Distributive shield: characteristics and mounting

The distribution board is an introductory electrical device for distributing energy in a room of any purpose, for example, in private domains or in production, under the condition of a voltage of more than 1000 W.

Kinds

In equipping any devices, there are always clamps for installing both the instruments 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. For their operation, automatic circuit breakers are required , whose functions also include a complete power outage if there is a need for this.

The main device in the building or a separate apartment carries out the introduction and ramification of energy. It should be noted that it can be used as a counting device, while the latter functions in the presence of a zero dead-ground wire. The main task is to prevent current leakage and voltage drops.

The floor and apartment mechanisms are similar to the group ones for the purpose. Consuming groups in this case are individual apartments or electrical appliances available in the room.

Housing

To the shield of any kind all requirements and technological features are established by GOST. Given the specific operation of the devices, they must have a high degree of protection against fire. As the basis for the body are materials that are resistant to melting and capable of carrying 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 voltage surges of up to 2500 W. Closed-type variants are resistant to impact and mechanical loads.

Structural differences

The switchboard electrical 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 to protect the cottage. Floor devices have large dimensions, and as it becomes clear from the name, they are fixed on the floor.

Also, there are portable devices that are used by specialists for trips. They have characteristics similar to conventional mechanisms, and are connected through automatic machines. The indicator light provides the detection of the voltage in the mains.

Features of the installation

The installation of the switchboard requires the preliminary drawing up of a circuit, the choice of wiring used, the definition of protective equipment, automatics 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 capacity of energy consumers that are available in the 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 not possible 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 when a large amount of equipment is used simultaneously and guests or relatives arrive. The lighting deserves special attention, since, depending on the conditions of the given load, a suitable cable with the required cross-section is selected.

The disconnection can be carried out by several options: "star", "loop", boxed or individually created view. The number of wires withdrawn is dependent on the existing wiring, it can reach up to 20-30 pieces. In this case, the method of disconnection is selected in accordance with the available energy consumers and their location. For some devices characterized by high consumption, separate RCDs are installed.

Other differences

The distribution board can be designed for both indoor and outdoor installation. External characteristics do not affect the functional and are selected in accordance with personal preferences and general design. The body can be made of metal or plastic, equipped with a transparent or opaque door.

External installation devices are suitable for reinforced concrete wall structures, since they do not require the creation of holes. Embedded options are optimal for plasterboard partitions. The number of installed instruments in the shield affects its dimensions, and they must correspond to the width of the existing module.

Installing the switchboard

Screws and dowels-nails are used for mounting on external walls. They can also be used to fix the inner box with additional fixation with an alabaster mixture or glue on a gypsum base.

Posting is done after the device is secured, as well as installing the necessary equipment.

The distribution switchboard in the house, having a din-reiki, differs with special convenience. Some models are equipped with special elements for fixing them, and after mounting special internal clips are placed on the back side. On the din-racks, it is also possible to fix the counter, the screws or screws are used when there is a special place for it.

The installation of circuit breakers does not require special skills: they are fixed on the rail until a characteristic click appears, indicating a tight fixation. If you need to remove any existing element, use a screwdriver to pull out the tab of the machine and remove it from the attachment point.

What you need to know

Before starting the installation, you must obtain permission from the power supply service. The best option would be to carry out work under the supervision of a representative of public services. If an installation is found in an unsuitable place, an electrician must be called up, he will check the correctness, the quality of the connection, and seal the counter. All organizational aspects should be resolved on time, otherwise a fine may be imposed.

Types of installed meters are regulated by the organization providing electricity. In this case, the values indicated on the device must not be exceeded.

The connection of the devices entering into the design does not cause complications, it is only necessary to observe the accuracy and conduct the work in accordance with the scheme. By installing the switchboard, It is undesirable to hurry with its connection, it is important to make sure of the correct execution of all actions and connections.

Wiring

For some wires, it may not be necessary to ground, these are usually those that provide the operation of lighting devices. When indoor fluorescent lamps with grounding contacts are used, it is necessary to connect the common ground bus to the conductor, and also to connect the three-wire wire.

The incoming cable and the wiring leading to the supply zones are connected after connecting the equipment. It is worth noting the convenience of designating the designation of a device on each of them. Some devices are equipped with special windows, in their absence, you can put marks on the lid of the inner part of the structure. The switchboard is switched on after all operations have been carried out with the help of a general switch. Further, through the indicator, the reliability of the power supply on each wire is checked.

Recommendations

The use of one RCD is undesirable for several devices of different purposes, united in one group, since the failure of one of them can lead to the closure of the other. The premises will be divided into different zones with the presence of their own RCDs, when selecting the latter, it is preferable to give a preference to the mechanical version rather than the electronic one, 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 distributive shield 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 financial justified. In the absence of powerful equipment in the house, it is possible to supply several automatic devices for one RCD.