Taking Advantage of Multiple Brands for IEC 61439 Compliance

A question I’ve been asking Panel Builders is: “What do you do when you receive an Enquiry that specifies IEC 61439.”

The A-category panel builders are usually confident in replying that they are either aligned with a Schneider Blokset or Prisma, others with ABB Artuk and yet more with Siemens Siepan and so on. Well, in the rare case, I do get a response that we have our own certification with XYZ brand of switchgear, with a sense of pride in it.

Most of the B&C category panel builders, however, declare that they do not quote as they are disadvantaged here. How sad. Some say, they opt to use Rittal enclosures. However, they quickly follow through in complaining, that they get out-priced here.

The fact is that hardly a year ago, for every 10 enquiries a panel builder would receive, only 2 or 3 had IEC 61439 specified. Today these numbers have gone up to 6 or 7.

And then earlier, this standard was mostly for oil and gas and power segments. Today, even buildings, industry and PSUs have started making this the minimum requirement.

This trend was hitherto known in major cities in India only. Today, even Tier-II cities this specification is finding its way to project tenders.

And, why do we need this standard and how does it benefit the end-user? Well, fires are not uncommon in electrical installations due to an electrical short circuit or bad workmanship, right? So what does an end-user do to protect his investment as well as keep his people safe? He generally relies on an electrical consultant.

When the brief is given to the consultant that the client needs the best possible electrical installation without compromise on reliability, convenience or cost, he has the responsibility to differentiate the men from the boys. This is where IEC 61439 comes to his aid.

And, when a consultant specifies the approved list of makes in his tender, he normally gives a choice of 3 to 5 switchgear makes. Why? Because the project should never be dictated by a single make. Electrical distribution in any project has the switchboard as the heart, from which all the power flow takes place. The client in most cases likes to define the makes, based on what has already been used in his projects, as carrying spare inventory of a number of makes would get cumbersome. This of course would also depend upon his past experience with this switchgear brand.

And then there are the considerations of availability of the switchgear to meet project deadlines and the after sales service provided. Now, as a panel builder, it would be a shame if he is pushed out of the race, just because compliance to IEC 61439 with multiple brands is not available with him, isn’t it? And the customer can, will and should exercise his preference. Modutec ensures in most cases, the panel builder is able to satisfy his customer requirement and go forward in a win-win-win approach, alignment and accomplishment.

No wonder, Modutec is a trend that is catching up. We guide you through these “No Go’ situations and help you serve your customers faster, smarter and greener. The point is, are you as a Panel Builder partnering with us and availing of these benefits. This edge is only the tip of the iceberg. Talk to us and we will be happy to share more ways to Simplifying Panel Building.

For more details,

Contact: Ramani Mani, Managing Director, Modutec Ready Panels Private Limited

Email id: ramani@modutec.net