Model BOQ Clauses for LV Switchboards: Kenya Specification Guide
A practical specification resource for consultants, contractors and procurement teams preparing BOQs for LV switchboards. The clauses cover ratings, construction, protection, enclosure requirements, testing, documentation and standards to help reduce non-compliant bids.
A well-written LV switchboard BOQ should define the electrical rating, construction, protection, enclosure, testing, documentation and applicable standards before bids are submitted. Clear technical clauses help consultants compare like-for-like offers and reduce the risk of receiving equipment that does not meet the project's requirements.
A bill of quantities is more than a list of equipment and prices.
For electrical projects, the BOQ can establish the minimum technical requirements that suppliers and contractors must meet.
This is particularly important for LV switchboards because two panels may appear similar while having significantly different:
- Fault ratings
- Busbar capacities
- Protection devices
- Enclosure construction
- Internal separation
- Component quality
- Testing requirements
- Documentation
For consultants and procurement teams, precise BOQ clauses switchboard requirements can therefore make tender evaluation more straightforward.
Paneltech Systems provides electrical panel and switchgear solutions for industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects. You can review the company's electrical products and solutions before developing project specifications.
Why LV Switchboard BOQ Clauses Matter
Technical BOQ clauses establish the minimum acceptable performance and construction requirements for an LV switchboard. They help prevent bids from competing purely on price when suppliers are offering different equipment specifications.
A poorly defined BOQ might simply state:
Supply and install 400A LV panel.
That description leaves many important questions unanswered.
For example:
- What is the short-circuit rating?
- What type of circuit breaker is required?
- What is the busbar material?
- What is the busbar rating?
- What IP rating is required?
- What enclosure material is acceptable?
- What internal separation is required?
- What metering is required?
- What testing must be performed?
- Which standards apply?
A detailed BOQ removes much of this ambiguity.
Downloadable LV Switchboard BOQ Asset
The model clauses below can be adapted into a project BOQ, tender document or electrical specification. They should be reviewed by the project electrical engineer before issue because final requirements depend on the installation design, fault level, environment and applicable standards.
Suggested BOQ Clause
LV SWITCHBOARD – SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, TESTING AND COMMISSIONING
Supply, install, test and commission a complete low-voltage switchboard suitable for the electrical distribution system indicated on the approved drawings and schedules. The switchboard shall be manufactured, assembled and tested in accordance with the applicable IEC/BS EN requirements and project specifications.
The assembly shall be suitable for the specified system voltage, frequency, rated current and prospective short-circuit level. All circuit breakers, busbars, protection devices, metering equipment, control equipment, terminals, internal wiring, earthing provisions, labels and accessories required for a complete operational installation shall be included.
The manufacturer shall submit technical drawings, component schedules, general arrangement drawings, single-line diagrams and relevant test documentation for approval before manufacture.
This clause establishes a baseline but should be expanded with project-specific values.
Electrical Rating Clause
The BOQ should state the switchboard's electrical ratings rather than leaving the supplier to determine them independently. At minimum, specify the system voltage, frequency, rated current and prospective short-circuit withstand or breaking requirements.
Model Clause
The LV switchboard shall be rated for the system voltage and frequency specified on the project drawings and shall have a continuous current rating not less than the calculated maximum demand of the installation.
The switchboard and associated protective devices shall have adequate short-circuit withstand and interrupting capacity for the prospective fault level at the point of installation.
The BOQ schedule can then specify:
| Parameter | Project Requirement |
|---|---|
| Rated voltage | [Insert value] V |
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
| Main busbar rating | [Insert value] A |
| Incomer rating | [Insert value] A |
| Short-circuit rating | [Insert value] kA |
| Number of outgoing ways | [Insert number] |
| Future spare capacity | [Insert requirement] |
Do not insert arbitrary ratings simply to make a BOQ appear complete.
The values should come from the project's electrical calculations.
Circuit Breaker Specification Clause
Circuit breakers should be specified according to their application, rated current, breaking capacity, number of poles, trip characteristics and protection requirements. The BOQ should identify minimum performance requirements rather than allowing an unsuitable lower-rated device to be substituted.
Model Clause
Circuit breakers shall be appropriately rated for the connected load and prospective short-circuit current at their installation point. Breakers shall provide the required overload and short-circuit protection and shall be coordinated with upstream and downstream protective devices.
Depending on the project, the BOQ may need to identify:
- MCCB
- ACB
- MCB
- RCBO
- Motor protection breaker
- Fuse protection
- Protection relay
For a main LV incomer, an ACB may be appropriate for larger installations, while MCCBs can be used for many distribution applications.
The final choice should follow the protection study and system design.
