MINING, INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS & SYSTEMS

Power Electric
Power Electric is a leading Australian manufacturer of switchboards, motor control centres, control
panels, transformer kiosks and transportable switchrooms. Based in Brisbane, Australia, the company
has established a reputation for quality and reliability, and has relationships with major Australian and
multinational companies.
Power Electric supplies varied switchboard types and styles to the mining, industrial and commercial
sectors. Our staff have practical hands-on backgrounds and understand what the client and installer
require from electrical equipment installations.

Power Electric has

established a reputation
for quality and reliability

The focus of our design and manufacturing team is to supply electrical

equipment and systems that meet our clients expectations, on budget
and on time. We acknowledge that space constraints and costs must be
balanced with the provision of suitable spacing for switchgear, and safe
termination of cabling.

Power Electrics customers include BHP Billiton, Xstrata, Wesfarmers, and Rio Tinto, and we are a
preferred supplier to dragline and mining shovel manufacturers, city councils and major electrical
contractors.
Power Electric has achieved accreditation for its Quality Management System in
accordance with the AS/NZS ISO 9001: 2008 standard.
ABN 57 164 693 789
Electrical Contractor Licence No. 77241

www.powerelectric.com.au

Custom switchboard specifications

CUBICLE
Construction
details
Material

yy The cubicle is folded and welded to form a free standing Form 4a (AS/NZS 3439.1:2002)
construction with an IP rating <IP66 (AS 605292004).
yy The motor control centre has interchangeable unit cells with power connection in the starter
cell and control terminals located in either the cable zone or starter cell.
Standard: 2mm zinc coated steel folded and welded with all visible seams and joints fully welded
and ground smooth where necessary. All edges and corners burr free and made safe.
Options:
1. 1.6mm zinc coated steel (for smaller switchboards in protected areas).
2. 1.6mm 304 or 316 stainless steel.
3. 2mm 304 or 316 stainless steel.
4. 3mm aluminium (special manufacture).

GLAND PLATES
Materials

General

Standard: 3mm aluminium.

Options:
1. 6mm aluminium.
2. 3mm brass.
3. 5mm brass.
4. 6-8mm bakelite.
5. 6-10mm PVC.
yy
yy
yy
yy

Gland plate material fitted with 25mm closed cell neoprene seal.
Sealing material suitably fixed to gland plate.
An earth stud M8x35mm welded adjacent to each gland plate.
Gland plate openings reinforced (as required) with 25x6 flat, root nuts or nut-serts.

PLINTH
Construction
details

yy The switchboard plinth is manufactured from rolled channel and welded to form a secure
base.
yy The cubicle is attached to plinth/base with suitably spaced M10 (min) bolts, nuts, flat and
spring washers (approximate spacing between cubicle/base fixings is 400mm).
yy Plinth drilled for floor fixing.

Material

Standard: 75PFC pre-drilled for floor fixing.

Options:
1. 100PFC.
2. Special (customer specified).
3. Floor fixing clamp to hold down plinth.

Finish

Standard: Hot dipped galvanised.

Options: Painted (recommended for computer rooms).

ESCUTCHEONS, DOORS & COVERS

Escutcheons

yy Sealing rubber.
yy Pintle hinges: 50mm and 80mm.

yy Fitted with slotted square key turn latch and 26mm pawl.
yy Star washers fitted under all hinge and handle mounting screws.
Options:
1. Winged turn handle.
2. Key lockable.

Doors

yy Sealing rubber.
yy Cut-outs on exterior of cubicle fitted with cover/gland plate and neoprene seal. Cable straps
fitted adjacent door mounted equipment as shown on approved drawings.
yy Fitted with slotted square key turn latch and 26mm pawl.
yy Star washers fitted under all hinge and handle mounting screws.
Options:
1. Small T-handle with key and pawl.

Covers

yy Sealing rubber.
yy Chrome D-handles fitted where shown on approved drawings.
yy Covers fixed with M8 studs and acorn nuts.

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General

yy Chrome D-handles fitted where shown on approved drawings.

yy Earth studs M6x20 welded to the interior of all doors, hinged escutcheons and on the adjacent
interior cubicle surface.
yy External hardware fitted on weatherproof cubicles to be stainless steel or chrome plated.
yy Exposed thread of fixings, after fitment of required materials, (e.g. washers and nuts etc) shall
be 2 clear threads (min) to 5mm (max).
yy Document and or schedule holders fitted as shown on approved drawings.

