March 17, 2003
S&C Switchgear Enclosures Prove Tough Against Tornado’s Ravages.
A brand-new assembly of S&C Metal-Enclosed Switchgear proved its mettle recently when a tornado picked it up from its pad and sent it tumbling into a nearby field. The two-bay lineup had just been delivered to the site and had not yet been anchored when the storm struck.
When turned right side up, the assembly was muddy and had some surface abrasions on the back side. But from the front, it still looked like new!
Thanks to the rugged construction of the enclosures, damage was limited to a dent in the rear wall and a split across the roof of one bay. This bay contains an S&C Mini-Rupter® Switch with Fault Fiter® Electronic Power Fuses, MS-10 Switch Operator, Type ZSD Overcurrent Relay, current sensors, and voltage transformers. All the components appeared to be unscathed by their ordeal.
The switchgear was subsequently returned to S&C for inspection and repair.
Although muddy and dented, this S&C switchgear
appears very much intact after being hurtled
by the tornado into a nearby field.
The switchgear undergoes inspection after
clean up at S&C.
Results
Testing at the factory confirmed that the components in the more heavily damaged bay were still operating perfectly. And the components in the other bay, which includes bus and space heaters, were operating perfectly as well. The condition of the internal equipment can be seen in the photo below.
Close scrutiny verified that the fronts of the
enclosures pulled through without even a scratch.
The rugged enclosures saved all of the internal
components, which continue to function flawlessly.
The durability and longevity of S&C Metal-Enclosed Switchgear enclosures is attributable to a number of factors:
- Monocoque construction with 11-gauge sheet steel walls and doors.
- An integral steel-channel base around all four sides.
- Deep 90-degree flanges on the extra-rugged doors, for enhanced rigidity.
- Unitized design. Each bay is free-standing, assuring double walls between adjoining bays.
- Three concealed, high-strength latches seal the doors shut.
In addition to these superior structural features, S&C’s superior Ultradur® Finishing System makes the enclosures highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion. Ultradur far exceeds industry standards.