The switchboard is an introductory electrical device for distributing energy in a room for any purpose, for example, in private property or in production, provided that the voltage is more than 1000 W.
Views
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 switchboard.
Group devices provide control of certain categories of energy consumers. Their operation requires circuit breakers, the function of which also includes a complete shutdown of the power supply if necessary.
The main device in a building or a separate apartment performs 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 neutral dead-earthed wire. The main task is to prevent current leakage andvoltage fluctuations.
Floor and apartment mechanisms are similar to group ones in terms of purpose. Consumer groups in this case are individual apartments or electrical appliances available in the room.
Case
All requirements and technological features are set by GOST for a shield of any kind. Taking into account the specifics of the operation of the devices, they must have a high degree of protection against fire. The case is based on materials that are resistant to melting and can withstand certain temperatures, which vary according to the climatic purpose and protection class.
The operating period is 25 years, while the working elements are able to withstand power surges up to 2500 watts. Enclosed options are impact and mechanical resistant.
Design differences
Electrical distribution board can be floor, built-in and overhead. The latter are fixed on wall structures, built-in options - in specially created niches, they are optimally suited for protecting the cottage. Floor units are large and, as the name implies, are fixed to the floor.
There are also portable devices that are used by specialists for field trips. They have characteristics similar to conventional mechanisms and are connected through automatic machines. The light indicator provides the definition of the voltage in the mains.
Installation features
Installation of a switchboard requires a preliminary drawing up of a diagram, the selection of the wiring used, the definition of protective equipment, automatic machines and additional elements. It is important to pay special attention to this aspect of the work and not to lose sight of any factors.
First of all, the total power of energy consumers that are available in a house or apartment is determined. Premises, depending on the purpose, 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. At the same time, 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, as depending on the conditions of a given load, an appropriate cable with the required cross section is selected.
Connection can be carried out in several ways: "star", "loop", box or individually created view. The number of outgoing wires depends on the existing wiring, it can reach up to 20-30 pieces. In this case, the disconnection method is selected in accordance with the existing energy consumers and their location. For some devices with high consumption, separate RCDs are installed.
Other differences
Shielddistribution 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 overall design. The case can be made of metal or plastic, equipped with a transparent or opaque door.
Outdoor units are suitable for reinforced concrete wall structures as they do not require drilling. Embedded options are optimal for drywall partitions. The number of devices installed in the panel affects its dimensions, while they must correspond to the width of the existing module.
Installation of switchboard
For mounting on external walls, screws and dowel-nails are used. They can also be used to fix the inner box with additional fixation with alabaster mixture or gypsum-based glue.
Wiring is done after fixing the device, as well as installing the necessary equipment.
The switchboard in the house, which has DIN rails, is especially convenient. Some models are equipped with special elements for fixing them, and after installation, internal parts are fixed with special latches located on the back side. It is also possible to fix the meter on DIN rails, 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, indicatingtight fixation. If it becomes necessary to remove any existing element, use a screwdriver to pull out the eyelet of the machine and remove it from the attachment point.
What you need to know
Before installation, you must obtain permission from the electricity service. The best option would be to carry out work under the supervision of a representative of public utilities. If an installation is detected in an inappropriate place, an electrician should be called, he will check the correctness, quality of the connection, and seal the meter. All organizational aspects must be resolved on time, otherwise a fine may be imposed.
Types of installed meters are regulated by the organization that provides electricity. However, the values indicated on the device must not be exceeded.
The connection of the devices included in the design does not cause difficulties, you only need to be careful and carry out work in accordance with the scheme. When installing the switchboard, it is undesirable to rush to connect it, it is important to make sure that all actions and connections are performed correctly.
Wiring
Some wires may not require grounding, these are usually the ones that power lighting fixtures. When using indoor fluorescent lamps with grounding contacts, it is necessary to connect a common ground bus with a conductor, and also bring a three-wire wire.
Incoming cable and wiring leading to power zones are connected after connectionequipment. It is worth noting the convenience of designating the purpose of a particular 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 a general switch. Further, using the indicator, the reliability of the power supply on each wire is checked.
Recommendations
The use of one RCD is undesirable for several devices for different purposes, combined into one group, since the failure of one of them can lead to a short circuit of the other. The premises will be divided into different zones with their own RCDs; when choosing the latter, it is worth giving preference not to the electronic, but to the mechanical version, 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.
The switchboard 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.
