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| Author: | EDGE.DALTON [ Mon Aug 16, 2021 6:31 am ] |
| Post subject: | Electrical Study Site Survey Documentation |
I conduct site surveys of large campuses in which I document every single piece of electrical equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, panel manufacturer, panel size, panel kAIC rating, panel voltage, panel breakers, MCC's, conductor sizes, transformers, etc, etc. I am curious if others on this forum conduct site surveys of large magnitudes and if so, what documentation practices are used? I currently use the tried and true pen and paper method. This is very reliable, however, it is difficult to navigate thru multiple notebooks of handwritten data when I am modeling in SKM. Are others using forms? Electronic methods? Curious how others conduct site surveys. . . |
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| Author: | Gary B [ Mon Aug 16, 2021 7:02 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Electrical Study Site Survey Documentation |
As a consultant it depends on what the customer desires. We usually record and document everything in the software model only (ETAP) and can make notes therein if some information was assumed or needs special notation; but most is simply the model. When a report is issued, that shows the equipment and device parameters and we might include a list of items that we made assumptions on. Such documentation would be for internal usage only and would require further explanation if the software model were to be used in other applications not anticipated. If the customer wants to keep the software model of their distribution system themselves for future usage, that would require special, more thorough notation. |
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| Author: | mpparent [ Mon Aug 16, 2021 12:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Electrical Study Site Survey Documentation |
Old school here...pencil/paper. Then it goes into a spreadsheet. This way, I can use it as a starting point for asset tracking (in a CMMS) and as part of the model input. Mike |
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| Author: | RobertDrew [ Mon Aug 23, 2021 5:11 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Electrical Study Site Survey Documentation |
I keep reading about AI and Machine learning being used by utilities to identify failed or failing components of their distribution system via video and pictures. The data collection in the field is so labor intensive. One of the AF software companies has a tool for an ipad that helps with the data collection but it still requires a ton of user inputs. Pulling the trim off panels is something we avoid. I envision a day when one would take pictures or video of the various panels and the software would be smart enough to build up the breaker types. You've got a Square D NF panel installed in 1992? Well the branch and main could be of a few different types. The software would use it's extensive database to match the image to the breaker type. This is what I do manually for existing equipment. I have a 400 amp GE feeder. I type that into Google search and try and find a handle or some other discerning mark that matches my photo. It works but this process is ripe for automation. |
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| Author: | Robertefuhr [ Mon Aug 23, 2021 8:49 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Electrical Study Site Survey Documentation |
We created an Access Database program that we use in the field. We can then export some of this data out and import it into SKM. |
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| Author: | jmoore284@gmail.com [ Wed Sep 08, 2021 6:52 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Electrical Study Site Survey Documentation |
The best method I have found is using a large iPad with an Apple Pencil. This allows me to take all necessary images of the equipment and include handwritten notes as needed. For example, I will take an image of the front of a switchboard and on top of each bucket will write the fuse and wire information. In the office this one image gives me a lot of what I need to model that switchboard. Additional images will provide nameplate data for the assembly, identify any issues, etc. |
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| Author: | Win Engineer [ Thu Jan 30, 2025 11:27 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Electrical Study Site Survey Documentation |
We typically use a pencil and a notebook and take any needed photos with our phones. A few years back we tried using Ipads and the stylus and battery life were issues especially if we were in a dirty environment. We recently purchased a remarkable 2 electronic notebook to use and so far, they work really well in the field. Battery life is excellent, and we can upload the pdf file of the notes after the day is done in the field. |
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