NESMA (National Electrical Switchboard Manufacturers Association)

This is what happened when NESMA's Victorian Branch staged a frightening demonstration of what can go wrong if switchboards are subjected to unexpected faults.

The explosive destruction of the switchboard and life-size mannequin was a highlight of the branch's Annual Seminar, a report on which will feature in the first issue of NESMA's new newsletter, now being prepared.

NESMA Victoria's shocking highlight at the ITACS testing facility in West Heidelberg was a particularly valuable learning experience for younger people entering the industry, as well as old hands who want to show customers the effect high fault levels can have on switchboards.

"Most people are unaware of the amount of energy released from circuit protection devices when they interrupt under fault conditions in switchboards. Few people really understand what can happen if switchboard manufacturers don't rigorously test their technology to ensure they can withstand major power faults. In some major metropolitan centres, these faults can surge up to 63 kA – enough to knock out under-performing switchboards," said NESMA Honorary President (Victoria) Mr Wayne Walker. His report on the event will feature in the newsletter.