What’s The Use Of A Power Distribution Board?
Power distribution is an important component pertaining to any electrical system in every configuration, the residential, commercial as well as industrial ones. If you wish to know what a Power Distribution Board is and how this works, continue reading. In this blog, features, working, along the need for a distribution board are discussed.
What is a Power Distribution Board?
A power distribution board is known as an electrical distribution board or simply a distribution board which is used in the distribution of electrical power within circuits in a building or a facility. It has the role of distributing current from the main supply circuit and transmitting it to other circuits within the building.
Its parts are circuit breakers, fuses and sometimes relays that protect the electrical circuits and are a part of the distribution board. The main distribution board is usually installed where the electricity supply service is connected in the facility so that the electricity supply is properly and safely delivered to all parts of the building.
Uses of Distribution Board
The main duty of a power distribution board is to distribute electrical power to circuits in a building or facility. Here are some key uses of a distribution board:
- Power Management: It manages the amount of power that is needed by electrical appliances and different systems within circuits that are established by this factor.
- Safety: Another key function that is mainly achieved through a distribution board is the prevention of electrical circuits from overloading or developing short circuits. The circuit breakers and fuses on the board ensure isolation of electrical power in the incidence of a fault in an effort to protect electrical appliances from damage and fire.
- Isolation: The distribution board will allow the fixing of circuits that need repairs or changing without the need to fix all other circuits. This means that certain parts of the building could be served with electricity to allow repairmen to work on them easily, as compared to a large electrical system that would require a lot of time to work on.
- Load Distribution: It reduces instances of overloading of current circuits and enhances the efficiency of the electrical distribution system in reaction to the implemented distribution board design.
How Does Power Distribution Board Work?
Undoubtedly, now you want to know more about how does a power distribution board work. Let's explain it.
The function of a power distribution board can be fully explained, which increases one’s understanding of its significance in electrical systems. Power is first introduced into the structure through the supply circuit, which is connected to the building. From there, this power is redistributed to the main distribution board where it is then further subdivided to circuits that supply various sections of the building.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how an electrical distribution board function:
- Incoming Power Supply: The power distribution board gets electrical power directly from a main power source which can be from the national grid, a generator or any other source of power. The main electrical supply is switched to the board through the main supply switch that regulates the general flow of power into the building.
- Main Circuit Breaker: When the power enters the distribution board, the main circuit breaker is one that the power must go through. This breaker is used and comes in handy when there are power surges such as those caused by faults. It safeguards the whole electrical system in regard to current surges and interruptions with abilities to safeguard against overload or short circuits.
- Busbars: The electricity then goes into units called busbars. These are basically metallic strips or bars that take electricity within the distribution board. The busbars conduct the electrical power to the various circuit breakers that are tapped on the different circuits of the building.
- Circuit Breakers: Every circuit that is installed in a given building is associated with a circuit breaker in the distribution board. These breakers regulate the amount of power for each circuit that it handles. For instance, if an overload or short circuit happens in the circuit, the circuit breaker is taken out, thereby cutting the power supply to reduce dangers and damage.
- Outgoing Circuits: The circuit breakers are wired to the outgoing circuits that distribute electrical supplies all over the building, namely lighting, sockets, and devices. These circuits provide power to the intended portions of the building so that every sector within the structure gets the supply of power required.
- Protection and Control: During this process the distribution board oversees the flow of electricity in order to provide power to homes and businesses safely and in the best manner possible. Besides, the components of the board, for instance, fuses and relays, offer extra security by automatically adjusting to electrical abnormalities.
Why a Proper Layout of the Electrical Circuit at the Distribution Board is Necessary?
An electrical distribution board can be referred to as the backbone of any electrical system, hence calling for a well designed. Here’s why:
- Safety: Electricity is a word every human being is conversant with, but when it comes to handling it, the major issue is always safety, and the board is the starting point when it comes to electrical safety. A good board layout should incorporate the right circuit breakers, fuses or any protective devices to avoid being a danger toward electricity faults.
- Efficiency: Overloading is a huge factor that can lead to many problems, and therefore, it is important to ensure that all portions of a building get the appropriate power supply. A correctly developed distribution board plan will help to distribute the load of different circuits efficiently meaning that there will be an efficiency of the electrical systems.
- Scalability: The electrical loads of structures and establishments tend to expand as the size of the structures and facilities they serve also expand. A professionally designed distribution board should have provisions that allow other circuits to be incorporated, and they should not affect those already in use.
- Reliability: A good board means there will be reliability in power distribution and, therefore, fewer cases of electrical complications.
- Convenience: Often, features such as remote monitoring and control are incorporated into the modern distribution boards, which makes it easy to manage the electrical system. This is particularly the case where there is a large building or facility where energy management is always a key factor.
Also Read: What is a Distribution Board and How Does It Work?
Conclusion
To sum up, the power distribution board is an essential unit of the electrical circuit that operates the distribution of power within a building sensibly. Starting with load management to the protection against electrical faults, the distribution board holds substantial responsibilities in residential, commercial, as well as industrial areas.
Thus, it is possible to understand how a distribution board function and estimate its significance for ensuring safety and stability in electrical systems. In any case, it is always recommended to acquire a good distribution board if you are implementing a brand-new system from scratch or if you are renewing your current system, guaranteeing that the board will be safe, efficient, and durable in the long run.
While choosing the right distribution board should be done carefully, one needs to consider the current distribution board requirements in the market, which need to be met to conform to certain set safety standards in the building. The distribution board also has the added functionality of safeguarding your electrical system while offering the versatility and dependability required for your building’s power requirements. Shop online from Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation for the best quality boards.
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