WIRING
yy All control wiring to be PVC V90 0.6/1kV grade with tinned copper conductor.
yy Control and instrumentation wiring has flexible copper conductors, and colour coded as
detailed, numbered each end, and terminated by the use of appropriate pre-insulated crimp
lugs etc.
yy Power wiring to be a minimum 2.5sqmm stranded copper conductors, unless indicated.
yy Phase and control cable colour coded as required by the customer.
yy Low level instrumentation signals and 4-20mA signals wired in shielded pair minimum sized to
specified requirements and earthed at one end only.
yy Earth cables minimum 2.5sqmm flexible coloured green/yellow.
yy Doors and hinged escutcheons bonded with 4sqmm flexible earth strap/cable.
yy Wire numbering will be equal to the Brady system.

SURFACE FINISH
Surface
preparation

Zinc-seal AS13972001 G2 ZS30 has a phosphate coating and only requires degreasing before
paint. Dulux Duthin 020 prep wash being manually applied solvent degreaser.

Primer coat

Dulux Powder Coat Primer applied at 10-20 micrometres.

Painting

Powder coatings are solid materials that are applied with a specialised electrostatic gun, and then
baked in a hot oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.

Dry film thickness

A dry film thickness of 60-80 micrometres will be applied unless otherwise stated on approved
workshop drawings.

Colour selection

Exterior cubicle surfaces

(including exterior doors
and covers)

Colours should be
selected from the
standard range of
powder coat finishes

yy Customer selection

Fire services, lifts,

evacuation and
smoke control
yy Signal red
suggested

Interior cubicle
surfaces
yy Same as exterior
yy Option: white

Interior doors and

escutcheon and
removable mounting
panels
yy White

BUSBARS
Construction
details
Finish

Phase
identification

Busbars are manufactured from hard drawn high conductivity (HDHC) copper, conservatively sized
to ensure temperature ratings are not excessive.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Natural.
Tinned.
Insulated.
Painted matt black to improve heat emissivity.

As a minimum each phase is distinguished by use of 50mm painted bands or heat-shrink sleeving
spaced at not more than 500mm centres.
1. Phases - Red, White, Blue.
2. Neutral - Black.
3. Earth - Green/Yellow.

Surface
preparation

1. De-burr holes.
2. Clean surfaces.

Cleats

yy Main busbar cleats manufactured from glass fibre reinforced composite, or 25mm thick
densified wood (Permali).
yy Main busbar support centres to suit fault current rating.
yy Dropper cleats Kentan UBS busbar supports (type 6, 30% glass filled nylon).

Hardware options

Bolts
Hexagon headed bolts or set screws, flat washers
and:
1. Plated mild steel bolts.
2. Plated high tensile bolts (grade 8.8).
3. Stainless steel bolts (grade 304).
4. Stainless steel bolts (grade 316).

www.powerelectric.com.au

Tensioning
yy Flat washers and a choice of:
1. Spring washers.
2. Bellville washers.
3. Lock nuts.
yy All bolts/nuts marked for visible evidence
of correct tensioning.
yy Neutral bar numbers stamped and
positioned clear of all cable lugs.
yy Busbars can be pre-drilled for extension.

Switchboard type testing specifications

General details
Our standard switchboard design has been Fully Type Tested (TTA) in accordance with Australian Standards AS/NZS
3439.1:2002, and AS 605292004 as follows:
Rated voltage

