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“Installing, wiring, and connecting the pieces of a traditional post-and-frame switchgear takes about 50 hours of on-site electrical labor,” Seitz said. “And that doesn’t take into consideration the time, costs, and difficulty of sourcing components from various manufacturers and supply houses.” Traditional switchgear is composed of electrical panels that are tasked with receiving, distributing, and protecting the site’s power. The components include a power disconnect panel, a current transformer (CT) cabinet, utility meter, distribution panels, and a transformer.

“Just measuring, cutting and assembling the typical post-and-frame structure for these panels takes two days,” Seitz said. “That’s before the electrician even begins handling the electrical components.” Next steps include:

Removing all dead fronts from tubs panels Mounting the panels, cabinets and enclosures Removing all the conduit knockouts Installing conduit fittings and conduit Mounting all breakers and internal equipment to bus bars Running wire through conduit Terminating all wires Making the external field wiring conduit connections