An electrical panel is a device that receives and distributes energy of single-phase (up to 1000 V) and three-phase (up to 50-60 Hz) current. GOST 51321 notes that the electrical shield can be powered from one or more input lines, connected with zero and protective cables. The installation is made for the organization of lighting and power communications of houses and apartments.
Switchboard device
The apartment switchboard replaces the system of meters, switches, RCDs, which saves space in the entrance. The product consists of several units:
- a housing made of metal or heat-resistant plastic - it can be built-in and hinged;
- an introductory circuit breaker - a double element can de-energize the phase and zero lines;
- RCD, or differential relay - when registering a voltage leak, it cuts off the electricity;
- automatic switches - controllers are selected according to the power rating of consumers;
- din-rail - a metal plate on which automatic machines are placed with the help of clamps;
- connecting cables with a cross-section according to the characteristics of electrical appliances;
- electric meter for accounting of energy consumption.
The electricity meter is mounted if necessary.
Electrical panel functions
An electrical distribution board is a technical department of a house or apartment where there are control devices and an emergency stop of the electrical network. They perform the functions:
- branching of the line for powering various consumers;
- automatic shutdown of electricity in case of breakdowns;
- control of energy consumption, if a meter is installed;
- control of the general condition and quality of power supply, if there are relays and sensors;
- preventing the risk of burning household appliances;
- uniformity of load distribution on the line.
The switchboard, when triggered under increased load, prevents human injury.
Basic classifications
By area of use
The electrical panel ensures the safety of supplying electricity to apartments, floors or buildings with a large square footage. According to the coverage of the serviced area, the devices are divided into several types.
- The main switchboard, or the main switchboard, is an overall structure that is used in electrical engineering at a transformer substation or production lines. The device supplies energy to a large object, distributing it evenly. Due to this, network overloads are prevented, an automatic transition from the main to the backup power occurs.
- The shield installed at the input, or ASU, is used for the power cable of houses, offices, production. It is designed to separate the lines from which the apartment or the entire floor is powered. The device takes into account the energy consumption, responding to shutdown in case of overloads and short circuits.
- SHE - floor shield. The module is installed to divide the power supply for 2-6 apartments. It has compartments for consumer automation, electricity meter and subscriber equipment: telephone, television, radio, intercom.
SCC - SCHK-input device are mounted at the entrance of the conductors to the apartment. The standard installation site is an entrance hall, a vestibule, an area at the front door.The shield prevents short circuits, overloads, provides power separation and controls electricity costs.
- ShchU is a device that controls automation and drives of heating, ventilation and alarm mechanisms. The user configures the parameters manually.
- SCHA - automation panels are equipped with software controllers that monitor the state of the electrical system and other networks.
- ShchBP - an uninterruptible power supply board is necessary to provide electricity to control systems, equipment of medical institutions and other equipment of the 1st category of power supply.
- ShchSN - auxiliary devices supply equipment at facilities - stations and substations. Thanks to them, power transformers, control systems and basic communications work.
The enterprises also use DC boards (direct current shields) with batteries, chargers, rectifiers.
By the method and place of installation
There are several models depending on the installation method.
- Overhead. The outer shield is attached to the wall with self-tapping screws and dowels. The place for fastening should be chosen taking into account the protrusion of the hinged switchboard 12-20 cm from the surface. The wall-mounted appliance is suitable for wooden houses, it is made of metal and plastic, it is used for hidden or open lines.
- Embedded. To install the device, a special niche is made in the wall, which complicates the installation work. The hiding of the technological seam is provided by a special flanging on the front of the built-in electrical panel.
- Outdoor. The models are distinguished by their large size, so they are not used for household power lines. The devices are relevant in production, in office buildings, shopping centers.
The switchboard is mounted outdoors or indoors. The internal type of devices is installed on floors, in apartments, in special utility rooms.
The outdoor switchboard is manufactured in surface-mounted and floor-mounted versions. Installation takes place on the wall of the building, on the body of special equipment, using supports and stands. For protection from external influences, it has an all-weather case.
The switchboard is installed in an area away from fire hazardous substances, with good natural ventilation, ease of access and sufficient illumination.
Materials for making
There are two types of shields, depending on the production raw materials:
- Metal with high resistance to mechanical influences. The products are durable, reliable, but heavy. Installation is carried out in garages, in a special panel room in production.
- Plastic heat resistant, which is light in weight. Aesthetic and durable products are installed in apartments, installed in a private or country house without grounding.
Budget plastic models turn yellow over time.
In addition to the body part, the power distribution board consists of metal rails, special mounting panels. For strength and protection from external influences, the box is equipped with sealing rubber bands, sealed dust-proof cable leads. There are often locking mechanisms on metal products - overhead, hinged, electronic.
