At EMU Energy we have an enthusiastic and experienced estimating and design team dedicated to preparing and submitting accurate and functional quotations specific to the requirements of each individual project. In preparation of our quotations we access the functionality of the switchboards, their specific requirements including IP ratings, locations, metering, cable entries and conformity with the engineers overall design intent. Our team commences submissions by preparing initial design concepts which are discussed and scrutinised to ensure they conform to the documentation received. Assessment of complexity and time lines for submission are taken into account to ensure quotations are released to the client on time or sooner. As part of our estimating process we make it a priority to follow up on our submissions to confirm we have interpreted the requirements correctly and always accept feedback with enthusiasm. In submitting offers on or before time we leave a window of opportunity to adjust our quotations if our client sees the necessity.

As we move forward and have been awarded a project our final suggested designs commence preparation. We initiate this process with in depth discussions with our client in order to understand how they intend to reticulate cabling in and out of each switchboard. Generally we find ACTEW/AGL have a preliminary main supply design prepared which governs the capacity required at the new Main Switchboard. Close attention is given to the maximum demand and loadings for each final distribution switchboard which in turn adds to the capacity required at the MSB. Taking all this into consideration our design and drafting team set to work to prepare work shop drawings for approval. These drawings as prepared are checked by the designer and an independent person deliberately excluded from this process to ensure major or minor detail is not over looked. We endeavour to prepare and submit our drawings in a quick and timely manner which gives our client and the engineer sufficient time to review and return with comments and approvals.

In accepting a new project we always enquire as to the construction program and delivery schedule required. We see it as a very important part of our service to be fully aware of scheduling and delivery dates for the project. We pride ourselves in meeting each timeline and date, we believe this is a major and important goal on every project be it large or small.

Upon approval to proceed with manufacture we issue the project to our sheet metal supervisor who in turn places it into production. Close and frequent monitoring of its progress in metal manufacture ensures the design is adhered to and quality is maintained at a high level. Attention to quality of metal finish is of paramount priority ensuring final presentation of the switchboard is acceptable and pleasing. Once finished in sheet metal manufacture pre paint inspections are undertaken ensuring no reworks or poor finishes are over looked. Cleaning and preparation for powder coating commences and checked thoroughly prior to release to ensure a quality finish is achieved.

Prior to final fit out all electrical components are ordered to ensure a smooth transition from metal manufacture to final assembly. Equipment is procured which conforms to the specified designs nominated by the engineer. As delivery of equipment commences it is quarantined prior acceptance, accessed for compliance and job binned ready for issue to electrical assembly.

Final fit out commences and initial discussions with the electrical fitter ensure a full understanding of the requirements of the switchboard’s design and final functionality. Close monitoring of its progress enable us to access the finer details of construction ensuring compliance with relative standards and suitability for cable connections. Attention to the functionality of cable connection provisions are a high priority ensuring ease of terminations for our client. If minor changes are made these are marked up on the working drawings progressively which form the basis of our As-Built documentation.

Once our fitter announces his completion of the project we commence a system of three way inspections to ensure each detail of the switchboard is checked thoroughly. Initial checks are under taken with the fitter and our electrical supervisor cross checking design drawings to the finished product. At this stage some minor changes may take place prior to electrical testing and confirmation of electrical control circuits. Electrical testing of each switchboard comprises of the following procedures: