Electrical distribution boards are key components in the electrical field. They help control, protect and distribute electrical power in various environments, from homes to industrial plants. What should you remember before choosing an electrical distribution board? When to choose surface-mounted distribution boards and when to choose flush-mounted models?
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Where is the best place to place an electrical switchboard?
The location of the electrical switchboard is important both from the point of view of safety and ease of operation of the installation and the efficiency of the energy supply to power individual devices.
When choosing an electrical switchboard, several factors must be taken into account. The first is, of course, safety. The switchboard should be located in a dry place, away from sources of moisture. This will avoid the risk of damage to electrical devices and provide users with protection against accidental electric shock. It is also necessary to maintain an appropriate distance from gas pipes.
Another important aspect is the ease of access to the switchboard. It is of great importance in the event of a failure, fire or other emergency situations, and significantly improves inspection work. Therefore, the electrical switchboard should be placed in a place that is easily accessible to the personnel responsible for repairs and maintenance. It is recommended to place it at a height of 1.1 m to 1.85 m above the floor. This ensures convenient access while avoiding the need to use ladders or platforms.
The location of the electrical switchboard is regulated by standards. They specify the minimum distances from other objects and the communication space around it. According to the regulations, a communication path of at least 1.2 m wide must be left in front of the switchboard. It is not recommended to place it above the stairs. The distance between the floor and the upper edge of the electrical switchboard housing cannot exceed 2 m. A distance of 30-40 cm should be maintained between the wall of the switchboard and the wall. This will allow for easy opening of the door and access to the switches inside. Additionally, the electrical switchboard should not be placed in the corner of the room - a minimum of 30 cm of free space should be left around it.
Which is better to choose: Flush-mounted or surface-mounted distribution board?
Another important aspect to consider when choosing the type of electrical switchboard is the way it is built. The use of a flush-mounted or surface-mounted switchboard should depend on the specifics of the electrical installation in the building, the place of installation, the level of expansion of the installation and the preferences of users. Both types of switchboards have their unique features and advantages, while safety and efficiency of operation are the same. However, each of them is used in slightly different cases. Which one to choose?
A flush-mounted plastic switchboard is an ideal solution when the aesthetics of the interior are of great importance and the design requires the least visible elements of equipment. They are mounted inside the wall, making them almost invisible and saving space. It is worth noting, however, that the installation of a flush-mounted switchboard can be more time-consuming and requires careful preparation of the wall, which can affect the installation costs.
The most important advantage of surface-mounted distribution boards is the ease with which they are installed. They are in the form of a box and are installed outside the wall, which eliminates the need to adapt it. Their design means that installation does not require complicated preparatory work. An important advantage is the fact that their contents are easily accessible. This facilitates maintenance and possible repairs.
Which switchboard is worth choosing depends mainly on individual needs and preferences. Flush-mounted switchboards are a great solution if we care about the aesthetics of the interior and the investment implementation time is not limited. In turn, a plastic surface-mounted switchboard is a solution that is chosen for its exceptional ease of installation.
Check out the electrical switchboards at the Onninen wholesaler
How to connect an electrical switchboard?
For the proper functioning of the electrical installation, the correct assembly of the switchboard is of great importance. To avoid problems at the assembly stage, it is necessary to assess the number of devices installed in it and thus the number of modules. Switchboards are available in various configurations, so you can easily choose a model tailored to the specifics of a specific installation.
Installing a surface-mounted metal switchboard is a relatively simple process. You just need to make sure that the switchboard is mounted firmly and securely, and that all the wires are properly connected. In the case of a flush-mounted switchboard, the installation process can be more complicated. The switchboard is mounted in the wall, which requires the appropriate preparation of the opening under it.
Power inputs in switchboards can take various forms. In most models currently available on the market, these are bushings. To run cables through them, you have to break off the plugs. Individual devices are installed on a TS35 DIN rail. Thanks to this, their mounting is trouble-free - just place the upper edge of the device housing on the rail and then press the lower one.
What is worth installing in the switchboard?
Electrical switchboards are advanced components, adapted to the needs of modern installations. It is worth considering the variety of devices for which they are intended to be installed. These can include:
- circuit breakers : these are the basic elements of protection against overloads and short circuits in the electrical installation. Depending on the needs of the designer and users, they can be used at various levels, from individual circuits to main switches for the entire installation;
- surge protectors : their purpose is to protect against surges. They protect devices from damage due to sudden voltage changes;
- differential circuit breakers : provide protection against electric shock and detect incorrect operation of the electrical installation;
- voltage converters : used to adjust the voltage according to the needs of a specific installation;
- automation modules : allow for remote control of various electrical devices that buildings are equipped with. Remember that in the future their number in homes and commercial buildings will constantly increase;
- fuse sockets for fuse links;
- measuring components : energy consumption meters, ammeters and voltmeters, which allow monitoring and controlling installation parameters.
Electrical switchboards in the Onninen wholesaler
The selection of the right switchboard significantly affects the convenience of using the electrical installation, its efficiency and safety. Therefore, you should only choose high-quality products. You can find such switchboards in the Onninen electrical wholesaler . Using our offer, you can buy, among others, the Sabaj Street Box RACK 18U RAL 7035 IP65 outdoor switchboard cabinet. Thanks to the insulation with an insulating mat and a high degree of IP 65, it can be safely used outside buildings, and the large dimensions (600x600x940 mm) and load capacity up to 800 kg allow you to place a large number of devices in it.
The Karwasz UNI SYSTEM 750-1450-250 L surface-mounted distribution board is equipped with 2 TH-35 Eurorails and can accommodate up to 72 S-type protections. The full door closed with a patent lock guarantees excellent protection against unauthorised access, and the IP 30 protection class ensures sufficient tightness for internal use.
The Legrand XL3 S 160 6X36 flush-mounted metal distribution board offers space for 216 modules in five rows. It also allows expansion, which is of great importance in electrical installations requiring more protection and expanding it with additional functions. The IP30 degree of protection guarantees a sufficient level of safety.
The installation of an electrical switchboard is an important stage in the process of building or modernizing the electrical installation in a building. Choosing the right location, type of switchboard and devices installed in it is of great importance for ensuring the safety and efficiency of energy supplies. Therefore, models of unproven quality or not adapted to the given application should not be used.
Check out the electrical switchboards at the Onninen wholesaler