The Canadian Embassy in Nigeria is a diplomatic mission building engineered to international standards. On this project Devpan supplied the main distribution boards, the redundant supply arrangement and the security system supplies.
Electrical Profile of the Project
- LocationNigeria
- Building typeEmbassy building
- Installed power≈ 1,600 kVA
- Transformer configuration1 × 1,600 kVA
- Main busbar rated current1 × 2,000 A
- Short-time withstand current (Icw)50 kA / 1 s
- Devpan scopeLow voltage switchboards, engineering and site coordination
- Verification standardIEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2
About the Project
In diplomatic mission buildings abroad the technical specification reflects the standards of the country represented. In switchboard design this means meeting both the local grid conditions and the requirements of an international specification at the same time.
At the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria the local grid conditions call for generator-led operation, while the specification demands a redundant supply and detailed documentation. The distribution is built with branches separated by priority class. The security and communication systems sit on a branch backed by an uninterruptible power supply. To protect sensitive equipment on a grid with high voltage fluctuation, voltage monitoring relays are planned. The medium voltage inside the site is at 11 kV.
Devpan Scope and Switchboard Architecture
The Devpan scope reaches from low voltage main distribution to the floor panels and the security system supplies.
- Main distribution boards (DevPanel): 2,000 A class, 50 kA / 1 s, main distribution with generator transfer and load prioritisation.
- Security and communication branch: A separately protected supply backed by an uninterruptible power supply.
- Floor and departmental panels (DevBox): Supplies for the offices, the consular service area and the archive.
- Voltage monitoring and phase protection: Protection of sensitive equipment against grid fluctuation.
- Compensation (DevComp) and lighting (DevPower): Compensation that stays stable in generator mode, perimeter and security lighting.
Technical Configuration
| Installed power | ≈ 1,600 kVA |
|---|---|
| Transformer configuration | 1 × 1,600 kVA |
| Medium voltage level | 11 kV |
| Low voltage / frequency | 400 / 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Main busbar rated current | 1 × 2,000 A |
| Short-time withstand current (Icw) | 50 kA / 1 s |
| Form of internal separation | Form 3b |
| Degree of protection (IP) | IP41 – IP54 |
| Generator back-up | 1 × 630 kVA |
| Verification standard | IEC 61439-1, IEC 61439-2 |
Devpan Products Used in This Project
Project-Specific Engineering Topics
International specification combined with local conditions
While the specification demands redundancy and documentation, the local grid requires generator-led operation; the design meets both requirements together.
Voltage monitoring and phase protection
On grids with high fluctuation, voltage monitoring relays and phase protection devices protect sensitive equipment against under- or overvoltage.
Load prioritisation
When the grid fails the generator does not take on the whole load at once; priority loads are energised first and secondary loads in stages.
Documentation and traceability
Type test references, material lists and site test reports are prepared in a standard format; the handover file is kept consistent with the specification requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What governs the design of mission buildings abroad?
Two inputs work together: the technical specification of the country represented and the grid conditions of the host country. The specification sets the redundancy levels and the documentation, while the local grid determines the generator capacity and the selection of the protective devices.
What is the installed power for the Canadian Embassy in Nigeria?
For an embassy building of this scale the installed power is approximately 1,600 kVA, with a typical transformer configuration of 1 x 1,600 kVA. The main busbar rating is planned at 2,000 A and the medium voltage inside the site is at 11 kV.
What does a voltage monitoring relay do?
It disconnects sensitive loads when the grid voltage moves outside the defined range. On grids with high fluctuation, undervoltage strains motors while overvoltage can permanently damage electronic equipment. The relay protects these loads until the voltage returns to normal.
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