Switchboard manufacturers

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Lady Engineer

Lady Engineer

Senior Member
Location
New Jersey
Hi all,

It's been a while, but I sneak in from time to time.

Question: I'm proposing design for a building. The size of the service is 2500A at 208/120V. The reason, there is no place for step downs transformers, and most of the loads are 120V (computer, Fan coils, and convenience outlets, very little HVAC). My question, I'm getting plans from Siemens as far as my layout of the switchboard. I can specify whatever I want because this is a private job, and no public bidding.

How reliable is Siemens? I've heard that they are good, but wanted to hear this from others who work with them.

Thanks,

Lady :)

P.S. Taking the PE on Friday, wish me luck, but give me prayers! ;)
 
Patricia, IMO and experience, Siemens is fine.

Good Luck on the exam.

Roger
 
Siemens switchboards are pretty good. I had reviewed several shopdrawings with Siemens switchboard and I had checked them after installation. I think their quality is the same level as those of GE, Square D etc.
 
roger said:
Patricia, IMO and experience, Siemens is fine.

Good Luck on the exam.

Roger
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Hey Roger, you remember me? Wow!

Hmmm...yeah I'll keep that in mind. They have rep who's great at doing a precise layout. The only reason I need one is because space is tight in this building.

Thanks! And hopefully I can change the EIT to PE this time. Yeah...thanks for the encouragement. :)

Lady :)
 
dahualin said:
Siemens switchboards are pretty good. I had reviewed several shopdrawings with Siemens switchboard and I had checked them after installation. I think their quality is the same level as those of GE, Square D etc.
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Really? Yeah, I've always used Square D, but GE never really I guess I'm not all that familiar with them. I used to specified Cutler Hammer unril the prices got out of control.
 
With the cost of copper being so high these days, architects are going to have to look seriously into the cost savings that come from including dedicated space for electrical equipment.

Best of luck on the exam. My only suggestion is to take a quick look through the exam book, and start by doing the problems that you consider easy. It is a good way to make sure you don?t run out of time before you can get credit for the easy problems. It is also a good way to build up your confidence level from the start.
 
LawnGuyLandSparky said:
If space is a consideration, check out "All-city switchboard" in Long Island City NY.
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Or if you're in New Jersey try Lincoln Electric:

947 Lehigh Ave
Union, NJ , 07083-7632
Phone: 908-688-2900
FAX: 908-688-8549
Website: www.leproduct.com
 
I designed an entire school main switchgear replacement w/ Siemens and the contractors reported no problems or concerns from the installation.

A good luck with taking the test. 6 minutes per question and keep calm. The best thing I did taking the exam was having the big green electrcial PE exam book in my gym bag full of books. It allowed me to use one book for ~80% of the questions. Saved enough time to double check my work.
 
if you're pressed for space, try Cutler Hammer IFS system

Siemens = lowest cost and lowest quality. I've had safety switch handles come off in my hand during a final inspection - in other words, still in their warranty period

stick with SqD and C-H for quality
 
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