Until direct consumption, electrical energy goes through several stages, among which its generation and transmission through special lines. The final stage before direct use is entering the electric switchboard, where energy is controlled, and protection is provided during short circuits and overloads. Such devices are used in the organization of the infrastructure of residential buildings, industrial and public buildings. Depending on the purpose, an electrical switchboard of the appropriate type is installed. A wide selection of models of such equipment is presented on the market, which differ both in structural parameters and in the internal structure.
Switchboard Functions
In the simplest version, the electrical panel serves to supply the network, which subsequently feeds lighting devices, sockets and other household devices. As the spectrum of power receivers expands, a more complex model may be required that will allow for the realization of group energy distribution. These are already devices with wide switching capabilities, which work with certain categories of sockets, lighting fixtures and stationary electrical appliances. To understand what tasks an electrical switchboard can perform , it is worth considering the organization of energy supply more widely. One module can serve not only the apartment, but the entire building. In this case, we can already say that the shield controls the energy supplied to individual devices, which cover their service areas.
Varieties
There are several classifications of electrical panels. First of all, you should decide on the intended use of the design. As already noted, the equipment can carry out energy supply with the expectation of an apartment or a larger number of consumers. Next, the installation method and material of manufacture are determined. As for the first criterion, traditional wall and suspension structures are quite common on the market. During operation, an electric built-in shield that integrates into a wall niche is very convenient. However, the installation of such a device is not always possible. If we talk about materials, then usually manufacturers use a combination of plastic with metal. Despite the familiar reliability characteristics of metal cases, modern composites also do not lag behind in strength and durability, therefore, there is no significant difference between these models.
The composition of the distribution panel
Usually in the dashboard is equipment that serves to distribute and transmit electricity to an individual apartment or to several consumption lines on the landing. A standard set of devices that contains an electrical switchboard includes an RCD, a load switch , an energy meter, switching devices with buses and terminals, fuses and other components to ensure 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 switchboards are also provided with automatic devices that optimize energy consumption, focusing on different operating conditions, including the time of day.
Shield assembly
Installation work on the installation of electrical panels begins with the assembly of the main structure. It should be noted that there are devices in the form of ready-made cases with completed mounting panels, but more often they use complete models for which an individual assembly scheme is designed. So, first of all, the body is prepared, after which special plugs on the walls of the structure are removed. Individual electrical switchboards assembly can have a different number of cable feed sections, so you should initially consider the possibility of forming additional holes for entering wires. Then the DIN rails are screwed on, grounding buses with neutrals 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 final installation.
Installation
The method of mounting the housing is determined by the type of construction of the electrical panel. 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 planted on special brackets. Before choosing an installation location, it is important to consider the availability of all wiring. When the installation of the electrical panel is completed, it can be connected to the source and consumers. An input cable with accompanying conductors is laid inside. It is advisable to level the wires in a single layer, taking into account the configuration of the location of the machines to which you plan to connect. After connecting the wiring to the electrical panel infrastructure, it is necessary to connect consumers and wiring products. Then, alternately, the load is applied to the individual lines.
Shield Access Restriction
Operation of the electrical panel requires compliance with very stringent safety measures. These standards must be taken into account even at the stage of installation of the control cabinet. So, if you plan to install in a residential or public building, then special fences and reliable insulation of live parts should be provided. In this form, electric distribution metal panels are usually performed, the maintenance of which is carried out 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 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 electric distribution board, the price of which is 1-1.5 thousand rubles. As a rule, these are metal boxes, the configuration of which is focused on the needs of the modern consumer of electricity.
Conclusion
Energy distribution is a critical operation, on which the stability of power supply to the end receivers and the efficiency of cost optimization depend. For this reason, manufacturers strive to make such devices as reliable and functional as possible. An increase in the range of household appliances and devices determines the expansion of the list of tasks that an electric distribution board must perform in a modern design. Against the backdrop of this trend, models designed for an individual layout of internal elements are gaining popularity. For example, using threaded connections, the mounting panel of such a cabinet can be provided with any electrical equipment. One such housing allows the simultaneous placement of modular parts and individual system components.