Electrical distribution boards, boxes, and accessories are essential elements of electrical energy distribution systems used to manage, protect, and distribute electricity in various fields: industry, residential homes, commercial spaces, and infrastructure projects. These components ensure the management of electrical flows and protection against overloads, short circuits, and other potential electrical disturbances.
Key elements of electrical distribution boards, boxes, and accessories:
Electrical distribution boards: Distribution boards are central devices designed to control and protect electrical energy flows from the main power source to different zones of a building or object. They are also used for distributing electrical flows among various consumers or devices. Main types of boards:
Low-voltage distribution boards: Designed to manage electrical flows up to 1 kV. These boards are used in both residential and industrial buildings to ensure electricity distribution to various electrical installations and devices.
Medium-voltage boards: Used for electricity distribution in 1 kV–36 kV networks, primarily in industrial facilities or large buildings. They integrate special protection mechanisms and devices that ensure safe management of electrical flows.
Automatic control boards (AVS): Used where there is a need to automate the distribution of electrical flows, such as in industrial processes or critical infrastructure systems. Purpose:
Distribute electrical energy to different consumers or zones.
Protect the network from overloads, short circuits, and surges.
Ensure safe management of electrical installations.
Electrical distribution boxes: Distribution boxes are smaller distribution devices used on a single electrical line branch or on a specific floor of a building to distribute electrical flow to various consumers. Installation boxes: These are boxes designed to mount electrical installation components such as switches, sockets, or fuses. They are most commonly used in walls or floors. Types of boxes:
Internal installation boxes: Used inside buildings, in walls or ceilings. They can be flush-mounted or surface-mounted.
External distribution boxes: Designed for external mounting. They are resistant to environmental impacts (IP65 or higher protection class), typically made of durable plastic or metal.
Temporary boards: Used for temporary projects, such as in construction or events, to temporarily distribute electrical energy.
Protection devices:
Automatic circuit breakers: Used to protect the electrical network from overloads and short circuits. Automatic circuit breakers can be used in electrical distribution boards and boxes.
Fuses: The main protection device used to guard against overloads. When the current exceeds the allowable norm, the fuse blows and interrupts the power supply.
RCDs (Residual Current Devices): These devices are used to protect people from electric shocks. They cut off the current when a ground leak is detected, ensuring safety.
Surge protectors: Protect against electrical network overloads that can occur due to lightning or other sudden voltage spikes. They are essential to protect sensitive equipment, such as computers or electronic devices.
Installation accessories:
Cable connections: Used to connect wires or cables in distribution boards or boxes. These can be screw connections, quick-connect terminals, or special connection blocks.
Cable clamps and holders: These accessories are used to secure cables to distribution boxes or boards. They ensure that wires are neatly and safely attached.
Cable entry seals: Used to ensure tightness where cables enter distribution boxes or boards. This helps protect equipment from moisture and dust.
Mounting rails (DIN rails): These are universal rails on which circuit breakers, fuses, relays, and other distribution devices are mounted. This allows for a modular system that can be easily adapted and expanded.
Control and automation components:
Time relays: Used to automatically turn certain electrical circuit elements on or off according to a set time. This is important in automated processes, such as lighting control.
Contactors: Electromagnetic switches that turn electrical current on or off at a specific moment when required by the system's needs. They are often used to control motors and other high-power devices.
Overload relays: Used to protect electric motors from overloads. They cut off the current supply when excessive current flow is detected, which could damage the motor or other equipment.
Environmental resistance (IP classes): IP ratings indicate the level of protection against dust and water. For example, IP65 indicates that the box is completely dust-tight and protected against water jets, while an IP68 rating means that the device is resistant to full immersion in water. External distribution boards and boxes often have an IP65 or higher protection class to withstand atmospheric conditions such as rain, snow, or dust.