Innovations in Modular switchboard enclosures systems to improve panel building

Talking about the significant factors of modular switchboard enclosures, Ramani Mani, Founder & MD of Modutec Ready Panels, emphasises that Modutec prioritise third-party type testing to address the space constraints in switchboard enclosures. 

Can you tell us about the latest trends in modular switchboard enclosures?

The Electrical Industry installations are currently facing a challenge. They must be able to operate in a way that is; 

Faster since electricity is needed in remote areas and cannot wait.

Smarter; as energy efficiency, safety, and power quality are crucial.

Greener; as sustainability and net zero carbon installations are necessary for the survival of our planet.

How have customer needs and demands changed recently, and how have you adapted your products to meet those changes?

Panel builders recognise the need to be asset-light and focus more on the customer by specialising in their electrical core competencies, delegating the mechanicals, and adopting modular type-tested switchboard enclosures, which empower predictable quality!

From Modutec, we share this wisdom with panel builders and partner with them in the following three methods of serving them:

1. Modutec or the Type Tested Modular Switchboard Enclosure System with Bus Bar Supports and Accessories as would be needed by PBs based on their project requirements
2. Essentec, or the essential technology of modular design, upgrades the conventional welded methods by servicing them with the profile framework and the doors. The PB then does the partitions and plinth himself.
3. Parttec, or parts technology, allows the PB to choose the parts he requires and apply his capabilities to upgrade himself to the modular technology.

IEC 61439 Certification automatically applies to Modutec as these are accredited systems. Essentec and Parttec are non-IEC as they are non-standard. However, Modutec offers a licence partnership arrangement for those PBs who qualify for it.

How does your company ensure that your modular switchboard enclosures meet the latest industry standards and regulations?

Type Testing by a third-party certification body is a continual focus of a dedicated team in our factory. Modutec has the distinction of successfully passing the IEC 61439 1&2 for as many as 6 makes of switchgear, tested both in India and overseas (Dubai & Seoul). We have engaged Indian Laboratories like CPRI & ERDA and overseas like Dekra and PT&T, and most Certifications have been under the aegis of Intertek ASTA. 

IEC 61439 1&2 schedules the Test plan through 12 Tests, including Short Circuit, Temperature Rise and IP Clause (for the Dust & Vermin protection type). The latest version is Edition 3, and Modutec has passed the requirements of this amendment too. At Modutec Factory, aligning Tests are consistently conducted to checklists and system-based in-house testing methods. 

Can you tell us any innovative features or technologies you have incorporated into your latest modular switchboard enclosure designs?

Continual R&D, innovations and ideas generation is the way of working at Modutec. The latest introductions are a Die Cast hinge with a centre bush which helps permit the Door reversibility from LHS to RHS and vice versa. The flexibility would help at times. 

MODDRW is our Draw Out Panels which are with Door Closed Technology. These have all the required safety and convenience features and find applications in Oil & Gas, Process Industries, Power Projects, etc. 

MODSIM Software is getting better with time and focus. We have the Estimation one on the cloud & Engineering one in our Modutec Server. A comprehensive Electrical estimation and engineering one is in the pipeline and should be released in a few months. 

How do your modular switchboard enclosures address space constraint issues?

Modular is like a Meccano block. With Modutec, you can have straight-length switchboards, L Shape, U shape and even G shape ones. The Main Horizontal Bus Bar can be on the switchboard’s top, bottom, middle, or back. You can have a single front Panel or a double front one per site requirements. 

Especially in commercial buildings, infrastructure and industry, where space can be a constraint, Modutec is arguably the most compact among its peers. It has solutions like the Pan Assembly, which largely compacts the switchboard, releasing precious real estate for more profitable use.