Objective
Whaylla Steelworks needed a custom solution for an upgrade to their onsite teeming cranes for its Crane Boarding Switches, which offer increased safety when performing maintenance. The client required a solution that could be replicated and delivered in stages, along with a suitable rotary sector switch and enclosure for use in harsh environments with space installation issues and mounting variance. Additionally, they needed a uniform solution with a part number so it could be ordered repeatedly, reducing engineering time and maintaining consistent site operating procedures.
Solution
As distributors of PCE Merz Switchgear, Leveltec provided a switching solution and engaged an engineering firm to determine and detail the complete scope of requirements of the project. The modular crane boarding switch enclosures were manufactured under the inhouse BSH brand and designed to reliably switch low current signals at extra low voltage in the harshest environments. They were manufactured from 316 stainless steel and further protected with a powdercoat X15 orange colour. The enclosure featured an integrated identification plate along with external mounting plates to ensure easy installation and use. The PCE Merz Switch installed was supplied with two styles of escutcheon plate, and the switch was a custom MN 151 series, two pole changeover with gold-plated contact for dry circuit switching. The solution was designed to meet IP66 and for ease with single cable runs, and each unit was supplied with a threaded bung to seal the outgoing cable entry. Each enclosure featured an earth bonding strap, field-replaceable gasket, and captive lid screw.
Technical Details
- Custom MN 151 series, two pole change over switch with gold plated contact for dry circuit switching
- Non-lockable, yellow escutcheon plate with a large red handle suitable for use with gloves
- Modular design allows for mounting plate, enclosure, and lid to be rotated, making it a universal enclosure
- Standard mounting plate allows the installer to mount the enclosure on vertical or horizontal strut with the tabs long enough to span the mounting strut profile
- Optional pipe bracket available should the installation take place on a walkway handrail
- Designed to meet IP66 rating
- Supplied with a threaded bung to seal the outgoing cable entry
- Each enclosure featured an earth bonding strap, field replaceable gasket, and captive lid screw
Conclusion
Over 100 units of the custom switch solution were supplied on time and installed on the site, enduring some of the harshest dust and heat exposure without switch failure. The modular design allowed for the mounting plate, enclosure, and lid to be rotated, making it a universal enclosure with threaded cable entries from any side, and options to mount the enclosure on a vertical or horizontal strut. The solution met the client’s requirements for uniformity, ease of installation, and clear identification. The BSH Modular series enclosure can be used in many other applications to house both MN Cam switches and ML compact Disconnect switches for both control and power applications up to 32A. The success of this project demonstrates the benefits of local manufacturing and custom solutions to meet unique business needs.
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