10 SERVICE PEDESTALS


Upsurge in demand from shore power supplies


T


he modern-day marina replicates everyday residential land developments,


taking into account the floating pontoons, office space, workshops, restaurants, recreation facilities and sometimes onshore accommodation. Darren Wilkinson, General Manager of M-Tech Marine Technologies acknowledges that technical advancements encompassing additional onboard electrical/ electronic equipment in vessel design have resulted in an upsurge in demand from shore power supplies. The once-standard 10-16 amp


single phase supply has increased to 32 and 63 amps, three-phase and whilst 125 and 250 amps were once sufficient for larger vessels, Darren points out that superyachts are now looking for anywhere between 400 amps and 2000 amps, three-phase direct connections. To build a marina that can


cater for these demands is no easy process and infrastructure planning is prominent. During the procedure, his company works alongside engineers, consultants, builders and management teams to ensure the correct systems are in place. The whole electrical system,


including the Medium Voltage (MV) installation and the Low Voltage (LV) installation, is studied as a complete system. Customer expectations and technical parameters will impact the architecture of the system and the electrical installation characteristics. Determining the sizing of the MV/LV main distribution and LV power distribution level is often the result of optimisation and compromise. Neutral earthing arrangements are chosen according to local regulations,


Multi-award winning M-TECH XL service pedestal.


constraints related to the power supply available and the type of loads. Equipment such as distribution boards and switchgear are determined by design and the expected loads’ graphical location and grouping. With the implementation of


AS/NZS 61439 series Standards for Low Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies, which replaces the old AS/NZS 3439, Australia and New Zealand have now fallen into line with the European IEC 61439 standards 2014. M-TECH panels are designed


according to 61439-2 have a modular structure and mounting types are available for ABB, Legrand, Eaton, Schneider and Siemens switchgear. The system enables panel assembly by the


MARINA INDUSTRY • FEBRUARY 2021


vertical and horizontal mounting types of these five different switchgear brands. The structure consists of 400- 1000 mm depth system solutions, with a single module. Double systems should be used for higher depths. Modules have different alternatives, including: 300, 400, 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 mm width; and 1400, 1600, 1800, 2000 and 2200 mm height. These can provide varying degrees of protection from IP31, IP43, IP55 up to IP65. Cable manufacture has evolved


over the last decade. Concentric and Steel Wired Armoured (SWA) was once the cable of choice, with copper conductors for marina installations. M-TECH now uses double


insulated rubber flexible cables


M-TECH panels are designed according to 61439-2 have


a modular structure and mounting types are available for ABB, Legrand, Eaton, Schneider and Siemens switchgear. The system enables panel assembly by the vertical and horizontal mounting types of these five different switchgear brands.


rated at 90 deg or 110 deg; these are suitable for indoor/outdoor fixed wiring applications, including mains, sub-mains and final sub-circuits on a cable tray, cable ladder, conduit or buried direct. The installation of a secondary earthing conductor is also required. The copper conductors are tinned, annealed copper to IEC 60228 and AS/NZS 1125. Insulation properties are Cross-Linked, Thermoset and Elastomeric. The outer jacket is low friction, E-rubber thermoplastic, elastomeric, flame-retardant and splash-resistant to oil, petrol and acid. It is also protected against the effects of exposure to UV, abrasion-resistant and can be submersed to 500 metres. It is recommended that all


pontoon cabling is installed within a secondary conduit system on both concrete and aluminium structures to prevent cable abrasion due to constant movement due to wave action and the wash created by boats. Service pedestals are manufactured in a variety of different shapes and sizes to provide utility services to a wide range of vessels. The materials of choice are both anodised


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