Busbar Specification Clause
The BOQ should define busbar material, current rating, insulation requirements, phase arrangement and neutral/earth configuration. Busbars should be sized for continuous current and short-circuit conditions.
Model Clause
The switchboard shall be fitted with suitably rated copper busbars designed to withstand the specified continuous operating current and prospective short-circuit conditions.
Where required, the specification can also address:
- Phase busbars
- Neutral busbar
- Earth bar
- Busbar supports
- Busbar insulation
- Clearances
- Creepage distances
- Temperature rise
- Short-circuit withstand
The actual busbar dimensions should be determined by the manufacturer based on the approved design and applicable requirements.
Enclosure and IP Rating Clause
The enclosure specification should identify the minimum ingress-protection level and environmental requirements for the installation. The IP rating should be appropriate to whether the switchboard is installed indoors, outdoors or in a demanding industrial environment.
Model Clause
The switchboard enclosure shall provide a minimum ingress protection rating of IP[insert rating] appropriate to the installation environment. The enclosure shall be mechanically robust, suitably finished and provided with adequate cable-entry arrangements and environmental protection.
The specification may also address:
- Sheet-steel construction
- Powder coating
- Corrosion protection
- Door sealing
- Cable glands
- Ventilation
- Internal temperature
- Condensation management
An IP rating alone should not be treated as a complete environmental specification.
Form of Separation Clause
Where internal separation is required, the BOQ should state the intended assembly arrangement rather than leaving the bidder to assume the required level. Internal separation can improve segregation between busbars, functional units and cable areas.
A specification can state:
The switchboard shall incorporate internal separation appropriate to the project requirements, with segregation of busbars, functional units and cable termination areas as indicated in the approved design.
The consultant should specify the required form of separation where the project requires a particular arrangement.
This is especially relevant for:
- Industrial plants
- Critical infrastructure
- Large commercial buildings
- Facilities requiring maintainability
- High-current switchboards
Metering Clause
Metering requirements should be stated clearly in the BOQ so that the supplier includes the required instruments, current transformers, displays and communication interfaces.
Model Clause
Provide all required electrical metering equipment for measurement of voltage, current, frequency, energy and power factor as indicated on the drawings and schedules.
Depending on the project, metering may include:
- Digital multifunction meter
- Ammeter
- Voltmeter
- Energy meter
- Power-factor measurement
- Current transformers
- Communication interface
Where a building management system or energy-management platform is required, the BOQ should also identify the required communication protocol or interface.
APFC Panel BOQ Clause
APFC equipment should be specified according to required correction capacity, switching arrangement, capacitor stages and power-quality conditions. Harmonic-producing loads should be considered before selecting capacitor equipment.
Model Clause
Provide an automatic power factor correction system of the capacity indicated in the electrical schedule, complete with APFC controller, capacitor stages, switching equipment, protection, busbars, ventilation and associated accessories.
Where required:
The APFC system shall incorporate suitable harmonic mitigation measures based on the project's power-quality assessment.
Paneltech Systems provides APFC panel solutions for suitable industrial and commercial applications.
MCC BOQ Clause
An MCC BOQ should identify the motor-control functions required, including motor starters, overload protection, VFDs, local controls, interlocks and automation interfaces. The motor schedule should form the basis of the final MCC configuration.
Model Clause
Provide a complete Motor Control Centre incorporating motor starters, circuit protection, overload protection, control circuits, indication, terminal facilities and automation interfaces as indicated on the approved motor schedule.
Where variable-speed operation is required:
Motor feeders requiring variable-speed control shall be provided with suitably rated variable-frequency drives complete with required input/output protection, control interfaces and accessories.
Paneltech Systems provides VFD drive solutions for applicable motor-control installations.
Generator Changeover BOQ Clause
Generator changeover equipment should specify the required current rating, source arrangement, transfer method, interlocking and control functions. The BOQ should clearly identify whether automatic or manual transfer is required.
Model Clause
Provide an automatic mains/generator transfer system rated for the connected load and complete with source monitoring, electrical and mechanical interlocking, generator start signal, adjustable time delays, indication and manual control facilities where required.
For manual systems:
Provide a mechanically and electrically interlocked manual changeover switch suitable for the specified load and system configuration.
Surge Protection Clause
Where surge protection is required, the BOQ should identify the required SPD arrangement and coordinate it with the installation's earthing system and risk assessment. The specification should not simply state "provide surge protection" without defining its intended application.
Model Clause
Provide surge protective devices suitable for the electrical system and installation category, complete with required upstream protection, indication and connection accessories.
Depending on the installation, the design may incorporate coordinated surge protection at different distribution levels.
