Fully sealed containerised switchroom delivers space, compliance, and safety benefits
A leading Australian electrical company has found a solution that delivers Standards-compliant, safe, and portable switchrooms to sites for its major projects nationwide.
The electrical project specialist worked with Modulate Group to create a fully sealed containerised switchroom that can easily be moved from site to site. The customised switchroom houses a motor control centre, variable-speed drive, distribution board, transformer, local control station, fire indication panel, and remote switching panel.
Modulate manufactures customised containerised buildings at its 20,000sqm production facility in Mayfield, near Newcastle, NSW. Production and customisation to different needs are handled in-house.
“Electrical switchrooms are some of the more complex containerised buildings we manufacture. We ensure they meet strict AS3000 Standards, other relevant safety Standards, and any client-specific requirements,” said Jack Adams, General Manager, Modulate.
“The customer placed a high importance on safety and quality from the start, and they were clear with their requirements. Not only did they want to meet all relevant Standards, but they wanted to maximise internal space, which is an area where Modulate sets itself apart from other portable offices,” he added.
The electrical switchroom was fully sealed to keep out dust and moisture, and temperature control could be achieved through three air conditioning units integrated into the roof to save internal space.
“Two units will be operating, and the third is a backup in case one of the others fails. The system will be set up to maintain an overall temperature below 25 degrees Celsius, with a calculated heat load of 20.432 kW,” explained Adams.
Safety and Standards Compliance
Modulate containerised buildings, configured from the standard of approximately 6m, 9m, and 12m container templates, are cyclone-rated structures with a design life of 25 years under heavy use and low maintenance.
To add further safety features to the switchroom, installed features included:
- An emergency push bar door for a quick exit – a requirement for all switchrooms;
- A larger size, fire-rated door (2.3m high and 1.0m wide);
- As a second exit, the original shipping container’s exit (on the opposite side of the switchroom to the main door) also has a push bar added;
- A full fire detection system and fire extinguishers;
- Fireproof flooring made from compressed fibre cement;
- Emergency exit lights for additional visibility;
- A recess to maintain optimal canal bend limits for safety and optimised cable efficiency.
“Due to the nature of switchrooms, with electrical equipment, heat, and high voltages, these extra features mean that it is fully Standards compliant, and the customer can meet their duty of care to employees and visitors that entire the portable building,” said Adams.
Maximising space and controlling the internal environment
A pressurisation fan is a key consideration in keeping the internal space free of dust, debris, and moisture. The pressurisation fan and the air conditioning units are all interlocked with the fire detection system and will automatically shut down in the event of an alarm.
“A skillion roof allowed us to embed components that were essentially hidden within the roof cavity, thereby maximising space inside the switchroom,” said Adams.
“All of the doors are insulated, lined, and sealed for a true pressurised space, meeting one of the customer’s key requirements,” he added.
This custom-built portable containerised switchroom is one of hundreds of Modulate buildings, including site offices, ablution units, workshops, storage rooms, lunchrooms, bathrooms, cafes, and other customised options for industries such as mining, energy, infrastructure, construction, government projects, defence, and water and power utilities.