Everything You Need To Know When Selecting A Distribution Board For Home

What is a Distribution Board?

A Distribution Board is also called a panel Board, breaker panel or electrical panel. The distribution board plays a crucial constituent for any commercial or residential entity in the electricity supply system. For safety reasons, it is enclosed in a box called a fuse box.

A power distribution board enables the distribution of electrical power supply into different circuits while providing a protective fuse for each circuit.

In other words, the distribution board or fuse board is the electrical epicenter of your home. As it’s the place where the leading cable supply enters it and then via breakers, they get distributed into secondary circuits, such as lights and plugs.

A fuse board is also called Consumer Unit, designed to cut off the power supply to the circuits if there is an overload or short circuit. Also, if there’s any fault detected, the fuse box switch will trip and move into the downwards ‘off’ position.

Usage

Distribution boards are generally the house of the main switches, circuit breakers, plugs, earth leakage unit, bus bars, bypass equipment and other fuse switches.

1. Electrical Distribution-

The main house from where you can distribute all the secondary or subsidiary electrical supplies to different sections of the house/building.

2. Electrical Security-

It helps safeguard the distribution system and connected electrical systems from getting damaged due to faults such as overload, earth leakage, and short circuits.

Location

Distribution boards are usually installed in hidden areas or on the way out of the location. You will usually find it under the stairs, basements, or garage, mainly due to security and unattractiveness reasons.

However, it is crucial to be attentive during the installation of the distribution board, as the location must have proper ventilation to avoid overheating the unit.

Also, keep in mind to install it not more than 2200 mm above the floor as you must also be able to promptly access it if there’s an emergency, such as short circuits or fire, where you will need to switch off the mains immediately.

Types

Distribution boards are available in various types, including flush-mounted and surface mounted, with both single and double door options. These days you get distribution boards by not only technical requirements but also per home decoration so that it can blend in easily. They are also made based on usage, amperage and location.

1. Single Door Distribution Board:

A single door distribution board is used for simplistic application. It is available in 4-way, 8-way, and 16-way configurations. It is usually installed for residential bungalows and small spaces.

2. Double Door Distribution Board:

A double door distribution board is installed for heavy-duty operations and an expanded number of applications and connections. These are mainly used for commercial use.

For the best outcome, efficiency, usage and safety purposes, it is advisable to get a distribution board enclosed in a safety box, called a fuse box.

Safety Tips

Warning Indications

Placing a warning sign on the distribution board’s door will help to prevent people from negligently touching hazardous components.

Dangerous Symptoms

You must watch out if you sense a burning smell from the distribution panel as it might be a fire hazard to your house. Also, you will need a replacement if the circuit breakers keep tripping, as that would mean your board is damaged.

To know more about distribution boards, visit IndoAsian today!

Recent Post