Earthing Clause
The switchboard should include appropriate protective-earthing and bonding provisions. The BOQ should require an earth bar and ensure that all exposed conductive parts are effectively bonded.
Model Clause
Provide a suitably rated copper earth bar throughout the switchboard, bonded to the enclosure and all required exposed conductive parts. Provide suitable termination facilities for incoming and outgoing protective-earth conductors.
The final earthing arrangement should comply with the project's electrical design and applicable installation requirements.
Cable Termination Clause
Cable entry and termination requirements should be clearly stated because they affect the panel's physical construction, gland plates, internal space and maintenance access.
Model Clause
The switchboard shall be provided with suitable cable-entry arrangements, removable gland plates, cable supports and termination facilities appropriate to the incoming and outgoing cables shown on the approved cable schedule.
The BOQ should identify, where applicable:
- Top entry
- Bottom entry
- Cable trench entry
- Gland plates
- Armoured cable termination
- Busduct connection
- CT chambers
Control Wiring and Labelling Clause
Clear internal wiring, terminal identification and equipment labelling make a switchboard easier to test, commission and maintain. The BOQ should require permanent and legible identification of circuits and components.
Model Clause
All internal control wiring shall be neatly routed, identified and terminated. All terminals, devices, feeders and circuits shall be permanently labelled in accordance with the approved drawings and circuit schedules.
Labels should correspond with the final as-built documentation.
Factory Testing Clause
Factory testing should be explicitly included in the BOQ so that the switchboard is inspected and electrically verified before delivery. The required tests should be defined according to the assembly type and project specification.
Model Clause
The completed switchboard shall be inspected and tested at the manufacturer's works before dispatch. Testing shall include applicable routine verification, wiring checks, insulation checks, continuity, functional operation, protection and metering verification as appropriate.
For larger projects:
The manufacturer shall provide reasonable access for consultant/client inspection and factory acceptance testing where specified.
Site Testing and Commissioning Clause
The BOQ should require site testing and commissioning after installation to confirm that the switchboard operates correctly as part of the complete electrical system. Factory testing alone does not verify every site connection or interface.
Model Clause
Following installation, the switchboard shall be inspected, tested and commissioned by competent personnel. Site testing shall include verification of connections, insulation, earthing, protection, control circuits, interlocks, metering and functional operation as applicable.
The commissioning team should record the test results.
Documentation Clause
Technical documentation should be included as a contractual deliverable rather than treated as an optional addition. Drawings, schedules, certificates and test records allow the client to operate and maintain the completed installation.
Model Clause
The supplier shall submit complete technical documentation comprising approved drawings, general arrangement drawings, single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, component schedules, operation and maintenance information, test certificates and as-built drawings.
Where protection settings are relevant, the final settings should also be documented.
Standards and Compliance Clause
The BOQ should identify the applicable IEC/BS EN standards and project requirements while allowing the electrical consultant to specify the exact standards appropriate to the equipment. Compliance should be demonstrated through technical documentation and testing.
Model Clause
The LV switchboard shall be designed, manufactured, assembled and tested in accordance with the applicable IEC/BS EN standards, Kenyan regulatory requirements and the approved project electrical specifications.
The exact standards should be confirmed by the project electrical engineer based on the equipment and installation.
Avoid writing a generic list of standards without checking whether each one actually applies.
Approved Components Clause
Critical components should meet the project's minimum technical requirements and be from approved or technically equivalent manufacturers where the specification permits alternatives. This helps prevent substitutions that reduce performance or maintainability.
Model Clause
All major switchgear, protection, control and metering components shall comply with the specified technical requirements and shall be from manufacturers approved by the consultant or from technically equivalent manufacturers subject to prior approval.
The consultant may request:
- Manufacturer datasheets
- Type-test information
- Product certificates
- Technical catalogues
- Compliance declarations
Anti-Substitution Clause
A clear substitution clause prevents bidders from replacing specified equipment with lower-performing alternatives without technical approval. Any proposed alternative should demonstrate equivalent or superior performance.
Model Clause
No substitution of specified equipment, components or construction shall be permitted without prior written approval. Proposed alternatives shall be accompanied by complete technical documentation demonstrating compliance with or improvement upon the specified requirements.
This clause is particularly useful during competitive procurement.
BOQ Clause for Future Expansion
Where future expansion is anticipated, the BOQ should specify spare ways, physical space and capacity requirements before fabrication. Planning for expansion during the initial design can reduce future modification costs.
Model Clause
The switchboard shall incorporate spare outgoing ways and/or physical provision for future expansion as indicated in the project schedule. Spare capacity shall include suitable busbar, enclosure and cable-termination provisions where specified.
The consultant should state the actual percentage or number of spare ways required.
