The Dakar Embassy building is a diplomatic structure in which security and continuity requirements come to the fore. On this project Devpan manufactured the main distribution boards, the separately protected branches feeding the security and communication systems and the generator transfer arrangement.
Electrical Profile of the Project
- LocationDakar, Senegal
- 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 buildings the electrical infrastructure meets two requirements at once: uninterrupted operation of the security systems, and continuity in regions where the grid quality is variable. The camera infrastructure, the card access systems, the alarm and communication equipment are loads that tolerate no interruption.
In the Dakar Embassy building the security and communication systems are collected on a dedicated branch backed by an uninterruptible power supply. Because grid interruptions are frequent under regional conditions, the generator is planned as a regular source and the loads are split into priority classes. Because of the tropical climate the enclosure surface treatment and the condensation control are addressed separately. The medium voltage inside the site is at 20 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 a generator transfer arrangement.
- Security and communication branch: A dedicated supply backed by an uninterruptible power supply for the camera, card access, alarm and communication equipment.
- Floor and departmental panels (DevBox): Supplies for the office units, the consular service areas and the archive.
- Load prioritisation: Priority, secondary and comfort loads collected on separate branches.
- 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 | 20 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
Continuity of the security systems
The camera, card access and alarm systems are fed from a branch backed by an uninterruptible power supply; a grid interruption creates a security weakness under no circumstances.
Planning the generator as a regular source
In a region where grid interruptions are frequent the generator is not a standby but a regular source; fuel management and load prioritisation are part of the design.
Prioritising the perimeter lighting
Lighting around the building and in the garden is critical for security; this branch is transferred to the generator-backed supply and protected separately.
Enclosure protection in a tropical climate
Because of the high humidity and temperature the surface treatment is raised, an enclosure heater prevents condensation and the ventilation is calculated for the ambient temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which loads are fed from an uninterruptible supply in diplomatic buildings?
The security and communication systems. The camera infrastructure, card access, alarm and communication equipment are fed from a dedicated branch backed by an uninterruptible power supply. Because an interruption to these systems means a direct security weakness, waiting for the generator to take over is not acceptable.
What is the installed power for the Dakar Embassy building?
For a diplomatic 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 20 kV.
Why is the perimeter lighting given a backed supply?
Because lighting the surroundings of the building is part of the security system. Whether the camera image is usable at night and whether perimeter surveillance continues both depend on the lighting; the perimeter lighting branch is therefore transferred to the generator-backed supply and protected separately from the normal lighting.
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