Q&A_Memo_-_Rplc_&_Relocate_2_Elect_Panels_6-12-18_rev1_(IT).pdf

United States Department of Agriculture Beltsville Agricultural Research Center 10300 Baltimore Ave Beltsville, MD 20705

June 12, 2018

Solicitation: 1232SC18R0019

Subject: RFI responses, Replace & Relocate Two Electrical Panels

1. Are splices allowed on the branch circuits or is it required to take new conduit and wire to all the devices?

A: For short runs, splices can be done in the Junction Box only if taping, otherwise couplings can be used to connect tubings/conduits, and wires pulled all the way to the devices. For long runs, splices can be done in the Junction Box above the ceiling.

2. How long will we have to cut over to the new panels?

A: 1 to 3 hours.

3. Will the cutover be done during normal business hours?

A: Yes, the cutover is expected to be done during normal business hours.

4. I did not take note of the existing grounding system for this building, and it was not captured in the pictures I took during the site visit. Will the grounding system for this building need to be updated during the course of the project? if so, can you please provide photos or a description of how far away the plumbing service is from the electrical service so that the proper connections can be made.

A: The grounded service conductor (neutral) in the existing panelboards is grounded; thus, the existing grounding conductor should be extended to the new location.

5. It appears that the existing service disconnect is an older style that is no longer in production. Should we provide an add-alternate to replace the service disconnect as well, if it turns out that this will be needed during the course of this project? My concern is that the lugs in the existing disconnect, which we could not open during the site visit to look inside, may not ne large enough to accommodate the conductors that would be required in relocating the panels. I assume the original installer would have taken advantage of the 10' tap rule for feeders, which would have allowed them to legally install smaller wires. With the panels being moved farther away, however, the conductors will have to be properly sized and I want to ensure that the lugs currently installed in the disconnect will work.

A: No, you shouldn’t provide an add-alternate to replace the service disconnect. The existing disconnect can be opened and the current lugs should work.