415V

Rated insulation voltage

690V

Form of segregation

Form 4

Verification of dielectric properties after short circuit tests

2500V RMS

1422/1 to1422/5

Verification of dielectric properties after short circuit tests

1000V RMS

1422/6

Short circuit withstand strength

Description

Rating

Peak

Test Cert. No

Main horizontal busbars

50kA for 1 second

105kA Peak

1422/1

50kA for 3 seconds

105kA Peak

1422/1

63kA for 1 second

138kA Peak

1422/2

80kA for 1 second

176kA Peak

1422/2

Neutral busbar

48kA for 1 second

103kA Peak

1422/2

Main vertical busbars

50kA for 1 second

105kA Peak

1422/3

63kA for 1 second

138kA Peak

1422/5

80kA for 1 second

176kA Peak

1422/4

Compartments with protective DOL starters 7.5kW 75kW

devices

63kA prospective

1422/6

Internal arc fault containment

Feeders 100A 160A

63kA prospective

1422/7

DOL starters 30kW 75kW

63kA prospective

1422/7

Degree of protection to AS 60529-2004

IP66

NE08/0019

Routine Factory Testing

To ensure trouble free installation and commissioning on site, all Power Electric switchboards are strictly
quality controlled throughout the manufacturing process and before despatch with the following factory
tests: dielectric properties test; control functions; test and protective circuits; clearance and creepage
distances, and mechanical operation.

www.powerelectric.com.au

Motor control centre dimensions 10 cell

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
CABLE ZONE

Cell size
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

CABLE ZONE

BUS / CABLE ZONE

CABLE ZONE

Starter kW
rating
11 kW
22 kW
37 kW
75 kW
90 kW
132 kW

Feeder rating
125A
250A
400A
630A

1600A
320kW

2500A

Starter kW
rating
22 kW
37 kW
75 kW
90 kW
132 kW

Feeder rating

320 kW

2500A

PLINTH

Motor control centre dimensions 8 cell

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CABLE ZONE

Cell size

CABLE ZONE

BUS / CABLE ZONE

CABLE ZONE

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

250A
400A
630A

PLINTH
Note: cell size may vary depending on brand, model and quantity of switch and control gear used.

Standard motor control dimensions 8 and 10 cell

Nominal height = 2310mm
Nominal width = 1500mm
Nominal depth = 500mm (handles not included)
Nominal cell width = 550mm
Nominal cable zone width = 400mm.
Note: Dimensions can be modified to suit customer requirements.

The above is subject to change.

www.powerelectric.com.au

Modular Switchboard Systems

CUBIC Modular System
Power Electric is an authorised assembler of the CUBIC modular system which is based on a concept
of standard modules for the construction of electrical panels. The versatility of the modular system
makes it quick and easy to assemble and install electrical switchboards and to extend or modify existing
switchboards. The CUBIC system is characterised by a high degree of operational dependability and safety,
and can be configured with the options of combining fixed, plug-in, and withdrawable multi-drawer units in
accordance with customer requirements.
Applications include main switchboards, distribution boards, motor control centres, power factor panels and
control panels.
Key features of the system are:
yy Maximum versatility for ease of manufacture and later
expansion/modification
yy Internal segregation of Form 1 up to Form 4b
yy Fixed, plug-in and withdrawable functional units
yy Main busbar rating up to 7,000A
yy Enclosure and busbar system type tested in accordance with
AS/NZS 3439-1: 2002
yy Short-circuit test Icw up to 120 kA and Ipk up to 264 kA
yy Arc fault containment of ingoing and outgoing units to AS/NZS 3439-1: 2002, annex ZD
yy Cells type tested for motor starter type 2 co-ordinated applications
yy Epoxy polyester powder coating in CUBIC RAL 7035 or RAL 2000 orange
yy Degree of protection IP43 standard, IP54 optional
yy Full engineering documentation.

B&R Modular Switchboards

B&Rs signature SE is a type tested and fully certified modular switchboard building system suitable
for commercial and industrial applications. The system has an ongoing certification program to ensure
compliance to all the latest design codes.
Certified to:
yy AS/NZS 3439.1:2002
yy BS EN 60439-1:1999
yy IEC 60439-1:2004.
Key features of the system are:
yy Fault rating up to 100kA for one second and
65kA for three seconds
yy IP43 and IP55 protection rating
yy Current rating from 600-3400 amps (4000
amp incomer)
yy Impulse Voltage withstand up to 16kV
yy Dielectric withstand of 3.5kV
yy 10 drive module sizes
yy Up to 12 drive modules per tier.
Construction:
yy 2mm zinc coated steel
yy Polyurethane gasket (formed in place).

