The distribution panel is an introductory electrical device for distributing energy in a room of any purpose, for example, in private estates or at the factory, provided the voltage is more than 1000 watts.
Kinds
The equipment of any devices always includes clamps for installing both the devices themselves and other control elements, such as switches. There are four main types:
- apartment;
- group;
- main;
- floor distribution panel.
Group devices provide control of certain categories of energy consumers. For their operation, circuit breakers are required , the functions of which also include a complete blackout when the need arises.
The main device in a building or a separate apartment carries out the input and branching of energy. It is worth noting that it can be used as a counting device, while the latter functions in the presence of a zero earth conductor. The main objective is to prevent current leakage and voltage surges.
Floor and apartment mechanisms are similar to group in purpose. In this case, consuming groups are individual apartments or electrical appliances available in the room.
Housing
To the shield of any kind, all requirements and technological features are established by GOST. Given the specifics of the operation of the devices, they must have a high degree of protection against fire. The basis for the body are materials that are resistant to melting and able to withstand certain temperatures, which vary in accordance with the climatic purpose and protection class.
The operation period is 25 years, while the working elements are able to withstand voltage surges up to 2500 watts. Closed type options are resistant to shock and mechanical stress.
Structural differences
Electrical distribution panel can be floor mounted and built-in. The latter are fixed on the wall structures, built-in options - in specially created niches, they are optimally suited to protect the cottage. Floor devices have large dimensions, and, as the name implies, are fixed on the floor.
There are also portable devices that are used by specialists for trips. They have characteristics similar to conventional mechanisms, and are connected via automatic machines. The indicator light provides voltage detection in the mains.
Installation Features
Installation of a distribution panel requires preliminary drawing up of a diagram, selection of the wiring used, determination of protective equipment, automatic devices and additional elements. It is important to pay particular attention to this aspect of the work and not to lose sight of any factors.
First of all, the total capacity of energy consumers that are in the house or apartment is determined. Premises are divided into separate groups, for example, living rooms, kitchen and others. In each zone, the amount of energy consumed is calculated. Without these indicators, it is impossible to select the nominal designation of the circuit breaker. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of extreme loads that arise during the simultaneous operation of a large number of equipment and the arrival of guests or relatives. Lighting deserves special attention, because depending on the conditions of a given load, an appropriate cable with the necessary cross section is selected.
Exclusion can be carried out in several options: "star", "train", boxed or individually created view. The number of wires drawn depends on the available wiring, it can reach up to 20-30 pieces. In this case, the methodology of the selection is selected in accordance with the available energy consumers and their location. For some devices characterized by high consumption, separate RCDs are installed.
Other differences
The distribution panel can be designed for both indoor and outdoor installation. External characteristics do not affect the functionality and are selected in accordance with personal preferences and the overall design. The case can be made of metal or plastic, equipped with a transparent or opaque door.
External installation devices are suitable for reinforced concrete wall structures, since they do not require holes. Built-in options are optimal for drywall partitions. The number of installed devices in the shield affects its dimensions, while they must correspond to the width of the existing module.
Installation of distribution board
For mounting on external walls, screws and dowels-nails are used. Using them, the inner box can also be fixed with additional fixation with an alabaster mixture or gypsum-based glue.
The wiring is failed after fixing the device, as well as the installation of the necessary equipment.
A special convenience is the distribution panel in the house, which has a din rail. Some models are equipped with special elements for fixing them, and after installation, special latches located on the back side are fixed internal parts. On din rails, it is also possible to fix the counter, screws or screws are used if there is a special place for it.
Installation of circuit breakers does not require special skills: they are mounted on a rail until a characteristic click appears, indicating a tight fit. If it becomes necessary to remove any existing element, use the screwdriver to pull out the eye of the machine and remove it from the attachment point.
What you need to know
Prior to installation, permission must be obtained from the electricity service. The best option would be to carry out work under the supervision of a representative of utilities. If the installation is detected in an unsuitable place, an electrician must be called, he will check the correctness, quality of the connection, seal the meter. All organizational aspects must be resolved on time, otherwise a fine may be awarded.
The types of meters installed are regulated by the organization providing the power supply. At the same time, the values indicated on the device must not be exceeded.
The connection of the devices included in the design does not cause difficulties, it is only necessary to observe accuracy and conduct work in accordance with the scheme. Installing the distribution plate, it is undesirable to rush with its connection, it is important to make sure that all actions and connections are completed correctly.
Wiring
For some wires, grounding may not be required, as a rule, those that ensure the operation of lighting devices. When using fluorescent lamps with grounding contacts in a room, it is necessary to connect a common grounding bus with a conductor, as well as a three-wire wire.
The incoming cable and the wiring assigned to the supply zones are connected after connecting the equipment. It is worth noting the convenience of designating the purpose of a device on each of them. Some devices are equipped with special windows, in their absence, you can put marks on the cover of the inside of the structure. The switchboard is switched on after all work has been carried out using the general switch. Further, by means of an indicator, the reliability of power on each wire is checked.
Recommendations
The use of one RCD is undesirable for several devices of different purposes, combined into one group, since the failure of one of them can lead to the closure of the other. The premises will be divided into different zones with their own RCD, when choosing the latter, it is worth giving preference not to the electronic, but to the mechanical option, since it is more reliable. It is possible to combine appliances from the bathroom, and the kitchen area and living space are divided into two groups.
A distribution panel is selected with a certain margin to prevent its premature replacement when adding equipment.
The best option is to install a separate RCD for each of the zones, but this is not always financially justified. In the absence of powerful equipment in the house, it is possible to bring several machines under one RCD.