Design and Specification of Switchgear versus Switchboards including PV Source Connections
Delta Marriott Hotel Silicon Valley, 2151 Laurelwood Road, Santa Clara, CA 95054 2151 Laurelwood Road,, Santa ClaraSanta Clara Valley IEEE Power & Energy and Industry Applications Societies Co-hosted by SF PES, OEB PES, OEB IAS 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 hotel lobby to enter Parking Code GTSHR. 5:30 Check in, Meet and Greet 6:30 Dinner buffet 7:00 Talk 8:00 Q&A 8:30 End Registration required, early bird through April 25: Register now 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. These 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. About the Speaker: James Alvers has been a Business Development Manager for Siemens Low Voltage Distribution Products since June of 2018. He assists electrical consultants in Northern California apply and configure cost effective, efficient, and compliant electrical distribution solutions for major infrastructure projects. Previously, James worked as a Data Center Electrical Engineer at Hewlett Packard/EYP Mission Critical Facilities. He has also worked for Schneider Electric as a Global Account Manager helping clients configure electrical infrastructure for data centers. James received an Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Degree from University of California at Berkeley. As an active member of Santa Clara Valley IEEE, James has held the position of Chairperson for IAS/PES. Registration required: Register now Note the Mid Year Society memberships for IEEE members are half off: IAS membership for IEEE members: $5.00 Catalog PES membership for IEEE members: $15.00 Catalog PES/IAS web site and Detailed event description We look forward to seeing you there! Steve Jordan, Chair