Electrical switchboard: types, purpose, installation

Before the moment of direct consumption, electric power passes through several stages, among which its generation and transmission along special lines. The final stage before direct use is the entry into the electrical board where energy is controlled, and protection is provided for closures and overloads. Such devices are used in the organization of the infrastructure of residential buildings, industrial and public premises. Depending on the purpose, an electrical switchboard of the appropriate type is installed. The market offers a wide range of models of such equipment, which differ in both design parameters and internal design.

Electric board functions

In the simplest version, the electrical panel serves to supply the network, which then supplies lighting devices, sockets and other household appliances. As the spectrum of electrical receivers increases, a more complex model may be required that will allow the group distribution of energy to be realized. These are already devices with wide switching capabilities, which work with separate categories of sockets, lamps and stationary electrical appliances. To understand what tasks an electric switchboard can perform , it is worth considering the organization of energy supply more broadly. One module can serve not only the apartment, but the entire building. In this case, we can already say that the switch controls the energy coming to separate devices that cover their service areas.

Varieties

There are several classifications of electrical panels. First of all, you should determine the target use of the structure. As it was already mentioned, the equipment can perform power supply with the calculation for an apartment or for a larger number of consumers. Next, the installation method and material of manufacture are determined. With regard to the first criterion, the market is quite common traditional wall and suspended structures. In the process of operation, the electric inbuilt board is very convenient, which is integrated into the wall niche. However, the installation of such a device is not always possible. If we talk about materials, then usually manufacturers use a combination of plastic and metal. Despite the usual characteristics of the reliability of metal housings, modern composites also do not lag behind in strength and durability, so there is no significant difference between these models.

Distribution switchboard structure

Typically, the shield contains equipment that serves to distribute and transmit electricity to an individual apartment or several lines of consumption on a landing. A standard set of devices that contains an electrical distribution board includes a RCD, load switch, energy meter, switchgear with busbars and terminals, fuses and other components for network protection and energy management. In addition, some installations may also be equipped with infrastructure for connecting and wiring cable television channels. The latest versions of electrical panels are also provided with automatic devices optimizing energy consumption with orientation to different operating conditions, including during the day.

Assembling the shield

Installation work on the installation of electrical panels begin with the assembly of the basic structure. It should be noted that there are devices in the form of finished cases with complete mounting panels, but more often use complete models for which an individual assembly scheme is designed. So, first of all the body is prepared, after which special stubs on the walls of the structure are removed. Individual electrical distribution boards in the assembly may have a different number of sections of cables, so it should initially be possible to form additional holes for the input of wires. Then DIN-bolts are screwed, grounding bars with neutral are mounted on the walls and mounting brackets are connected. Of course, the filling can be different depending on the specific requirements. At this stage, the main thing is to prepare the box and its contents for the final installation.

Installation

The way of mounting the housing is determined by the type of the electrical panel construction. It has already been noted that the most problematic is the built-in switch cabinet, since for its integration it is necessary to create a special niche in the wall. Further, as in the case with conventional cases, the box is placed on special brackets. Before choosing a location, it is important to calculate the availability of all wiring. When the installation of the electrical panel is completed, it can be connected to the source and consumers. Inwardly, an input cable is laid with associated conductors. It is desirable to align the wires into a single layer, taking into account the configuration of the placement of the machines to which the connection is planned. After connecting the wiring to the electrical switchboard infrastructure, it is necessary to connect consumers and wiring accessories. Then, in turn, the load is applied to the individual lines.

Restriction of access to the dashboard

Operation of the electrical panel requires very strict security measures. It is necessary to take into account these standards even at the stage of installation of the switch cabinet. So, if it is planned to install in a residential or public building, special fences and reliable isolation of current-carrying elements should be provided. In this form, electric distribution metal panels are usually performed, which are serviced by specialized personnel. In this case, physical access to the contents of the cabinet is also blocked by fences, which can only be overcome with the help of keys or a special tool.

Price issue

Small overhead and hinged structures can be purchased for 500-700 rubles. These are models that are suitable for servicing one apartment and do not involve the expansion of switching capabilities. The most popular is still the built-in electrical distribution board, the price of which is 1-1.5 thousand rubles. As a rule, these are metal boxes, the configuration of which is oriented to the needs of the modern consumer of electricity.

Conclusion

The distribution of energy is a responsible operation on which depends both the stability of the supply of the final receivers and the efficiency of cost optimization. For this reason, manufacturers tend to make such devices as reliable and functional at the same time. The increase in the range of household appliances and devices also causes the expansion of the list of tasks that the electrical switchboard must perform in modern design. Against the background of this trend, models are gaining popularity, designed for individual layout of internal elements. For example, using threaded connections, the mounting panel of such a cabinet can be provided with any electrical equipment. One such enclosure allows simultaneous placement of modular parts and individual components of the system.