Complete Model LV Switchboard BOQ Schedule
A BOQ schedule should combine the electrical rating, construction, protection, metering, enclosure, testing and documentation requirements into a measurable procurement item. This gives bidders a common technical baseline for pricing.
| Item | Description | Unit | Qty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LV switchboard assembly complete with enclosure | No. | 1 |
| 2 | Main incomer ACB/MCCB | No. | 1 |
| 3 | Main copper busbar system | Set | 1 |
| 4 | Outgoing MCCBs/MCBs as scheduled | No. | [ ] |
| 5 | Digital multifunction metering | No. | [ ] |
| 6 | Current transformers | Set | [ ] |
| 7 | Surge protection | Set | [ ] |
| 8 | Earth bar and bonding | Set | 1 |
| 9 | Cable gland plates and termination facilities | Set | 1 |
| 10 | Internal control wiring and terminals | Lot | 1 |
| 11 | Labelling and circuit identification | Lot | 1 |
| 12 | Factory testing | Lot | 1 |
| 13 | Site installation and testing | Lot | 1 |
| 14 | Commissioning | Lot | 1 |
| 15 | Drawings and technical documentation | Lot | 1 |
Actual quantities, ratings and specifications should be populated from the project's approved electrical drawings and schedules.
How to Exclude Non-Compliant Switchboard Bids
The strongest way to exclude non-compliant bids is to define measurable technical requirements and make compliance documentation mandatory. Bid evaluation should compare each submission against the same minimum specification rather than relying on price alone.
A tender evaluation checklist can include:
| Requirement | Bidder Compliance |
|---|---|
| Rated voltage confirmed | Yes / No |
| Rated current confirmed | Yes / No |
| Short-circuit rating confirmed | Yes / No |
| Busbar material specified | Yes / No |
| Busbar rating specified | Yes / No |
| Breaker specifications provided | Yes / No |
| IP rating confirmed | Yes / No |
| Internal separation confirmed | Yes / No |
| Metering included | Yes / No |
| SPD included where specified | Yes / No |
| Earthing provisions included | Yes / No |
| Factory testing included | Yes / No |
| Site commissioning included | Yes / No |
| Technical drawings included | Yes / No |
| Applicable standards confirmed | Yes / No |
| Manufacturer datasheets provided | Yes / No |
| Deviations declared | Yes / No |
Any deviation should be clearly identified and technically evaluated.
System Specifications Table
The following summary provides the minimum information a consultant should consider when preparing an LV switchboard specification. Project-specific values should always replace placeholders before tender issue.
| Parameter | Specification Requirement |
|---|---|
| System | Low Voltage AC |
| Rated Voltage | Project-specific |
| Frequency | Project-specific, typically 50 Hz |
| Main Incomer | ACB/MCCB as designed |
| Busbar | Copper or specified approved material |
| Rated Current | Based on maximum demand |
| Short-Circuit Rating | Based on calculated fault level |
| Enclosure | Steel or specified approved construction |
| IP Rating | Project/environment specific |
| Internal Separation | As specified by consultant |
| Protection | Coordinated with system design |
| Metering | As shown on drawings |
| SPD | Where required by design |
| Earthing | Dedicated earth bar and bonding |
| Cable Entry | Top/bottom as specified |
| Testing | Factory and site testing |
| Documentation | Complete technical/as-built documentation |
| Standards | Applicable IEC/BS EN and project requirements |
How to Use This BOQ Asset
Consultants can adapt these clauses for tender documents, schedules and electrical specifications, but project-specific engineering values must be inserted before issue. The final BOQ should be reviewed against the single-line diagram, load schedule, fault calculations and applicable standards.
Before issuing an LV switchboard BOQ, confirm:
- Maximum demand
- Incoming supply
- Rated current
- Prospective short-circuit current
- Number of outgoing feeders
- Motor loads
- Generator integration
- APFC requirements
- Surge protection
- Earthing arrangement
- Enclosure environment
- IP rating
- Internal separation
- Metering
- Spare capacity
- Cable-entry arrangement
- Testing requirements
- Documentation requirements
- Applicable standards
- Site commissioning requirements
This information creates a much stronger procurement specification than a simple description such as "supply LV panel."
For additional technical resources, visit the Paneltech Systems Knowledge Centre.
Contact Paneltech Systems Ltd.
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Phone: 0799 531765
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Website: Paneltech Systems Ltd.
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For consultants and procurement teams developing an LV switchboard BOQ, Paneltech Systems can discuss panel construction, electrical ratings, protection, testing and project-specific technical requirements before procurement.
Download asset: This article can be converted into a consultant-ready LV Switchboard BOQ Clauses PDF/Word document for use as a project procurement template.
