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Eaton develops combined tap-off and cut-out units for busbar risers
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A unique combined busbar tap-off unit and fused cut-out distribution board has been developed by Eaton engineers to provide power for dwellings in high-rise apartment blocks. It has been designed in collaboration with engineers from a London Borough for a refurbishment programme Each tap-off unit incorporates the supply authority’s cut-out fuses for up to 21 flats.
Special sliding joints have also been developed so that the in-line tap-off units can be removed easily from the riser if necessary for maintenance or upgrading at some future date.
Traditionally, specifiers call for separate enclosures incorporating R-Type fuses as service cut-out units. These are then connected via multiple cable runs from the ground floor or from busbar risers. By combining the tap-off unit and supply authority’s fuse distribution board into a single unit, installation time is reduced and less space is required.
The approach also means that the cut-out fuses are located outside the flats in a secure enclosure, accessible to authorised persons only. The enclosures are fully shrouded and sealable, and are themselves housed in locked riser cubicles.
The cut-out units were developed initially for 1960s apartment blocks comprising more than 90 flats spread over more than 20 floors. Four Eaton 400A Mempower MP busbar risers, two at each end of the building, distribute power throughout each block. Tap-off units are located at every third floor, providing supplies to that floor and the floors immediately above and below.
To meet supply authority requirements, the enclosures incorporate terminal shrouds and sealing facilities at two points. A common 350mm wide enclosure will house varying options from three to 12 ways while 500mm wide enclosures will house from 15 to 21 ways. The fuse bases are rated for 100A and fitted with 100A BS 1361 30mm diameter RL-Type fuses. The enclosures have removable gland plates top and bottom and are IP54 rated.
The success of the new units has led to further orders from the same authority and interest has been shown by other local authorities and private developers.
