AC switchboards

If voltages exceed 250 volts d.c. or 55 volts A.C. then the switchboard must be dead
front (no exposed live parts at the front) of the metal clad type.

Bus bars
High conductivity copper rated to withstand the thermal and electromagnetic forces
which would arise in the event of a short circuit at the bus bars with all the generators in
parallel. The bus bars will withstand these conditions for the length of time it takes for
the alternator circuit breakers to trip or back up fuse to blow.

Certain instruments and controls require a feed direct from the bus bars.
Any connection between the bus bars and protecting fuses must be capable of
withstanding maximum fault level. Standard practice is to provide a three phase set of
fuses, known as 'Back Up' fuses, as near to the bus bars as possible. Connections are
then led to the racks of the many instruments fuses fitted.

Circuit breakers
Must be capable of making and breaking under normal conditions and also abnormal
conditions such as a short circuit. As the circuit breaker must be able to withstand
closing onto a fault conditions without sustaining damage, it is of heavy construction.
Fitted with an over current release and overloads with time lags, a circuit breaker can be
used as follows;

a. To control the output of a generator

b. As a direct on line starter

c. Control outgoing feeder circuits

On modern switchboards 'draw out' circuit breakers may be fitted. In the open position
the whole circuit breaker can be wound clear of the bus bars, thus full inspection and
maintenance can be achieved without the necessity of de-energising the bus bars so
providing a separate isolating switch.

The 'plug in' contacts joining the circuit breaker to the bus bars are not
capable of taking the breaking load and it is essential that the circuit breaker is in the
open position before any attempt is made to withdraw it. A mechanical interlock is fitted
arranged to trip the circuit breaker before the winding handle can be inserted,

The breaker also has a mid position, in this position the control circuits are
still connected with the bus bar connection isolated. The electrical operation of the
breaker can then be tested.

Circuit breakers are normally fitted with under voltage protection and
tripping is accomplished by shorting or open circuiting the no-volt coil which releases the
latching in mechanism. The no-volt coil may also be open circuited by a reverse power
relay and an overload trip fitted with a time delay

Instruments
 The following instruments are the minimum that must be fitted;

Bus bar voltmeter and frequency meter

Volt meter and frequency meter, with selector switch to measure incoming
machine conditions

Ammeter with phase selector switch for each alternator

Watt meter for each alternator

Synchroscope and if check synchroscope not fitted lamps

Earth leakage indicator

Additional instruments that may be fitted

Watt hour meter

Power factor meter

Alternator excitation ammeter

Alternator excitation volt meter

kVAr meter

Share connection supply meter

Emergency batteries on discharge meter

When a check synchroniser is fitted it is there to prevent connecting an incoming

machine to the bus bars whilst out of phase, it is not there as aid to synchronising. In an
emergency the 'in synch' light may be used to indicate when the breaker may be closed.

When an incoming machine is selected, its no-volt coil and circuit breaker
contactor relay coil are connected in series with contacts on the check synchroniser.
These contacts must be closed, that is the machine in phase with the bus bars, before
the breaker contactor relay may be energised. If starting from a dead ship the check
synchroniser must be switched to off before the first generator is put on the board.

Protection
a. Overload protection-fitted to circuit breakers

b. Reverse power-When motive power is removed an alternator will try to become a

synchronous motor and draw current from the circuit. A reverse power relay will operate
after about 2 seconds and about 2-3% reverse power for turbines, 10-12% reverse power
for diesels. The time delay prevents tripping during paralleling and taking the alternator off
the board.

c. Preference trip-automatically , and sometimes sequentially, sheds load from board to

maintain supply to essential services during periods of overload.
 d. Fuses-Usually of the HRC type

e. Discrimination-The protective device closest to the fault should operate and protect other
services

f. Group starter board-Large demand sections may be separated from the main
switchboard by fuses and circuit breakers.

Automatic voltage regulators

Shall be supplied separately from all other instrument circuits. Protection should be by
fuses mounted as close to the supply connections as possible.

Shore supply connections

a. Where arrangements are made for the supply of electricity from a source on shore or
other location a suitable connection box has to be installed in a position in the ship
suitable for the convenient reception of flexible cables, it should contain a circuit breaker
or isolating switch, fuses, and terminals of adequate size to receive the cable ends.

b. For three phase shore supplies with earthed neutral terminals are to be provided for
connecting hull to shore earth

c. An indicator for shore side connection energised is to be provided.

d. A means for checking polarity or phase rotation is to be provided

e. At the connection box a notice indicating ships requirements with respect to supply as
well as connection procedure.

f. Alternative arrangements may be submitted for consideration.