How should electrical control cabinets be placed in explosion-proof areas?
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Question: The design firm has placed the electrical control cabinets in the site’s explosion-proof area. Some people suggest leaving only a switch box on site and moving the remaining components inside the control cabinets to the power distribution room. Which approach is better?
I think the latter is better – leave only the switch box on-site, and install the remaining components in the control cabinet inside the power distribution room
If it’s placed in the control room, it would be quite troublesome to repair it if it breaks!
An electrical control cabinet is installed at the explosion-proof area; it must be an explosion-proof control cabinet, and it cannot be opened for maintenance during production! The components inside the cabinet are moved to the power distribution room; only a switch box remains on site, and an explosion-proof control box is also required. During production, it cannot be opened for maintenance – only the switching part is accessible! Of course, the latter option is better. It would be ideal to add a few more safety barriers, and to make the on-site switches intrinsically safe and explosion-proof; this way, there’s no need for an explosion-proof control box, which makes maintenance easier!
I think the latter is better; after all, electrical components generate heat, and a flame-proof box being sealed makes it difficult for heat to dissipate.
Make a positive-pressure ventilation type explosion-proof cabinet; it’s cheaper than the flameproof type. However, instrument air is required on-site.
Normally, the latter option is better, but if a single electrical control cabinet on site controls many circuits and has numerous internal interlocks, it is recommended to place it on site. This allows for cost savings in terms of cables, makes control more convenient, and also enables repairs to be carried out smoothly since work can be done only after the power is turned off. It all depends on the actual circumstances.
If the distance is relatively far, it’s better to leave it on site. If it’s nearby, it’s better to put it in the power distribution room.
The substation would be better, right? . . .
If a defect is identified during the design phase, it’s necessary to change the plan, and the latter option is the best choice. Safety in explosion-proof areas is of top priority.
Leave the switch box on site, and install the remaining components in the control cabinet in the power distribution room