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5 Questions to Ask about the On-Site Installation of your Electrical Switchboard

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It’s one thing to design and manufacture the perfect switchboard and another to have the on-site installation go to plan. Here are five questions you should ask your switchboard contractor before you sign a contract.


1. Do your staff have on-site experience?


Experience working for the manufacturer in their factory is not the same as installing the equipment on-site, particularly if the location is remote and conditions are harsh. You need to ensure most of the staff sent on-site have installation experience as this is often a different skillset to the skills required on the factory floor. Ideally, the installation team will have worked on projects in industries that are similar to yours.

2. How much testing will you do before coming on-site and should we be involved?


Delays can be costly for all parties, so you want to be sure the application is going to work as soon as installation is complete. Ask to see a copy of the test plans to ensure they are thorough.

Ideally, the client should conduct factory acceptance testing before the equipment leaves for the site. Having access to a full staging facility within the factory is the best way to test. Check that they have a quiet, dedicated area with all the equipment you will need to complete the factory acceptance testing. Ideally, you should have access to reverse cycle air conditioning to do heat rise testing, earth leakage protected feeder circuits for powering cabinets, test racks and office facilities.


3. How thorough are your occupational health and safety procedures?


Just because the installation team aren’t your staff doesn’t mean you don’t need to worry about their health and safety. You may be putting your personnel at risk if outside contractors cause an accident on-site. Make sure they know how to maintain a safe work environment while they are working on your premises. If required, confirm that the installation team will complete an OH&S course before or when they arrive on-site.

4. What happens if something goes wrong with the equipment?


Find out what the procedures are in the event your switchboard fails after installation. For your peace of mind, know the course of action for reporting and fixing any problems. Before signing a contract, make sure you have everything in writing about how the manufacturer will deal with a breakdown should one occur. You don’t want to find out the hard way that their after-care service is poor. Make sure all the documentation will be delivered at installation time.

5. How long will installation take and what date will it start?


Having clear deadlines will ensure the project is completed on time. Be clear on dates you expect testing to be finished, the date equipment will leave the factory and the installation completion date.

Does this solve all your doubts? If not, it's best to sort out all queries by talking to an expert or an agency for further guidance on installing electrical switchboards. 
Location: Perth WA, Australia

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