COMPLETE REVISION

April 2012

Process Industry Practices

Electrical

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence
over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters
or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not
be made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names
from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather
recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications
are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines
are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA
requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or
other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed.
Consult an appropriate professional before applying or acting on any material
contained in or suggested by the Practice.
This Practice is subject to revision at any time.
Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The University of
Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin, Texas 78759. PIP Member
Companies and Subscribers may copy this Practice for their internal use. Changes or
modifications of any kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express
written authorization of PIP. Authorized Users may attach addenda or overlays to clearly
indicate modifications or exceptions to specific sections of PIP Practices. Authorized
Users may provide their clients, suppliers and contractors with copies of the Practice
solely for Authorized Users purposes. These purposes include but are not limited to the
procurement process (e.g., as attachments to requests for quotation/ purchase orders or
requests for proposals/contracts) and preparation and issue of design engineering
deliverables for use on a specific project by Authorized Users client. PIPs copyright
notices must be clearly indicated and unequivocally incorporated in documents where an
Authorized User desires to provide any third party with copies of the Practice.
PUBLISHING HISTORY
January 2000
Issued
March 2007
Complete Revision
April 2012
Complete Revision
Not printed with State funds

COMPLETE REVISION
April 2012

Process Industry Practices

Electrical

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
1.2 Scope 2

2. References

2
2

2.1 Process Industry Practices

2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards 2

3. Definitions

4. Requirements 3
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12

Service Conditions
Base 3
Walls and Roof4
Doors 5
Screens and Filters
Electrical Accessories
Grounding
7
Nameplates 7
Coatings
9
Inspection and Testing
Shipping
10
Documentation11

Process Industry Practices

6
6

10

Page 1 of 12

1.

Introduction
1.1

Purpose
This Practice provides requirements for design and fabrication of outdoor enclosures
that are provided as an integral part of enclosed equipment.

1.2

2.

Scope
1.2.1

This Practice describes the requirements for the design, fabrication,

inspection, testing, and shipping of free-standing outdoor enclosures. This
equipment is used for housing low and medium voltage motor controllers and
switchgear.

1.2.2

The requirements of this Practice shall apply to walk-in and non-walk-in

enclosures located in a non-classified area. This Practice is not intended for
enclosures that will be located in classified areas.

1.2.3

These enclosures are not intended for climate-controlled or pressurized

applications. When pressurized or insulated climate-controlled enclosures are
required, see PIP ELSSG11.

References
Applicable parts of the following Practices, industry codes and standards, and references
should be considered an integral part of this Practice. The edition in effect on the date of
contract award should be used, except as otherwise noted. Short titles are used herein when
appropriate.
2.1

Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP ELSSG12D - Data Sheet for PIP ELSSG12 - Design and Fabrication of
Outdoor Enclosures for Motor Controllers and Switchgear
PIP CVC01017 - Plant Site Data Sheet
PIP STC01015 - Structural Design Criteria

2.2

Industry Codes and Standards

American National Standards Institute Inc. (ANSI/IEEE)

ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2 - Standard for Metal-Clad Switchgear

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

ASCE7 - Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures

Process Industry PracticesPIP ID, Title, Month Year

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

COMPLETE REVISION
April 2012

American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)

ASTM A36/A36M - Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
ASTM B 117 - Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
ASTM D 4214 - Test Methods for Evaluating the Degree of Chalking of
Exterior Paint Films
ASTM D 714 - Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Blistering of Paints
ASTM D 1654 - Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens
Subjected to Corrosive Environments
ASTM D 2244 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerance and
Color Differences From Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code (NEC)

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

IEEE C37.20.3 - IEEE Standard for Metal Enclosed Interrupter Switchgear

3.

Definitions
owner: The party that owns the facility where the equipment will be used or installed
purchaser: The party who awards the contract to the supplier. The purchaser may be the
owner or the owners authorized agent.
supplier: The party responsible for furnishing the enclosure

4.

Requirements
4.1

Service Conditions
Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet, equipment
shall be designed to perform satisfactorily under the following ambient conditions:
a. Ambient condition within the limits of -30C (-18F) and 40C (104F)
b. Altitude of installation does not exceed 3300 feet (1000 m)
c. Humidity within the limits of 0 - 95% non-condensing, over a 24 hour period and
0 90% non-condensing, over a 1 month period
d. For seismic and wind and snow loading requirements, see PIP CVC01017 and
PIP STC01015 and ASCE7.

