What is a Distribution Board and How Does It Work?

One of the most essential parts of electrical systems is the distribution board, which is known by several other names, such as an electrical panel or breaker panel. It serves as the main hub that distributes energy to different circuits around a building after receiving it from the main supply. The distribution board shields the entire electrical system from major incidents, such as overloads or short circuits, by providing a safe and equitable means of allocating power to the rest of the electrical components by using circuit breakers or fuses. Maintaining a safe and effective electrical system in homes and businesses requires an understanding of distribution boards and their components.

In this blog, we will discover the components that create the entire distribution board and the importance of installing a distribution board.

What is a Distribution Board?

You must have understood briefly what is distribution board? A distribution board (DB) is a crucial component in electrical systems. It divides electrical power into subsidiary circuits. DB houses protective devices like circuit breakers or fuses. It safeguards the system from overloads and faults. DB ensures safe operation within homes, offices, or industrial setups by accurate distribution of power.

Components of a Distribution Board

Especially in residential areas distribution boards are considered as an essential component. It is in charge of keeping the energy flowing steadily throughout the house in different electrical appliances. It is made up of many electrical components. Before dispersing the electrical feed to breakers and specific circuits, it gathers it from the main supply cables.

To operate at a minimal optimal level, the distribution board requires certain components. Let’s look at some of the significant distribution board parts that are crucial for the functioning of a distribution board.

Residual Current Device

On a circuit, residual current devices or RCDs are fitted for safety and accident prevention. RCDs constantly keep an eye on the live circuit to ensure there are no current leaks by measuring the amount of electricity entering and exiting the circuit. The current leaks can be fatal and pose serious health hazards.

Bus Bars

Bus bars are a crucial component in the process of distributing electricity from the main source of the electricity supply line to numerous individual circuits. It is made up of a metallic bar or strip with several conductors. The bus bar draws power from the primary supply cord.

Bypass Equipment

If the in-line circuit fails or is removed for upkeep and servicing, bypass equipment serves as a fail-safe to guarantee a steady supply of energy to electrical appliances. A manually controlled switch that is put across the circuit makes up the bypass equipment.

Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are devices that automatically safeguard electrical circuits. They guard against electrical damage to equipment during electrical surges and restrict the amount of power that may pass through a wire in an electrical circuit at any given point in time. They also offer protection against mishaps like electrocutions and electrical fires. The circuit breakers automatically trip in response to an abnormally high electrical flow, breaking the circuit and cutting off the supply of power.

Isolators

Isolators are manually operated devices that cut off certain circuit segments. They are primarily used by electricians to switch off the current in the distribution board, enabling them to perform maintenance tasks without risking an electrical shock or damaging the circuit.

Mechanism of a Distribution Board

A nearby power plant produces electricity, which is then sent through wires to a power distribution board. The distribution panel of your house, apartment block, or business space is connected to the main distribution board, so electricity is seamlessly delivered to various parts of urban or rural areas. Furthermore, to deliver power to a residence, the main distribution board divides this flow into several smaller circuits.

The distribution board has an individual electrical input feed-connected uniform power hub. To distribute this electricity to various consumption sites, it is further directed into tiny circuit breakers or fuses. A three-phase distribution board controls the electricity to linked appliances via wire connections and features a single—and double-pole MCB as well as an RCD (residual current device).

Types of Distribution Board

Depending on various parameters, the distribution board can be classified into multiple categories. Here is a list of types of distribution boards that are easily available in the market.

Fuse Boxes

Because they are reasonably priced, they are widely installed in homes and offices. It functions as a consumer device that distributes and controls all of the power that it gets from the main distribution board to the remaining secondary circuits. Sections such as the main switch, residual current devices, and many more can be practically separated from one another within the fuse box. It is often placed in a prominent spot inside the structure, where it can be quickly reached during the situation of an emergency.

Main Breaker Panel

One of the most often utilised types of house stabilisers is the main breaker panel. These types of distribution boards can monitor the amperage power passing through the circuits and are efficient at safeguarding the secondary electrical circuits. Depending on the needs of the connected item, they assist in determining the flow of electricity inside an electrical circuit. Additionally, the power breakers that are installed with the main distribution board also help to prevent a circuit from being overheated.

Subpanels

One reason subpanel electrical distribution boards are widely installed in numerous residential areas is their safety. Subpanels are easier to handle and have a smaller design. They are typically attached to the main distribution board in the house. The subpanel facilitates power transmission to various areas of the house, ensuring each electrical component performs at its optimal performance.

Main Lug Panel

Essentially situated underneath the primary circuit breaker panel, this type of distribution board is a sub-panel designed to expand the circuit count. The primary input wires in the main lug panel are connected straight to the lugs. When in operation, it may distribute the main circuit breaker panel's load to accommodate the growing electricity demand.

Importance of a Distribution Board

Other than distributing electricity to numerous electrical circuits in a town there are numerous advantages of an electrical main distribution board. Here are some of the additional benefits of a distribution board.

