Short Circuit Certification
Without argument the most important Verification Test Certification you need.
Rule No.1 Again. Ensure your issued certificate by your Switchboard Manufacturer complies with the switchboard manufactured. That's a big one, I can't stress this enough. If you are in any doubt send it to us.
(Truth - I have had Dielectric Test Certs issued to me as Short Circuits. Don't be fooled)
There is more too it than just an ASTA or KEEMA Stamp so wise up below
If you want to understand what a Short Circuit Test is Here
SCC - This is the one so don't be fooled
You will see an example of a Certificate as shown below, this is what we need to look for:
1 - Who Tested it, google the certifier ensure they exist
Examples are KEEMA, ASTA, there are many others
2 - What's the Short Circuit Fault Rating,
Example's, 36KA, 50KA, 70KA, 80KA & 100KA are pretty much the standard
3 - What's the time frame
Example, 1 Second & 3 Seconds, rarely do they exceed this. 1 Second is really all you need with modern protection units, no less, no more.
4 - Busbar Sizing, this will vary but you have to ensure all the Main Busbars (Horizontals & Droppers) meet the requested fault rating. There's no point having a fault rating of 50KA for 1 second on half the switchboard.
Check the tested busbar on the certification to the busbar fitted within the switchboard, it should all match.
5 - Ensure the certification and you switchgear busbar orientation are the same orientation and mounting. Remember that the layout of the switchgear won't match yours but the principles of the design should be the same. You will have breakers in different places but the busbar should be run in the same orientation and mounting, connection horizontals to vertical. basically, the design principles should match but the panel could never be the same as tested, it's bespoke.
Certification is essential and this is the big one, it's basically the stamp that if the worst happens you are covered. This isn't just ElecSpec Compliant this is British Standard & European Norm compliant.
