Until the moment of direct consumption, electrical energy goes through several stages, including its generation and transmission through special lines. The final stage before direct use is the entry into the electrical panel, where energy management takes place, and protection against short circuits and overloads is also provided. 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. There is a wide range of models of such equipment on the market, which differ both in design parameters and in internal structure.
Electric panel functions
In the simplest version, the electrical panel is used to supply the network, which later feeds lighting fixtures, sockets and other household devices. As the spectrum of power receivers expands, a more complex model may be required to allow for group power distribution. These are already devices with wide switching capabilities that work with individualcategories of sockets, lamps and stationary electrical appliances. To understand what tasks an electrical switchboard can perform, it is worth considering the organization of power supply more broadly. One module can serve not only an apartment, but the entire building. In this case, we can already say that the shield controls the energy supplied to individual devices that cover their service areas.
Varieties
There are several classifications of electrical panels. First of all, you should decide on the intended use of the structure. As already noted, the equipment can provide energy for an apartment or for a larger number of consumers. Next, the installation method and material of manufacture are determined. As for the first criterion, traditional wall and suspended structures are quite common on the market. During operation, a built-in electric shield is very convenient, which is integrated into a 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 reliability characteristics of metal cases, modern composites also do not lag behind in strength and durability, so there is no significant difference between these models.
Composition of electrical distribution board
Usually, equipment is placed in the shield, which serves todistribution and transmission of electricity to an individual apartment or several consumption lines on the landing. The standard set of devices that the electrical switchboard contains includes an RCD, a load switch, an energy meter, switching devices with tires and terminals, fuses and other components to ensure network protection and energy management. As an add-on, some installations may also be provided with infrastructure for connecting and wiring cable television channels. The latest versions of electrical panels are also provided with automatic devices that optimize energy consumption based on different operating conditions, including the time of day.
Assembly of the shield
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 finished cases with complete 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 distribution boards assemblies can have a different number of cable entry sections, so you should initially calculate the possibility of forming additional holes for wire entry. Then DIN-rails are screwed on, grounding buses with neutrals are mounted on the walls and mounting brackets are connected. Of course, the filling may be different depending on specific requirements. At this stage, the mainprepare 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 distribution cabinet, since for its integration it is necessary to create a special niche in the wall. Further, as in the case of conventional cases, the box is mounted on special brackets. Before choosing an installation 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. An introductory cable with accompanying conductors is laid inside. It is advisable to level 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 infrastructure of the electrical panel, it is necessary to connect consumers and electrical installation products. Then the load is applied to the individual lines in turn.
Restricting access to the shield
The operation of the electrical panel requires very stringent security measures. It is necessary to take into account these standards even at the stage of installation of the switch cabinet. So, if installation is planned in a residential or public building, then special fencing and reliable insulation of current-carrying elements should be provided. In this form, metal electrical distribution boards are usually made, which are serviced by specialized personnel. Whereinphysical access to the contents of the closet is also blocked by barriers that can only be overcome with keys or a special tool.
Question of price
Small overhead and hinged structures can be purchased for 500-700 rubles. These are models that are suitable for serving one apartment and do not imply expansion of switching capabilities. The most popular is 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 focused on the needs of a modern consumer of electricity.
Conclusion
Energy distribution is a critical operation, on which both the stability of the power supply of the end receivers and the efficiency of cost optimization depend. For this reason, manufacturers strive to make such devices as reliable as possible and at the same time functional. An increase in the range of household appliances and devices also determines the expansion of the list of tasks that an electrical switchboard in a modern design should perform. Against the backdrop of this trend, models designed for the 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 you to simultaneously place modular parts and individual components of the system.