• An electrical main distribution board has the potential to establish a well-organised and regulated power structure. They have several compartments or slots and each one is devoted to a different circuit. This makes the maintenance of the distribution board more effective by making it simple to identify and isolate problematic circuits. To further improve safety and use, distribution boards frequently have distinct labelling and indicators for each circuit.
• The most significant purpose of a distribution board is to provide a safe electrical atmosphere. It is usually made of fire-resistant materials which are designed to withstand electrical arcing and extreme temperatures. Furthermore, distribution boards that include residual current devices can assist in preventing electrical shocks and fires.
• They act as a primary electrical power distribution point in a structure. They transfer electricity to various circuits around the building after receiving it from the main distribution board. The implementation of a centralised strategy facilitates effective power management and guarantees the timely delivery of electricity to the designated locations.
• Distribution boards provide expandability and flexibility as electrical demands change over time. They are available in a variety of sizes and layouts, making it simple to add or modify circuits as required. This adaptability is especially useful in commercial or industrial buildings where equipment updates, expansions, or restorations may alter the entire electrical demand.
• The ability to protect an electrical circuit is one of the primary purposes of an electrical main distribution board. To guard against overloading or short circuits, each circuit is fitted with fuses or circuit breakers. The circuit breakers immediately trip in the case of a malfunction or high current flow. Hence, the power is turned off, which prevents the flow of electricity in that particular circuit, avoiding damage to wiring, appliances and the electrical system as a whole.

What are Distribution Boards Used for?

• Power Distribution: It distributes electrical power to different circuits within a building. Distribution boards serve as the central hub for electrical power distribution. They take electricity from the main supply and distribute it to various circuits. These circuits power different rooms, appliances, and devices. This ensures an organized and efficient supply of electricity throughout residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.
• Protection: It ensures safety by using fuses and circuit breakers. Distribution boards provide protection against electrical hazards such as short circuits, overloads, and power surges. The circuit breaker trips or the fuse blows when a fault occurs. This results in cutting off the power supply and preventing potential damage to appliances, wiring, and people.
• Isolation: It allows the disconnection of circuits for maintenance or safety. Distribution boards allow specific circuits to be isolated for maintenance or repair work. Electricians can turn off power to a particular area without disrupting the entire electrical system. This ensures safety during electrical inspections, repairs, or upgrades.
• Efficiency: It improves the performance of electrical systems by managing the flow of electricity. Distribution boards help optimize energy usage. They prevent unnecessary power wastage, reduce voltage fluctuations, and ensure the stable operation of electrical appliances.

How does a Distribution Board work?

• Power Input: Receives electrical supply from a main source. A distribution board receives electrical power from the main supply. This incoming power is then regulated and prepared for distribution to various circuits within a building.
• Distribution: Channels electricity to different circuits as needed. The board channels electricity to different circuits based on the power requirements of different areas. It ensures an organized flow of electricity to prevent overload on any single circuit.
• Protection: Breakers or fuses disconnect circuits during faults to prevent damage. Fuses and circuit breakers within the distribution board act as protective devices. These devices automatically disconnect the power supply if a circuit experiences an overload, short circuit, or fault. This prevents damage to appliances and reduces fire hazards.
• Control: Allows manual control to shut off electrical power if necessary. The distribution board allows manual control over electrical circuits. It enables users to switch off power to specific circuits for maintenance, troubleshooting, or emergencies without shutting down the entire electrical system.

Also Read: What Are Digital Panel Meters? Types Use And Applications

Conclusion

To sum up, a distribution board guarantees the effective and safe distribution of electricity throughout a structure, making it a crucial component of any electrical system. You can appreciate its purpose in terms of precautionary measures and versatile functionality by knowing its parts and its working mechanism. Maintaining the lifespan of your electrical infrastructure and preventing electrical problems need routine maintenance and meticulous care of the distribution board. A dependable and secure electrical environment is created depending upon the attention that is provided to the distribution board.

If you are interested in creating a safe and secure electrical environment, then you should check the several options of distribution boards available at Lauritz Knudsen (Formerly L&T Switchgear) Smartshop. The main distribution boards are built with cutting-edge technology to guarantee maximum performance and safety. We provide durable, dependable, and simple-to-install main distribution boards as part of our dedication to quality and innovation.

FAQs

Q1. How does a distribution board protect against electrical faults?

Ans: Distribution boards protect electrical systems. They incorporate fuses and circuit breakers that disconnect the circuit in case of overloads or faults. These boards prevent damage to wiring and devices.

Q2. What is the purpose of a distribution board in electrical systems?

Ans: The electrical distribution board safely distributes electrical power. It also offers protection from faults. Hence, a DB ensures that the system operates efficiently and securely.

Q3. What are the safety features of a distribution board?

Ans: Distribution boards are equipped with protective devices. These are devices like fuses and circuit breakers to prevent overloads, short circuits, and electrical faults. They maintain safety in electrical systems.

Q4. What maintenance is required for a distribution board?

Ans: Regular inspections, cleaning, and checking of connections are essential for maintaining a distribution board. Ensure the fuses and circuit breakers are functioning correctly for safety.

Q5. What is the function of Distribution Boards?

Ans: Distribution boards distribute electrical power to various circuits. They protect the system from electrical faults. DBs ensure safe and reliable operation.

Q6. Can a distribution board be used for both residential and commercial applications?

Ans: Distribution boards are used in both residential and commercial settings. They manage electrical power distribution. These boards also ensure the safety of the electrical systems.

Q7. What is the role of a residual current device (RCD) in a distribution board?

Ans: An RCD in a distribution board detects leakage currents. It disconnects the circuit. As a result, an RCD provides protection against electric shocks and prevents electrical hazards.