Dust and moisture protection
The degree of protection is evidenced by the manufacturer's marking on the case. The most common degrees of protection are:
- IP20, IP30. The box without protection against moisture and dust penetration is only suitable for dry rooms. The inner content is hidden by a sash.
- IP44, IP54. Good moisture and dust resistance determines the use of products outside or in damp rooms. To protect against streams of water, you will need an additional transparent cover plate.
- IP55, IP65. Waterproof type of device, suitable for installation in aggressive environments. They are installed without additional protection, they are not exposed to moisture and rain.The box with IP55 is partially dustproof, with IP65 it is 100% dustproof.
Indoor models of IP21, IP31 and IP32 categories are installed. For outdoor installation, it is better to choose a shield from IP54 with sealed doors and sealed cable glands.
Classification by construction
By design, you can choose models:
- Modular. The electrical panel is used for relays, machines, conductors. It is a small cabinet, covered with a metal or plastic panel, with slats and busbars.
- Accounting. You can put an electric meter and other metering devices on DIN rails and screws inside. Some modifications are available with modular circuit breakers.
- Accounting and distribution. The device has a mounting rail for the RCD of branch lines, a compartment for the switch, which is sealed, closed with a lid or a lock.
Switchboard devices have complete mounting panels, for which the installation project and assembly diagrams are drawn up.
By the number of modules
An electrical panel of medium or small size may differ in the number of modules. Special compartments are intended for the installation of oversized equipment.
The number of modules in the devices varies. There are products with 10, 12, 16 and 18 compartments. One element has a width of 18 mm, which corresponds to the parameters of a single-pole switch.
It is necessary to select modular models depending on the number of consumers, the type of circuit breakers, the presence of difavtomats, a counter and an RCD. A two-pole circuit breaker is thrown on 2 modules, a three-phase switch - on 3, a single-phase RCD - on 3, a three-phase RCD - on 5, an electric meter - on 6-8.
For an average apartment, models with 12-16 modules are enough. When installing a meter in a switch box, you will need from 16 to 24 modules. In a private house, devices with a number of models from 24 pieces are used. When laying a line for a two-story country cottage, 2 shields are installed.
The best switchboard manufacturers
On the domestic market, there are electrical panels assembled in Russia and abroad. Among worthy manufacturers producing quality goods, one can single out:
- Electromol. Moscow brand specializing in switchboard equipment. They make ASU, apartment and storey switchboards.
- 1Electrical equipment. Russian company-manufacturer of floor, input-distribution devices, as well as lighting control boxes.
- QMS. Novosibirsk brand, the range of which includes SCHO panels, substations, floor boxes.
- Makel. Produces indoor and outdoor devices with transparent and opaque doors and IP40 protection. The brand does not use halogen.
External metal electrical panel Iek for the meter and 24 circuit breakers - IEK. 98% of products are assembled in Russia, 2% - in Italy, Bulgaria, Poland. The boxes are designed for 2-96 modules. The range includes hinged, built-in, distribution and metering devices.
- Fotka. The Greek manufacturer produces built-in steel devices with decorative design of the front panel, doors. They have 13-80 modules, suitable for a small apartment and production. Din-rail is horizontally and vertically adjustable.
- ABB. Produces several series of electrical cabinets - without or with frames and doors. Switchboards have a row spacing of 125-150 mm, steel frames and sashes, are equipped with holders on which the electrical wiring is attached.
The products of the presented brands comply with GOST, are distinguished by their quality and reliability.
Installation and instrument requirements
The purpose of installing an electrical switchboard is to ensure electrical safety, therefore, when selecting and installing it, you need to pay attention to the requirements of GOST 51778-2001 and PUE:
- the product must be accompanied by documents with a detailed description, an indication of the rated current;
- an electrical safety sign with a voltage limit is applied to the body;
- a high-quality shield is made of non-combustible materials - heat-resistant plastic or polymer-coated metal;
- cables for connecting household appliances must be marked;
- the designation of buses, grounding and neutral terminal blocks is carried out in accordance with the rules of the PUE;
- the doors and the body of the electrical panel must be grounded;
- there are special places on the doors for the installation of seals;
- to protect against child access, a lock is placed on the flap.
The GOST states that the panel board machines are connected with the help of special busbars-combs.
Installation of electrical equipment is carried out near the front door of the apartment in a special niche. If it is impossible to equip it, an external box is attached to the wall or the wall is channeled. The device is placed at a height of 1.5 m from the floor line. The row of top machines should be at eye level. In wooden buildings, hinged models with good dust and moisture resistance are preferable.
