GE Industrial Solutions Power Equipment Buildings - Manual (Page 2)

Electrical Equipment Centers
Application Considerations
Page 2
Wall System
Wall panels are typically 18 gauge painted galvanized steel that is formed to provide an interlocking system.
Interlocking 3" exterior wall panels are typically on 16" centers and provide 100 MPH allowable wind loading. Higher
wind load ratings are provided as required. Interior wall liners and insulation can also be provided.
Resistance to Environments
The interlocking panel design inherently provides a barrier against water entering the equipment Center by providing
two 90' bends at seams between the exterior and interior of the equipment center. Additional weather-proofing is also
provided to ensure enclosure integrity. After assembly of the wall system, all seams are sealed with industrial grade
silicone sealant. Roof sealing putty is used at all wall-to-roof joints and at joints on peaked-roof enclosures. All roof
panels are also individually sealed with silicone sealant.
The paint system consist of surface preparation, primer, underside coatings, finish paint and sealant. The finish coat is
typically epoxy-based, to provide outstanding resistance to chemicals, moisture and abrasion; The flexible coating is
highly resistant to the deteriorating effects of many acids, alkalis, solvents, greases, oils and other active chemicals.
The resulting enclosure can be designed for extreme ambient temperature and humidity environments, ranging from
-40'C to +50'C, while allowing the use of lower cost indoor types of switchgear and electronic equipment. For special
environments, the equipment center can also be fabricated from aluminum, stainless steel or fiber glass.
Grounding System
The equipment center is furnished complete with suitable factory installed grounding connections which bond all
electrical equipment enclosure frames/ground buses to the building frame. Two (2) 4-hole ground pads are located at
opposite corners of the exterior of the building. Separate "quiet" or isolated instrument ground bus can also be
provided.
Other Construction Features
Typically, equipment center's are provided with interior and exterior lighting, heating, ventilation and duplex
receptacles. An equipment center can also be provided with air conditioning, humidity control, and
pressurization/purge systems (NFPA 496). Additionally, most features available in a site built building are available in
an equipment center; including offices, bathrooms, communications room, battery rooms, etc.
Applications
Application of an Equipment Center is usually compared with conventional outdoor electrical/instrument enclosures
such, as concrete block buildings and sheltered-aisle switchgear, Evaluation is centered around the issues of
effectiveness for the application, initial installation costs, and total life cycle costs. Specific construction and
procurement factors provide the basis for a more detailed technical and commercial comparison of alternatives.