The design of a 3-phase switchboard and its connection requires appropriate preparation and knowledge of the basic parameters necessary for its implementation. What do you need to know and where to start?
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What installation parameters do you need to know to start designing a 3-phase switchboard?
Work on a 3-phase switchboard can begin with the appropriate knowledge of the parameters of such an installation. Before drawing up a diagram, it is necessary to determine what the purpose of such an installation will be. The most important information is whether the switchboard will be used in a residential building, office building, or industrial facility, and what type of devices will operate in the designed installation.
Depending on where such an electrical installation will operate, an appropriate power supply system must be selected. The diagram should in particular specify the method of protection against electric shock, as well as the routing of protective and neutral wires.
When designing a three-phase installation, basic electrical parameters must be taken into account, such as: supply voltage, connection power, rated installation current, receiver load and load characteristics.
The safety parameters are also very important. In this case, the following should be taken into account: the short-circuit current at the installation site, the type and characteristics of overcurrent circuit breakers, and the use of differential circuit breakers.
Correct preparation of a three-phase switchboard diagram also requires determining the number and type of circuits. In particular, the number of single- and three-phase receivers operating in the installation must be determined. In addition, the type of lighting, number of single- and three-phase sockets must be determined for each circuit. It is very important to determine whether special devices, such as boilers or pumps, will operate in the circuits.
When planning a 3-phase switchboard, you also need to take into account the environmental conditions, especially when making an outdoor switchboard - it must be particularly resistant to moisture and water. For indoor and outdoor switchboards, it is necessary to determine the degree of protection against moisture, dust, dirt and temperature. It is important that the 3-phase switchboard is durable and resistant to mechanical damage.
When designing a switchboard, care must be taken to ensure its proper protection. Therefore, the diagram must include fire protection, surge protection, and fire protection elements.
How to start prefabrication of a 3-phase switchboard project?
The prefabrication process always begins with very precise planning of the individual stages of operation. Once the project is prepared, it is important that the implementation proceeds in accordance with its assumptions. The electrical installation diagram specifies the exact arrangement of individual devices and their connections, and also indicates the existing electrical circuits.
In the design process, the devices used are indicated, along with their technical parameters. Depending on this, the dimensions of the switchboard are also provided, in particular the number of DIN modules.
The installation diagram allows you to determine the necessary elements and their preparation before the installation begins. Typically, you need:
- safety elements (circuit breakers and surge arresters);
- cables, as well as connectors, rails;
- housings providing adequate IP protection;
- protective elements;
- mounting accessories.
Once all the necessary elements for the project have been gathered, the workspace must also be prepared accordingly. It is important to ensure that all the necessary tools and personal protective equipment are available. Working with electricity requires special attention and caution.
The assembly process begins with the proper arrangement of individual elements inside the housing. After installing the DIN rail, the devices must be arranged in the housing, in accordance with the design assumptions. Particular attention must be paid to the order of circuits and maintaining an appropriate distance from cooling. The electrical switchboard requires the installation of protections, including a main switch and other elements provided for in the design.
In the next stage of the electrical installation in the switchboard, the appropriate cabling is prepared. The aesthetic arrangement of the electrical installation wires will facilitate future maintenance of the system.
Best Practices in Designing 3-Phase Electrical Switchboard Schemes
The building switchboard should be made in accordance with the accepted standards. In electrical installations, each wire has a specific color scheme, so that every electrician can easily determine which cable is responsible for what. According to the adopted nomenclature, the phase wire can have the following colors: black (L1), brown (L2) and gray (L3). In turn, the neutral wire (N) is blue. The protective wire (PE) is yellow-green. Such markings are the basics of electricity that must be followed.
The preparation of the diagram and its implementation should be based on a thorough analysis of the needs, based on which the parameters for the elements and devices that will be connected are selected. It is worth considering not only current but also future needs and selecting switchboards and enclosures that allow for expansion in the future. To connect a 3-phase switchboard, elements compliant with applicable safety standards should be used.