Ensuring the Safety of Power Equipment in an Existing Site
Diesel generator mounted on a raised platform
During a recent audit of a telecommunication site, several critical issues were identified, each posing significant risks to the site's safety, reliability, and compliance standards. The building itself was situated 300 mm below the road level, which heightened its vulnerability to flooding. Compounding this risk, the diesel generator (DG) sets were installed just 100 mm above the finished floor level (FFL), making them highly susceptible to water ingress. Electrical panels placed directly on the floor further increased the likelihood of damage in the event of flooding. Additionally, damaged earthing pits were found to be non-compliant with safety standards, and improper cable management created operational inefficiencies and raised safety concerns.
Addressing these challenges required meticulous planning to ensure that corrective measures were implemented without disrupting site operations. The solution adhered to internationally recognized standards, specifically IEC 60364 and IEC 61936-1, and was executed in a phased manner to ensure smooth operation throughout.
To mitigate flood risk, one electrical panel was relocated to the second floor, where it would remain safe from potential water damage. The other panel was retained on the ground floor but enclosed within a properly designed electrical room to provide adequate protection. During this relocation process, a single panel source was used to cater to the entire building's load, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Once the relocated panel was commissioned, the load was redistributed between the two sources, achieving geo-redundancy, which significantly enhanced the system's reliability and resilience.
The DG sets, which were previously at risk due to their low elevation, were raised to a height of one meter above the FFL. This adjustment met the requirements of IEC 61936-1, safeguarding the equipment against water ingress while improving operational safety.
The site's earthing system was also overhauled. Damaged earth pits were reconstructed following IEC 60364-5-54 standards, ensuring compliance and achieving low impedance for enhanced electrical safety.
Finally, cable dressing and management were meticulously improved, following the guidelines of IEC 60364-5-52. This step ensured compliance with safety standards and made the system easier to maintain and more operationally efficient.
The comprehensive solution resulted in a safer, more reliable telecommunication site in full compliance with international standards. It effectively addressed the identified risks while maintaining uninterrupted site operations, ensuring that both technical and operational goals were met. This approach demonstrates how a methodical, standards-driven solution can resolve complex challenges in critical infrastructure settings.