Switchboard questions.
Practical answers.
Work through quoting, platform selection, factory testing and support for existing boards. For a project-specific answer, send the drawings and site requirements to CWS.
Quoting
What information do you need for a switchboard quote?
Send the single-line diagram, load or motor schedule, supply and fault-level information, enclosure requirements, separation requirements, available dimensions and target delivery date. If the design is developing, send what you have so the outstanding inputs can be identified.
Can you provide a budget estimate?
Discuss the level of information available and the purpose of the estimate. A budget figure needs clear assumptions; a firm manufacturing quotation needs an agreed specification and scope.
How long will quotation and manufacture take?
Timing depends on design completeness, approvals, component availability, assembly complexity and workshop commitments. Confirm the programme with CWS for the actual project, including any shutdown date or staged delivery.
Do you work with consultants and electrical contractors?
Yes. CWS works with consultants, contractors and end users to coordinate the specification, drawings, manufacture and handover. Identify who approves the design and who is responsible for installation and integration.
Platforms and manufacture
Which switchboard platform do you recommend?
Simotrol is our primary platform for main switchboards and motor control centres. Logstrup and Schneider Prisma provide further options where the project specification calls for them. The completed configuration determines the declared assembly ratings.
What are the Simotrol MCC ratings?
The CWS Simotrol MCC range includes up to 2,500 A, Form 3b or 4a and 50 or 63 kA short-time withstand for 1 second, subject to the specified assembly. These MCC ratings should not be assumed for every MSB or enclosure configuration.
How should we specify AS/NZS 61439?
Identify the applicable standard, part and edition, together with the ratings and verification records needed for the project. Publication of a newer edition is different from its citation in New Zealand. Read the NZ standards guide.
Can we allow for future expansion?
Include expected future loads, spare circuits, empty compartments and physical extension space in the brief. These are different provisions. Busbar capacity, cable zones and access need to be considered alongside spare device positions.
Testing and delivery
What is checked before delivery?
Agree the factory acceptance scope before manufacture. Checks can include assembly inspection, identification, wiring, protective circuits, control functions, interlocks and interfaces. Design verification, factory testing and site commissioning are distinct activities.
What documentation will we receive?
Agree the drawing set, circuit identification, verification information, test records and operating or maintenance documents in the project specification. Automation deliverables depend on the agreed programming and integration scope.
Do you deliver throughout New Zealand?
CWS manufactures for projects throughout New Zealand. Discuss transport sections, lifting, route restrictions, site access, unloading and installation responsibilities when the delivery plan is developed.
Who handles programming and site commissioning?
Define those responsibilities in the project scope. CWS manufactures, wires and factory-tests assemblies; programming, field wiring and site commissioning may be delivered by the appointed integrator or other project parties. Do not assume they are included in board manufacture.
Existing switchboards
Can you inspect or maintain an existing board?
Send photographs, rating labels, available drawings, the site conditions and your concerns. CWS can review the assembly and discuss an appropriate inspection, maintenance or remedial scope. Explore maintenance services.
Can an older air circuit breaker be replaced?
An ACB retrofit may be suitable after the existing enclosure, busbars, connections, protection and access have been assessed. It requires a project-specific review. See the dairy ACB retrofit project.
How often should a switchboard be maintained?
Set the maintenance programme around the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, operating duty, environment, condition and consequences of failure. An inspection can help identify what work is needed and when.
What should we send for an upgrade enquiry?
Include existing drawings and rating labels, photos, the proposed load or protection change, available fault information, operating constraints and shutdown windows. The first decision is what can be retained and what needs further assessment.
Finishing and
engraving questions.
Can I bring metalwork to CWS for powder coating?
Contact our Invercargill coating team with photos, dimensions, material and the required finish. Confirm preparation, size and handling requirements before delivery. Read the powder coating guide.
Can I order labels without a new switchboard?
Our engraving department works on individual label sets, signage, awards and personal pieces. Send the exact text, material, dimensions and quantities. See engraving services.
Talk through your project.
Send your drawings, site requirements and project programme to our Invercargill team.
Contact our team