Data Center Switchgear and Power Distribution RFQ Guide

Prepared by: JCON ELECUpdated: 2026-10-16

Short answer

Quote data center switchgear against the approved A/B power architecture, not a cabinet list alone. Confirm utility, generator, UPS and bypass interfaces, fault duty, transfer/interlocking rules, cabinet platforms and FAT evidence. UPS/generator supply and availability or Tier certification are separate matters to be expressly agreed.

Price the owner's approved power architecture

The switchgear package should follow the consultant's SLD and operating philosophy. Identify utility, generator, UPS and bypass interfaces and keep critical IT and mechanical loads clearly scheduled.

MV incoming, transformer feeders, LV main switchboards and bus ties.
A/B distribution, ATS or transfer arrangements and UPS/bypass interfaces as specified.
Named cabinet platforms, breakers, relays, metering and monitoring documents.

Supply scope and interfaces

Supply scope and interfaces
Package item	Information to confirm	Boundary to agree
MV/LV switchboards	Approved A/B SLD, fault duty, feeder list and cabinet platform	Keep the designer's redundancy and maintenance philosophy unchanged
Transfer and protection	ATS modes, interlocks, earthing, relays and EPMS/BMS signals	Agree permitted operating sequences and source coordination
UPS, generators and acceptance	Connection points, bypass, FAT and integrated-test requirements	State separate equipment supply, commissioning and certification duties

Information to include in the RFQ

Architecture and phasesApproved SLD, A/B paths, redundancy concept, phase loads and maintenance/transfer philosophy.

Source and UPS interfacesUtility/generator supply, UPS and bypass connection points, neutral/earthing, interlocks and permitted transfer modes.

Switchboard parametersBusbar current, fault level/duration, separation form, feeder schedule, cable entry and expansion allowance.

Approved configurationCabinet platform, breaker and relay brands, authorization scope, metering and BMS/EPMS signal requirements.

Acceptance packageDatasheets, GA, BOM, relevant test evidence, protection review, FAT witness points, manuals and delivery sequence.

Related distribution equipment

Schneider Blokset Low Voltage Switchgear

LV cabinet platform reviewed against specified ratings, configuration and document scope.

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Siemens SIVACON 8PT Low Voltage Switchgear

LV distribution and MCC platform with project-specific components and documents.

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Medium Voltage Switchgear

Incoming, metering, bus section and feeder panels with project-specific protection.

View product

How to compare supplier quotations

Architecture alignmentConfirm circuit labels, A/B interfaces and interlocks match the approved scheme without changing the redundancy concept.

Platform evidenceMatch authorization and test documents to the offered platform, configuration and ratings.

Source coordinationAssign generator/UPS integration, protection settings, communications and commissioning responsibilities.

No inferred certificationSwitchgear supply alone does not establish a data center availability rating or Tier certification.

Frequently asked questions

What does A/B distribution mean for the RFQ?Identify both specified supply paths, their upstream interfaces, loads and transfer rules. The designer must confirm required independence, capacity and maintenance conditions.

Are UPS and generators automatically included?No. State whether they are supplied equipment or interfaces to equipment supplied by others, with a clear testing and commissioning boundary.

When is an authorized cabinet platform needed?When specified by the owner, consultant or approved vendor list. The quotation should identify the platform and applicable authorization and test-document scope.

Sources and scope

This JCON ELEC procurement guide organizes equipment and interface questions for project review. JCON product pages describe available equipment families; external manufacturer material is technical background, not evidence of JCON authorization, certification or a complete plant offer. Final ratings, compliance and responsibilities require approved project documents and an agreed supply scope.

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