Lifting and Moving
There are a number of methods that can be used in handling
the switchgear which when properly employed will not damage
the switchgear sections. The handling method used will be
determined by conditions and available equipment at the
installation site. Lifting with a crane is the preferred method of
handling, however, overhead obstructions or low ceilings often
dictate the method to be used. Rollers, jacks or fork lift trucks
may be used prior to removal of wooden skids.
Each group of switchgear has provisions for attaching lifting
equipment. Though the lift points vary in location on indoor,
Shelter-Clad outdoor, and non-walk-in outdoor designs, all are
designed for use with a crane of adequate height and capacity.
To estimate the maximum required crane capacity, multiply
the number of sections to be lifted by 5,000 pounds.
A drawing pocket (or holder) is provided on each lineup of
switchgear. This drawing pocket includes a general arrangement
drawing of the switchgear lineup, plus a drawing with installa-
tion and handling instructions for the equipment. The drawing
pocket is normally located at the left end of the lineup. Review
this information carefully before moving the equipment.
Indoor Switchgear
Before removing the protective packing materials, indoor
equipment may be moved by crane with lift cables attached
through the packaging to the lifting bars on the top of the
switchgear. If crane facilities are unavailable, or if tight spaces
prevent use of a crane, rollers under the skids may be used.
Lifting Indoor Switchgear with Crane
Recommended lifting of indoor switchgear is by means of
cables connected to an overhead crane. The cables are con-
nected to the eyes in the top lifting bars. One set of lifting bars
is located near the front of the switchgear, while another set
of lift bars is located closer to the middle of the switchgear, as
illustrated in
Figure 2
. A crane with sufficient height should be
used so the load angle (from horizontal) on the lifting cables
will be at least 45 degrees, when viewed from the front or the
rear. A lesser angle could cause the equipment to be damaged.
The lifting cables must have spreaders from front to rear to
prevent twisting the lift bars.
Figure 2.
Lifting Indoor Switchgear - with Crane
Moving Switchgear in Obstructed Areas without a Crane
Within buildings and obstructed areas, where a crane cannot
be used, move switchgear with rollers, cribbing, jacks and
other such equipment as may be required to meet the situation.
Forklift trucks should be used with discretion as improper lift
points could cause extreme damage to equipment. For this
reason,
use of a forklift truck to handle or move
switchgear is not recommended.
Jacks may be used to lift switchgear which is properly support-
ed by sturdy timbers.
To prevent distortion of the cubicles, rollers and cribbing of
equal height must be used in sufficient number to evenly dis-
tribute the load.
Figure 3
shows a method of using jacks on indoor switchgear
to facilitate the use of rollers under the shipping skid. Care
must be used to prevent damage to instruments and to main-
tain the stability of the timbers.
Remove rollers and lower switchgear carefully. Leave wooden
skids (when provided) in place during moving operation until
final location is reached.
LIFT CABLE
SPREADER
BEAMS
Receiving, Handling & Storage
6
WARNING
Heavy Weight.
Can cause death, personal injury, or property
damage.
Observe all handling instructions in this instruction
manual to prevent tipping or dropping of equipment.
