Drawings: Supplied with the shipment, complete and comprehensive
Do switchgear manufacturers provide drawings?
Yes—a complete set of technical drawings is delivered alongside the equipment. This includes: outline drawings (dimensions/foundation plans), primary system diagrams (main wiring), secondary schematic diagrams (control/protection), wiring diagrams (terminal/inter-cabinet wiring), and a bill of materials (BOM).
Industry experts note that most manufacturers supply a full set of technical drawings (for installation, commissioning, and maintenance) with the shipment.
Buyers should confirm the drawing list (in PDF or CAD format) at the time of purchase, as these drawings serve as the essential reference for installation, commissioning, and maintenance.
List of Drawings
- Outline drawings: Cabinet dimensions, cutouts, and foundation plans (for installation);
- Primary system diagrams: Main wiring (busbar, circuit breaker, and disconnector configuration);
- Secondary schematic diagrams: Principles of control, protection, and measurement circuits (for commissioning);
- Wiring diagrams: Terminal block connections and inter-cabinet wiring (for wiring and maintenance);
- Bill of Materials (BOM): Component models, specifications, and quantities (for spare parts procurement).
Key Points
First, confirm the drawing list.
Verify the delivery of drawings (types and formats, such as PDF or CAD) during procurement and include this in the contract.
Second, inspect the drawings upon receipt.
Check for completeness and request any missing drawings.
Third, utilize the drawings correctly.
Follow outline and foundation plans for installation, secondary schematics for commissioning, and wiring diagrams for maintenance.
Fourth, maintain electronic archives.
Archive digital copies of the drawings (including editable CAD files) for future retrofitting and maintenance.
Pitfall Warning
One common issue is “missing drawings.”
The absence of drawings complicates installation and maintenance;
a verification checklist is required for acceptance.
A second issue is “drawing discrepancies”—where drawings do not match the actual equipment (e.g., not updated after modifications)—necessitating physical verification.
A third issue involves “format limitations”—such as having only PDFs without CAD files—which hinders modification work;
CAD files should be requested.
Trends and Reminders
Drawings are moving toward “digitalization”: 3D models (BIM) and digital drawing packages enhance operational efficiency.
For purchasers, the recommendation is to focus on “drawing inventory confirmation, format requirements, and electronic archiving.”
Complete drawings ensure smooth installation and maintenance.