4.2

Base
4.2.1

Enclosure shall be provided with a totally enclosed base constructed of

4-inch (102-mm) minimum channel or I-beam.

4.2.2

Where bottom entry is used, removable floor plates shall be provided in rear
cable compartment.

4.2.3

The design shall meet all load combinations for enclosure, equipment, and
contents.

Process Industry Practices

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PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

COMPLETE REVISION
April 2012

4.2.4

The structural steel base shall be designed to withstand all shipping and
erection loads in addition to normal dead and live loads.

4.2.5

Structural steel for the base of the power center shall be in accordance with
ASTM A36.

4.2.6

Structural steel members shall be rigidly braced with structural steel crossmembers for installation on a concrete slab or piers by others.

4.2.7

Suitable lifting lugs rated for the load and lift of enclosure and contents shall
be furnished by supplier.

4.2.8

Access Panels and Cable Entry

4.2.8.1

Outside equipment access panels behind equipment shall be

provided if shown on the layout drawing.
a. Panels shall be capable of being opened with equipment in
place.
b. Panels shall be insulated, weatherproof and gasketed, fullheight and hinged.
c. Panels shall have a three-point latching mechanism with
padlockable handle.
d. Panels shall be 11-gauge steel at a minimum.

4.3

4.2.8.2

If indicated on the layout drawing, side entrance metal framed

bulkhead openings or other purchaser-approved methods shall be
provided by the supplier. Entry plates shall be removable and
minimum 3/16-inch (4.8 mm) galvanized steel plate. Threaded
bolts shall be the means of attachment of the plates to the structural
framing.

4.2.8.3

If bottom entrance is indicated on the layout drawing for cable

entry, removable nonferrous metal plates shall be provided to
facilitate drilling for conduit and cable openings. Conduit entry
plates to cover the openings shall be provided and constructed of
3/16-inch (4.8 mm) thick aluminum plate bolted to the floor by
means of threaded bolt holes in the floor plate. Neoprene gaskets
shall be attached to the removable plates.

Walls and Roof

4.3.1

Enclosures shall be Category B as described in Table A.1 of ANSI/IEEE

C37.20.2. Enclosures shall also comply with requirements listed in Section
A.3.8 of ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2.

4.3.2

Enclosures shall be constructed of steel with a minimum thickness of #11

Manufacturers Sheet Gauge.

4.3.3

Joints in the outer steel housing shall be designed and fabricated to prevent
the entry of dust and moisture. All gaskets shall be continuous and held in
metal retainers (channel, etc.).

4.3.4

Locations of incoming and outgoing bus duct and cable shall be coordinated
with equipment to be enclosed.

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PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

4.4

COMPLETE REVISION
April 2012

4.3.5

The roof shall be sealed and sloped to provide drainage in a direction away
from personnel doors and any front access doors.

4.3.6

Side paneling shall stop at a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) above bottom of
base.

Doors
4.4.1

Walk-in enclosures with protected aisles shall be provided with an outer

personnel door. The width of the door shall be 36 inches (914 mm)
minimum. The minimum aisle width in walk-in enclosures shall comply with
the requirements of NFPA 70, unless a greater dimension is specified on the
purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet.

4.4.2

Enclosures more than 72 inches (1.8 m) wide shall have a door at each end.
The door width shall be large enough to remove the largest controller or
breaker element. The doors shall swing outward and be equipped with panic
bars or other devices that are normally latched and designed to open under
simple pressure. The door shall have provisions for padlocking or for the
purchasers lockset as specified on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data
Sheet. If specified on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet, personnel
doors shall be equipped with windows.

4.4.3

Door stops on personnel doors and equipment access doors shall be provided
to maintain doors in the open position.

