Electrical switchboard: types, purpose, installation

Until the moment of direct consumption, electricalenergy 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 both in terms of design parameters and internal design.

Electric board functions

In the simplest version, the electrical panel servessupply network, which then feeds lighting fixtures, sockets and other household devices. As the spectrum of electrical receivers widens, a more complex model may be needed 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 the electrical switchboard can do, it is worthwhile to consider the organization of energy supply more broadly. One module can serve not only the apartment, but the whole 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 already noted, the equipment can perform energy supply with the calculation of the apartment or for a larger number of consumers. Further, the method of installation and the 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 it is very convenient to use an electric built-in board, 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 familiar 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

Usually the instrument panel is located in the shield, whichserves for the distribution and transmission of 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 can also be equipped with infrastructure for connecting and wiring cable television channels. The latest versions of electrical panels are provided and automatic devices that optimize energy consumption with an orientation to different operating conditions, including during the day.

Assembling the shield

Installation work for the installation of electrical panelsbegin 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 method of mounting the housing is determined by the typethe design of the electrical board. 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 in a single layer, taking into account the configuration of the placement of the machines to which the connection is planned. After connecting the wiring with the infrastructure of the electrical board, it is necessary to connect consumers and wiring accessories. Then, alternately, the load is applied to the individual lines.

Restriction of access to the dashboard

The operation of the electrical board requires compliancevery stringent security measures. It is necessary to take into account these standards even at the stage of installation of the switch cabinet. So, if you plan to install in a residential or public room, then you should provide special fencing and reliable insulation of current-carrying elements. 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 bepurchase 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 responsibleThe operation on which depends both the stability of supply of the final receivers, and the efficiency of cost optimization. For this reason, manufacturers tend to make such devices as reliable and functional as possible. 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.