Some general recommendation are as below for long time storage.

• BlokSeT is intended for indoor use. The equipment must therefore be stored upright in a dry and ventilated location, protected from rain, extreme temperatures, high humidity, streaming, dust and chemical agents.
• Never store Blokset out door, even under a tarpaulin or shade.
• The columns must remain packed until they are installed. If there is any work in progress nearby or on the premises, cover the columns protecting them efficiently against dust, paint and cement.
• Acceptable storage temperature is -25°C to +70°C
• If the packaging is opened then the space heater should be used during the storage to prevent any condensation inside the switchboard.
• To ensure easy, risk-free handling, the columns, in view of their great weight, must be stored on a stable, rigid floor.
• We need to ensure the warehouse is not damp and not located near to sea area.

There are standard packing recommendations defined in “Packing Guide” which is part of the BlokSeT Transfer File. Below instructions must be followed during long time storage.

• From the Packing point of view, the most suitable packing for according to ISPM15 standard (which is used for export packaging; refer packaging guide article #4). This refers to the special kind of treatment done on the packaging wood.
• It mandatory to use a thermo-sealable plastic/metal foil to protect the equipment against humidity & salt ingress. It is recommended to follow the French standard NFH00-310 (refer packaging guide, article #4.6.1)
• To control moisture inside the crate, during transport and storage, it is mandatory to use silica Gel. It is required to change the silica gel in a regular interval. It is better to use blue silica gel which changes its color to pink after end of its life.
• It is required to make sure the packing is intact and no damage has occurred during the transportation.

After a very long storage before energization below tests are required to be done without any deviation.

• Visual inspection to ensure no damage / no rusting / no dust accumulation
• Confirm tightening torque of all the bolts related to current path (busbar / cables / terminals)
• Electrical continuity test for internal electrical circuits and connections
• Visual inspection and Verification of Degree of Protection (mainly applicable to gaskets /grommets related to IP) [IEC 61439-1 11.2]
• Visual inspection to ensure Clearances and Creepage distances [IEC 61439-1 11.3]
• Verifications of Mechanical Operations (mainly for the mechanisms as interlock mechanisms. It is required to add grease before energization) [IEC 61439-1 11.8]
• Effective earth continuity between the exposed conductive parts of the assembly and the protective circuit (It shall be verified that the different exposed conductive parts of the assembly are effectively connected to the terminal for the incoming external protective conductor and that the resistance of the circuit does not exceed 0.1 Ω) [IEC 61439-1 10.5.2]
• Verification of wiring, power and auxiliary circuit connections, operational performance and function [IEC 61439-1 11.10]
• Megger test to check insulation property (at least 500 Vdc has to be applied and resistance should be more than 1 MΩ)

NOTE: Above instructions are mainly for the switchboard and not for the products installed inside the switchboards. If any of the products has any specific recommendation for long storage, off-shore installation, storage temperature, relative humidity etc. then it has to be followed strictly.

Released for:Schneider Electric Vietnam