4.4.4

Equipment access doors on the front of the enclosure shall be equipped with
gasketed, hinged doors with a 3-point latching mechanism.
4.4.4.1 Latching mechanisms for rear access doors shall be as specified on
the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet and may be 3-point latch,
three sides bolted, or both.
4.4.4.2 Latches on equipment access doors shall engage the steel frame at
three points (top, bottom, and side) to latch the door closed and shall
have a rolling or smooth sliding action when engaging the frame to
aid in operating the latches.
4.4.4.3 All doors shall be suitable for pad locking.
4.4.4.4 All outdoor handles and hardware shall be Series 300 stainless steel.
4.4.4.5 Where bolts are used to secure equipment access doors, removal of
bolts shall be by tool only.
4.4.4.6 Dust sealing on all doors shall be achieved by the use of a
compression type neoprene strip. The use of foam rubber or foam
plastic as a dust sealing strip will not be accepted.

4.5

Screens and Filters

4.5.1

Enclosures shall have louvered ventilation openings at the top and bottom.

4.5.2

Ventilation openings shall not be provided in personnel doors.

4.5.3

Ventilation openings shall be equipped with screens and reusable, washable

filter elements. The filter element shall be safely accessible for replacement
while the equipment is in normal service.

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PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

4.6

COMPLETE REVISION
April 2012

Electrical Accessories
4.6.1

Panelboards
Supplier shall provide a circuit breaker panel with main circuit breaker and
minimum of six branch circuit breakers. These branch circuits will serve
equipment space heaters, lighting, receptacles, fans, personnel space heaters,
etc. Power supply voltage shall be as specified on the purchasers
PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet.

4.6.2

Heaters
If specified on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet, walk-in enclosure
shall include personnel space heaters with hand-off-auto switches and
thermostats to activate at preset temperatures. One form C contact shall be
provided for use as a remote alarm to indicate over- or under-temperature
conditions inside the enclosure.

4.6.3

Fans
If specified on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet, walk-in enclosure
shall include ventilation fans with hand-off-auto switches and thermostats to
activate at a preset temperature. One form C contact shall be provided for use
as a remote alarm to indicate over-temperature.

4.6.4

Lighting
4.6.4.1 Lighting shall be provided in all walk-in enclosures.
4.6.4.2 Minimum illumination shall be 30 foot candles on the vertical
panels, 42 inches (1.1 m) above the floor.
4.6.4.3 Light switches shall be identified with engraved nameplates
indicating the power source and shall be located on the non-hinged
side of the door(s).
4.6.4.4 In walk-in enclosures, three-way switches for lighting shall be
installed and located beside each door.
4.6.4.5 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data
Sheet, lighting fixtures shall be fluorescent.
4.6.4.6 Bottom of lighting fixtures shall be a minimum of 6 feet 8 inches
(2.03 m) above the floor in walk-in enclosures.
4.6.4.7 Lighting fixtures shall have guards and lights shall be suitable for
service conditions listed on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data
Sheet.
4.6.4.8 Supplier shall furnish emergency lights, lighted exit signs, and
external lighting near doors if specified on the purchasers
PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet.

4.6.5

Receptacles
If specified on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet, walk-in enclosure
shall include a 120-volt GFCI-type receptacle outlet located near each
personnel door.

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PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

4.6.6

COMPLETE REVISION
April 2012

Wiring Methods
Wiring methods, including raceways, cable systems, grounding, and bonding,
shall comply with NFPA 70.

4.6.7

Fire Safety
4.6.7.1 If specified on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet, a
minimum of one fire extinguisher shall be provided by each exit door
of a walk-in enclosure. Additional fire extinguishers shall be
provided as indicated on purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet.
4.6.7.2 Fire extinguishers shall be carbon dioxide Type C for energized
electrical equipment, 10 pound capacity, hand carry with hanging
bracket, hose, hose nozzle, and hand squeeze valve control.
4.6.7.3 If specified on purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet, a fire
detection system shall be supplied.

4.7

Grounding
A NEMA standard 4-hole stainless steel ground pad shall be located on diagonally
opposite corners of the enclosure skid (total of 2 ground pads). Supplier shall connect
equipment ground bus to the ground pads.

