting it from ground level will be easier than transmitting from First floor. That's the reason why it has been placed in Ground floor .in addition maintaining fuel area will be easy .

As they carry the full load currents, may be in the case of short circuit grounding is easy in ground floor?

NO . In case of fault ,fault current Is can be any ways discharged to ground using its connected earthing conductor. Any way earth conductor will be sized to carry the short circuit current.

But is it possible to install the auto changeover systems (Auto Mains Failure systems) in first floor?

You can install the Auto changeover system at any floor / any other specified area. But if the DG is far away from control panel , then it is always preferred to have a EPB near DG for local isolation.

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#8

Re: Auto Changeover Systems

11/17/2014 5:13 AM

In any case I'd recommend to install at least a genset control panel not far away to the genset itself (unless there's already on mounted on the genset itself) and there may also be local regulations limiting the distance of the unprotected cable (or busbar duct) length. Overall it's better to keep genset control switchboards quite close to the genset itself while the contactors or motorized breakers for load transfer can be located in main distribution panels elsewhere.

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#9

Re: Auto Changeover Systems

11/26/2014 10:23 PM

"as other parameters are suggesting keeping the auto-changeover systems in first floor (ie. with regards to operation - as other control panels are also there"

The best practise is to install the Main Panel to which the utility power is connected is very first entry point of building plot. And all other outgoing feeders and the change over very closer to it. I hope "other parameters", you stated, includes the Main Distribution Board (or LV Panel).

But because of space concern, and as per site condition this can not be met as in the case of yours. The only thing you need to taken care are the following:

1. Proper protection for the earth conductor to the ground rod.

2. Safe non obstructive escape route from the control/electric room to the assembly point.

3. An additional remote PUSH OFF switch at Ground Level to isolate the main incomer for any emergency.

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