‘Switching gears’ through technology
Sushant Sarin, Executive Vice President Commercial Lines, TATA AIG General Insurance, enumerates components of a switchgear for contemporary requirement of electronic infrastructure.
The GST network which is the backbone of this tax regime, relies on a robust technology infrastructure. The core strength of such infrastructures are Switch Cabinets and Switchgears, which are fragile and critical equipment that require special packaging, handling and transportation methods.
Illuminating on Switchgear
Switch Cabinets / Switchgear contains sensitive electrical, electronic and mechanical components to perform control, drive, power supply and safety functions. Switch cabinets consists of the cabinet housing, door and interior components (e.g. mounting plates), which generally take the form of drawer units or are mounted on a panel. High-quality switch cabinets should be subjected to continuous measurement/data recording of the stresses. Colour indicators, humidity values, tipping angles or impact stresses are another monitoring options.
Packaging it right
To provide protection against impact and vibratory stresses, plastic materials (cushioning material), e.g. mouldings, bubble wrap or airbags should be used. Relatively large internal components should either be packed on the floor or separately braced and fixed. Scratch-sensitive surfaces should be protected by plastic films, foam sheets or tissue paper, which must be chemically neutral and soft. The outer packaging used for switch cabinets predominantly consists of wooden packaging containers.
Handling
Handlers must comply with slinging points, forklift pockets, total weight and centre of gravity of the switch cabinets. Handling equipment (e.g. forklift trucks) must be used prudently and by trained personnel.
Transportation
Shipper must comply with manufacturer’s loading instructions in order to avoid damage due to mechanical stresses. It is possible to ensure by means of lashing plans that the cargo securing means are used in such a way that neither packaging nor switch cabinet are damaged. Depending upon the number, dimensions, centres of gravity and weights of the items of cargo, the principles of cargo securing could or should be combined.
Container stuffing
Each cabinet/boxes/ cases should be individually lashed using nylon belts and wooden bracings should be provided to avoid any movement of cabinet/boxes/cases inside the container.