Busway Installation Gives Electronics Manufacturer New Flexibility

摘要

In late 2003, a top customer of Solectron Corp. changed its parameters for testing repaired boards. The change required a massive influx of electricity to power special test machinery. The Milpitas, CA-based electronics manufacturer and services provider saw a problem, however. The surface metal electrical raceway that powered work cells in the 125,000-sq.-ft. facility was not equipped to handle the power requirements of the testing machines. Instead of trying to make it work, Solectron opted to alter its process model. Using a local contractor, the company initially reconfigured five work cells with PowerBus 225 Plug-In busway from Square D, a brand of Schneider Electric, Palatine, IL. Specifically, the change was precipitated by the need to add 20 customer-provided environmental testing chambers to evaluate repaired circuit boards for temperature extremes. The chambers utilize a 1-ton compressor that cycles temperatures inside from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius in seconds. To meet the mandate, each chamber required 60A/three-phase electrical service.