4.8

Nameplates
4.8.1

General
4.8.1.1 Nameplates, safety signs, and labels shall be in accordance with
NFPA 70 and ANSI Z535.4.
4.8.1.2 Permanent engraved lamacoid nameplates shall be provided
identifying each instrument and device, including transformers,
circuit breakers, and auxiliary compartments.
4.8.1.3 Equipment and terminal blocks within the compartments shall be
suitably identified.
4.8.1.4 Except as specified in Section 4.8.2.3, all nameplates, internal and
external, shall be made of laminated plastic at least 3/32 inch (2.4
mm) thick.
4.8.1.5 Nameplates shall be attached as specified on the purchasers
PIP ELSSGS12D Data Sheet.
4.8.1.6 Nameplates shall be of following background color and engraving:
a. Identification nameplates White background with black
engraving
b. Caution nameplates Yellow background with black engraving
c. Warning nameplates Red background with white engraving
4.8.1.7 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSGS12D Data
Sheet, all lettering shall be inch (6.4 mm) high.
4.8.1.8 All vertical section rear compartments shall have a nameplate
indicating section number and service description.

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PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

4.8.2

COMPLETE REVISION
April 2012

Manufacturers Nameplate
4.8.2.1

A manufacturers nameplate (MN) shall provide the following

information:
a. Manufacturers name and address
b. Equipment model and shop order number
c. Year of manufacture

4.8.3

4.8.2.2

Letter size for MN shall be manufacturers standard.

4.8.2.3

MN shall be stainless steel and shall be located inside the

enclosure.

Equipment Identification Nameplate

4.8.3.1

An equipment identification nameplate (EIN) shall provide the

following information:
a. Equipment tag number
b. Equipment description

4.8.3.2 The tag number and description shall be in accordance with the
purchasers nameplate schedule.
4.8.3.3 Lettering on the EIN shall be 1 inch (25.4 mm) high.
4.8.4

Device Nameplate
4.8.4.1 A device nameplate (DN) shall be provided for each front mounted
device. Examples of front mounted devices are relays, meters, and
switches.

4.9

4.8.4.2

A DN shall be provided for each device inside a unit (e.g., relays,

terminal blocks, fuses, and circuit breakers).

4.8.4.3

DN descriptions shall match the device description or tags on the

manufacturers drawings.

Coatings
4.9.1

All structural framing members shall be cleaned to near white metal. The use
of chemical or solvent cleaning of structural steel shall not be permitted.
Following cleaning, one shop coat of epoxy primer (3.0 mils minimum dry
thickness) shall be applied.

4.9.2

Floor surface shall be finished with a durable, scuff-resistant, non-skid epoxy

or enamel coating.

4.9.3

All seams outside the enclosure shall be sealed with 25-year silicone sealant
to preclude crevice corrosion and assure the environmental integrity of the
enclosure against blowing rain, dust, dirt, or sand.

4.9.4

All interior and exterior exposed metal surfaces shall receive factory paint
that meets or exceeds the requirements of a 2000-hour salt spray test as
defined by ASTM B 117 and evaluated in accordance with ASTM D 1654 and
ASTM D 714.

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PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

4.9.5

COMPLETE REVISION
April 2012

Interior and exterior color coating design shall meet the following
performance standards after 10 years continuous exposure in normal
atmospheric conditions:
a. Panels shall show no evidence of blistering, peeling, or chipping.
b. Panels shall show no surface chalking.
c. Panels, after cleaning, shall show no color change in excess of seven (7)
units when measured in accordance with the ASTM D 2244 standard.

4.9.6

Unless specified otherwise on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet,

exterior and interior of enclosure shall be painted white.

4.9.7

All structural members under the flooring shall be coated with an additional
20-25 mils of bitumastic or equal undercoating to eliminate base rusting and
subsequent corrosion.

4.9.8

Unless specified otherwise on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet, all
exterior exposed bolting shall be corrosion resistant or stainless steel.

4.9.9

Two (2) 1-quart (0.94L) cans of touch-up paint shall be supplied per
equipment assembly for each color used.

