110.32 GIS Switchgear

[Girl Engineer]

I had an interesting interaction with a European supplier. The application is a double ended 34.5kV GIS switchgear lineup. This switchgear is very compact, with the feeder and tie sections 23in. wide. The mains stick out from the front 9in to accommodate feedthrough elbows, effectively recessing the tie back 9in. The tie has a mechanical operator, but really doesn't have any live parts internally that would be exposed when the door is opened. I am asking that they fabricate the tie flush with the mains, but they are arguing that this is not necessary because no energized parts will be accessed from the tie compartment. I am insisting on this for convenience of operation, but I am wondering about their interpretation. This article gives dimensions if energized parts are exposed, but kind of leaves the interpretation of "sufficient space" for "safe operation" wide open. Has anyone ran into this? If so, what was the AHJ interpretation?

 

[Tony S]

I’ve asked several EU switchgear manufacturers to make alterations to their standard panels. They’ll do it but your reaction will probably be the same as mine “HOW MUCH!”

 

[Jraef]

I’ve asked several EU switchgear manufacturers to make alterations to their standard panels. They’ll do it but your reaction will probably be the same as mine “HOW MUCH!”

or put another way,
"I can do anything you want, provided it is sketched on the back of a big enough check..."

 

[Tony S]

It’s worse when they know they have you over a barrel. Extending a 40 year old panel manufactured by a defunct company was expensive to say the least.