In the preparation of electrical installations, not only precision is important, but also the need to comply with specific standards. Designing switchboards is not easy, especially since there are major challenges related to the efficiency of their work. Safety plays a key role here. Today we will tell you about the latest trends in designing and assembling switchboards.
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Legal basis for electrical switchboard designs: Standard PN-EN IEC 61439
The electrical switchboard is a very important element of the electrical network, which contains devices and components. Preparation of current requires a combination of distribution of electrical circuits, as well as control of protective and regulatory devices. In order to achieve maximum user safety, each electrical switchboard must meet the PN-EN IEC 61439 standard. It shows how to build a switchboard that works efficiently. At the same time, it will work perfectly in a single-family home.
Designers have new challenges, how to make electrical switchboards in a simple way in a single-family home. To comply with this standard, it is necessary to use low-voltage control panels. First, you need to determine the switchboard parameters. In the next step, you need to use a checklist, using the appropriate group of parameters here. This applies to, for example, electrical circuits, as well as the switchboard cables and its structure. The design of the entire circuit is also of great importance.
The type of power supply for the set, the amount of rated current of the receiving circuit should be determined. It is also necessary to determine the operating current and calculate power losses. Determining the rated simultaneity factor is also of great importance for the functionality and safety of the household members. The switchboard should be functional. The arrangement of components is also important for the integration of the entire process. The rated voltage of the set cannot exceed 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC. Such a set will work well both in the generation and transmission or distribution of electrical energy.
How to calculate the demand of an electrical switchboard?
When designing an installation, you need to look for solutions that will provide the highest level of safety. The external electrical switchboard plays a very important role here. Of course, you need to choose it based on the demand for electrical power. In residential construction, the typical demand is between 10 and 15 kW. It is also necessary to determine what electrical equipment will be used. It is also important that when using heating devices such as water heaters, you have to take into account twice the demand.
At the same time, since the 1990s, most people have owned various types of equipment. Since the beginning of the 21st century, we have been buying even more products that consume electricity. We are talking about coffee machines, fryers and food processors. This means that design standards are also changing, so it may turn out that in the future, more power distribution boards will be necessary. People with houses built before 1990 need to modernize them. New cables and various types of sockets must be used. Currently, it is believed that the demand is at least 15 kW.
It is also worth using protections, such as differential protection devices, overcurrent circuit breakers in receiving circuits, and surge protection devices. Properly selected modular equipment also plays an important role. Namely, it protects the electrical installation and devices connected to it, both against short circuits and overloads. The switchboard can accommodate up to 40 modules. It is worth choosing a size of the switchboard that will allow for the expansion of the network and electrical installation if necessary. Therefore, the switchboard should be about 30% larger than the demand.
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Calculation of quantitative elements in the composition of the switchboard
Installations should be designed to provide comfort, but also safety and a sense of aesthetics. It is important to remember how important it is to calculate the quantitative elements in the composition of the switchboard. Ready-made boards to which the cables are connected certainly work very well. The size of the switchboard in a standard single-family house ranges from 24 to 36 modules. Of course, in theory, the installer can make a switchboard from individual elements, but the process of making it is definitely more difficult and time-consuming.
Problems may arise already at the design stage, so in order to avoid a power outage, it is necessary to use properly selected switchboards, so that the number of elements is not too small, because in such a case the convenience of use decreases. The 3-phase electrical switchboard , which has 3 rows, is certainly worth attention. It can have up to 36 modules and a three-phase power supply. It will work very well in single-family homes.
What site conditions should be taken into account when designing an electrical switchboard?
Solar energy is increasingly used, for example thanks to photovoltaic panels. With the growing demand for energy, it is necessary to produce electricity from ecological sources. At the same time, for the reliability of the installation, as well as its high functionality, it is still necessary to use switchboards. The rooms must meet certain standards. The switchboard should be located in a dry place and away from potential sources of moisture.
This avoids the risk of damaging electrical devices. In addition, there is no accidental electric shock. It is also necessary to maintain an appropriate distance from gas and water pipes. Access to it should be very easy. The space should also be well lit. If you intend to place the electrical switchboard in the boiler room or outside, remember that in such a case its housing must meet the most restrictive quality standards.
It should be even more protected against external damage, as well as dust or moisture. It should meet the IP 65 standard. You can also build the switchboard, for example, in a wall separating apartments. Flush-mounted switchboards are also an interesting solution. These are devices that allow energy to be supplied to all elements of the building. At the same time, aesthetics are valued above all in this type of switchboard.
What equipment should be included in a home switchboard?
Electrical equipment in the switchboard allows for checking individual circuits, but also controlling them and protecting sections of the installation. The equipment of the switchboard is important. Namely, in accordance with Polish law, a home switchboard should contain: overcurrent circuit breakers, surge arresters, differential circuit breakers. The reception part itself must be carried out taking into account the TN-S system. Distribution and measuring devices, as well as signaling elements are also important.
Selection of the number of circuits in the electrical switchboard
Many people wonder how many circuits should be in an electrical switchboard. If you find a good installer, they will select the right number of circuits for both the switchboard and your needs. The standard number of circuits should not be less than 2. At the same time, separate circuits should also be used for kitchens, public areas, and those with high power consumption. We mean air conditioning or heat pumps. Up to three, maximum four circuits should be used per fuse, which also improves safety. The need to meet high quality standards ensures great comfort and safety for years.
Electrical switchboards in the Onninen wholesaler
It is worth choosing high-quality electrical distribution boards in the Onninen wholesaler. The Onnline RH-1x12 surface-mounted distribution board of IP65 1000V DC PV 36.12 modules deserves attention. This is a top-quality product. Despite its low price, it provides very high functionality. The plastic used is mechanically resistant. This distribution board is designed for surface mounting. It meets the IP 65 protection class.
You can also choose a product such as the ABB MISTRAL65 54-module switchboard with N+PE strip 1SLM006501A1208 . It impresses with its aesthetics and durability. The degree of protection is also IP 65. It provides protection against dust and moisture. This product offers full expansion possibilities. It also allows easy monitoring of the status of devices.
A good choice will also be the surface-mounted distribution board ETI ECH-12PT 12 IP65 1500V DC PV 001101062. Low price and easy installation are certainly some of the advantages. The gray color also deserves attention, as it can fit into the aesthetics of the house. Here, too, the IP 65 protection level was used, but there is no possibility of expanding the installation.
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