Design and Specification of Switchgear versus Switchboards including PV Source Connections

Santa Clara Valley IEEE Power & Energy and Industry Applications Societies
Join us April 30th for a presentation and discussion on:
Design and Specification of Switchgear versus Switchboards including PV Source Connections to Switchboards
Speaker: James Alvers, Siemens Business Development Manager
Cost: IEEE Members $20 by 4/25: Non-Members $30 by 4/25
(After 4/25, if space available, registration will be $5 more and non-refundable as we have to commit to final meal and seating count)
Date: April 30, 2025, 5:30 to 8:30 PM
Place: Delta/Marriott Hotel Santa Clara-Silicon Valley, 2151 Laurelwood Road, Santa Clara CA 95054. Check for parking instructions.
[]Registration required, early bird through April 25: (https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/432373)
About the talk:
Electrical power distribution relies on the connection of a series of different types of distribution equipment from the power source to the load. At its core, are almost always low voltage switchboards and switchgear. Though the terms “Switchgear” and “Switchboard” are often used interchangeably and informally to describe a wide variety of electrical equipment, they have very different specifications and testing standards; even the NEC includes a different definition for each. Whether selecting electrical equipment for a simple commercial project, a data center, or a hospital, understanding the differences are important as they significantly affect reliability, safety, maintenance, size, cost, working space clearances, and more.
This presentation will discuss the key differences between the two, to aid in application, design, and selection by consultants, contractors, and end-users. It will also cover the different types of circuit breakers used in switchboards and switchgear (e.g. molded case, insulated case, and power circuit breakers). Included will be photos of the internal construction and components to illustrate differences, as they are significant. This will help get beyond the single line diagrams and specifications for those who have not had opportunities to visit job sites or manufacturing plants to see the equipment.
In addition, since designers are increasingly working on projects with photovoltaic (PV) inverter sources, questions arise on inverter connections and configurations for switchboards. This presentation will touch on NEC compliance, bus sizing, breaker position, customer needs (future and current), and manufacturer requirements.
(https://r6.ieee.org/scv-pesias/) and (https://r6.ieee.org/scv-pesias/event/pge-community-microgrids/)
Speaker(s): Franz
Agenda:
5:30 Check in, Meet and Greet
6:30 Dinner buffet
7:00 Talk
8:00 Q&A
8:30 End
Room: PARKING VALIDATION CODE T6TGJ, Bldg: Delta/Marriott Hotel Santa Clara-Silicon Valley, 2151 Laurelwood Road, Santa Clara, California, United States, 95054