www.powerelectric.com.au

ABB ArTu Modular Switchboards

Power Electric is an assembler of the ABB ArTu Modular low voltage switchboard system. The system has
current ratings up to 4000A, service voltage 1000V, and maximum short time withstand current of 105kA for
one second. Unlike other modular systems, ArTu is manufactured and tested by ABB SACE, the division of
ABB that manufactures the circuit breakers.
The systems are constantly being updated based on numerous ArTu projects, including airports, data
centres, hospitals and tunnels.
Key features of the system are:
yy Functional system available in
various widths and depths
yy Designed and tested to fit ABB circuit
breakers
yy Robust structure made of hot
galvanised sheet steel with powdercoated external cladding
yy Simple system that allows for
changes to be made easily during
design and construction
yy Rear connected as standard
yy Simple achievement of Form 4(b) segregation, up to IP65
yy Classified as a TTA to AS/NZS 3439.1-2002, up to 4000A 105kA 1 sec
yy 50kA for 300ms unlimited arc fault containment tested.

Elsteel Modular Switchboards

Power Electric is an assembler of the Elsteel Techno modular switchboard system.
The Elsteel Techno switchboard system is a fully type tested modular switchboard system that offers
unparalleled levels of flexibility for main switchboards, distribution boards, motor control centres (MCCs),
power factor correction centres, and UPS applications.
The Techno switchboard system is the result of several years research, development, and testing to create
a cost effective and high quality system suited to meet the most demanding of applications.
Key features of the system are:
yy Modular system based on 200mm width, height,
depth modules
yy High strength low weight modules
yy The modular design facilitates easy changes
to the switchboards during assembly or after
commissioning
yy Fixed or fully withdrawable construction
yy Smooth powder-coated finish in both grey and
orange colours
yy Type test certified with main busbar systems up
to 7100 amps, and fault level up to 100kA
yy Internal arc fault and seismic vibration tested.

www.powerelectric.com.au

Company experience
Power Electric has supplied transportable electrical switch rooms, transformer kiosks, motor control
centres, main switchboards, distribution boards, local control stations and control panels for mining,
industrial and commercial installations. They have been installed in various applications including draglines,
shovels, wash plants, coal handling and preparation plants, load-out facilities, water and sewage treatment
plants, road tunnels, data centres and hospitals.

Coal mining experience

Draglines
yy BMA Norwich Park (DRE 12, 34,
35)
yy BMA Peak Downs (DRE 17)
yy BMA Blackwater (DRE 29, 40,
41)
yy Wesfarmers Curragh (DRE 301,
302, 303, 305)
yy Xstrata Rolleston (DRE 1, 2)
yy Xstrata Newlands
yy Capcoal - Anglo American - Lake
Lindsay.

Load-out facilities

yy Minerva
yy Wesfarmers - Curragh.

Coal handling, process and

misc.
yy
yy
yy
yy
yy
yy

Xstrata Rolleston Mine

BMA Norwich Park
BMA Peak Downs
Peabody Coppabella
Ensham Resources
Isaac Plains Coal.

Mining shovels
yy
yy
yy
yy
yy
yy

Boddington
Wesfarmers - Curragh
BMA Blackwater
BMA Caval Ridge
BMA Daunia
Xstrata Newlands.

Commercial/industrial
Gas
yy Santos QCLNG Brine Injection
yy Origin Energy Walloons, Spring
Gully, Talinga
yy APLNG Condabri, Hamilton
Park.

Metaliferous mining
experience
yy Mt Carlton Gold/Copper
Evolution Mining
yy Didipio Gold/Copper
OceanaGold Philippines
yy Phu Kham Gold/Copper Phu
Bia Mining Laos
yy Xstrata Ernest Henry
yy QLD Magnesia - Sibelco.

yy Whitsundays Water Treatment

Plants
yy Toowoomba Waste Water
Infrastructure
yy Woodford Waste Water
Treatment Plant
yy Cooroy Waste Water Treatment
Plant
yy Murrumba Downs Waste Water
Treatment Plant
yy iSeek Data Centre
yy Fujitsu Data Centre
yy QLD Institute of Medical
Research (QIMR)
yy Legacy Way Tunnel Brisbane Transcity and MECA
yy Curtis Island Infrastructure
Transformer Kiosks
yy Brisbane Reception Centre
Correctional Facility
yy Arthur Gorrie Correctional Facility.

679 Boundary Road

Darra, QLD 4076
Email: sales@powerelectric.com.au
MINING, INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS & SYSTEMS

Phone: +61 7 3456 4600

Fax:
+61 7 3456 4697

www.powerelectric.com.au