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PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

4.10

COMPLETE REVISION
April 2012

Inspection and Testing

4.10.1 All tests and inspections shall be conducted that are necessary to determine
that all equipment and wiring is installed in accordance with this Practice and
is in satisfactory condition to be energized. All test results shall be
documented and submitted to the purchaser for record.
4.10.2 All equipment shall be inspected for compliance with all parts of this
Practice.
4.10.2.1 The suppliers inspection and testing guide shall be used to test the
entire assembly (wired power center).
4.10.2.2 The suppliers inspection and testing guide shall be submitted to
the purchaser for approval.
4.10.2.3 In addition to testing required by individual equipment
specifications, a functional test shall be performed to ensure proper
operation of all auxiliaries, devices and components.
4.10.3 Unless otherwise specified on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet,
the purchaser shall witness all production and functional tests. A 2-week
notice shall be given to purchaser for required inspection and testing date to
meet shipment deadlines.
4.10.4 If specified on the purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet, a water spray test
shall be performed according to IEEE C37.20.3 IEEE Standard for Metal
Enclosed Interrupter Switchgear.

4.11

Shipping
4.11.1 Preparation for shipment shall be in accordance with suppliers standards
unless otherwise noted in the job specifications.
4.11.2 The supplier shall be solely responsible for the preparation for shipment.
4.11.3 Loose equipment, such as auxiliary test devices, charts, replacement parts,
manual operating handles, packing devices, etc., shall be appropriately
packaged, tagged for easy identification, and secured for shipment inside the
power center.
4.11.4 Moving parts shall be securely blocked and braced in relays, contactors, and
other components in which these moving parts might be damaged during
shipment. Blocking shall be identified (tagged) for removal.
4.11.5 Additional shipping and handling requirements that appear in the individual
equipment specifications shall be strictly followed, if applicable.
4.11.6 If the enclosure is shipped in more than one section, each open shipping split
shall be protected with plywood or other purchaser approved method.

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PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

4.12

COMPLETE REVISION
April 2012

Documentation
4.12.1 Documentation Content
4.12.1.1 Drawings and data requirements shall be as shown in Table 1, and
purchasers PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet.
4.12.1.2 All engineering data provided for the equipment shall represent the
actual equipment specified and ordered.
4.12.1.3 Generic drawings shall not be acceptable unless the drawings are
revised to show only the equipment being furnished.
4.12.1.4 Approval drawings (documents listed in column B of Table 1) shall
be provided and approved by purchaser before start of
manufacturing.
4.12.1.5 Final factory drawings and data (as listed in column D of Table 1),
completed to owners satisfaction, shall be provided no later than
2 weeks after shipment of equipment.
4.12.1.6 The following drawings and details for building and support
facilities shall be provided:
a. Structural drawings shall include the following:
(1) Complete dimensions
(2) Arrangement
(3) Plan and elevation views
(4) Support locations and weight on each support
(5) Other details as required for civil/structural design for
installation of the enclosure
(6) Conduit and bus duct entrance locations
(7) Lifting and jacking provisions
(8) Grounding connections
(9) Estimated weight of each piece of equipment
(10) Total weight of enclosure and included equipment,
including layout of floor beams
b. Electrical drawings shall include schematics for lighting and
power circuits.

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COMPLETE REVISION

PIP ELSSG12
Design and Fabrication of Outdoor Enclosures for
Motor Controllers and Switchgear

April 2012

Table 1 Documentation Requirements

A
X

Description

Detailed bill of materials

General layout of equipment, showing all

dimensions, weights, locations, and outline
drawings, showing the final assembled
configuration

Support locations, and weight on each support;

and final assembled configuration and
instructions for assembly of equipment and
enclosure

Specifications for manufacturers standard

coating system

Assembly, inspection, and testing guide

Electrical Drawings, including connection wiring

diagrams, three-line and control schematic
diagrams
Certified test reports

X(1)

Installation, operation, and maintenance manual

X

Final as-built drawings

Recommended priced spare parts list

Notes:
A. These documents shall be provided with proposal.
B. These documents shall be provided for purchasers review and
authorization to proceed before fabrication.
C. These documents shall be provided as part of the final certified document
submittal.
(1) Equipment shall be shipped with one set of installation, operation, and
maintenance manuals.
D. Final as-built drawings shall be provided within 2 weeks after shipment.

4.12.2 Conflict Resolution

Any conflicts between the following documents shall be identified to the
purchaser in writing for resolution. If resolving conflicts, the following order
of precedence shall apply:
a. One-line diagram(s)
b. PIP ELSSG12D Data Sheet
c. This Practice, PIP ELSSG12
d. Referenced standards

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