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A distribution board (DB) or panel is an electrical device for distributing electricity to different circuits or outlets in a building or facility. It is critical to an electrical system because it helps distribute electrical power according to an organization's or system's needs.
The electrical distribution board is essential for channeling energy, enhances safety by reducing overloads, and simplifies the management of an operating system.
Here are some common types of electrical distribution boards:
Main Distribution Board (MDB)
The Main Distribuhion Board, or simply Main Board, is the primary board for distributing electrical power throughout a building or facility. Its function is to receive electrical energy from the main supply and distribute it to sub-boards or directly to different circuits.
All the incoming electrical feeds are connected to the MBD, from where the outgoing feeders are connected. MDBs are installed in commercial and industrial settings, large residential apartments, and high-rise buildings where there are essential loads that require power management.
Sub Distribution Board (SDB)
The SDB can be said to be an extension of the MDB since it continues the distribution of power to specific areas or floors. It is used in larger systems to reduce the overall load on the mainboard by efficiently redistributing electrical energy to different circuits and areas within a building
This is common in buildings where there are multiple tenants or departments since each space may have unique power requirements. To reduce downtime in case of circuit maintenance or failure, each SDB usually has its circuit breakers or fuses, making it easier to isolate specific sections without interrupting the entire operation.
Circuit Breaker Panel (CBP)
Also called a circuit breaker distribution board, this is a safety device that protects electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits. It automatically cuts off power when a circuit is about to exceed its rated capacity and, at the same time, prevents damage to connected equipment.
CBPs are used to organize and protect multiple circuits within a building, allowing easier access to resetting or replacing circuit breakers as and when required. It is widely used in commercial and residential applications, ensuring at all times that electrical safety standards are met.
Residual Current Device (RCD) Panel
This type of distribution board provides additional safety against electric shock and electrical fires. An RCD, also known as a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB), disconnects the power supply within milliseconds when it detects any imbalance between the live and neutral currents.
This is therefore especially useful in areas where water contact is likely to be high, like bathrooms and kitchens, or outdoor installations. RCD panels are necessary in all safety-sensitive environments, such as hospitals, schools, and construction sites, for example.
Automated Distribution Board (ADB)
An Automated Distribution Board is a modern technology distribution board with advanced monitoring, control, and communication capabilities. These boards help optimize energy distribution through real-time data collection and analysis while facilitating decision-making to protect the electrical system.
With an ADB, electrical faults can be detected and addressed quickly, reducing downtime and improving efficiency. These boards are nowadays used in smart grid systems, data centers, and large industrial plants, given the need for improved energy management.
Some of the main factors a buyer should be asking when choosing the right electrical distribution board for their client include the following:
Load capacity is arguably the most important factor when choosing a distribution board since it has to do with the amount of electrical load or power that a board can safely handle. This will then be determined by the size of the building and the number of electrical appliances in it and involve calculating the total expected power consumption.
The distribution board's location will affect the type of enclosure, protection level and design. A residential CBP may be installed indoors, so it won't easily come into contact with water or dust, while an industrial one is exposed to harsh conditions and may need protective covers over the breakers.
A distribution board requires regular maintenance to prevent electrical failures or fire incidents. Buyers should ensure boards have easily removable panels or accessible circuit breakers. Others also have indicators that show fault locations or circuit status, further simplifying the maintenance process.
The choice of the distribution board type will undoubtedly depend on the client's available budget. While more advanced boards like the ADB offer better features for optimizing load distribution and increasing safety, the main concern is whether the client can afford those premium-priced boards. The good news is that GFCIs and RCDs can often be integrated into older boards for added safety.
Distribution boards are popularly used in industrial settings to manage the large and complex electrical systems that power operations. Below are common places where these boards are used:
In manufacturing facilities, for example, distribution boards power machinery, production lines, and other equipment crucial to the manufacturing process. They are also used to ensure that power is distributed evenly across all sections of these plants, with circuit breakers to protect equipment from overloads and/ or short circuits.
The electrical Circuits in these buildings, especially in multi-tenant office spaces, retail complexes, or high-rise buildings, can be complex. Electrical switchboards, located in strategic places, help divide and allot power to different areas, floors, or systems like HVAC, lighting, and other high-demand appliances.
These center boards redistribute power to thousands of servers, storage devices, and networking equipment. Data center distribution boards are equipped with advanced monitoring systems to help clients manage power usage, ensure redundancy, and guarantee system reliability.
These are some of the most demanding environments for electrical distribution boards. Due to the harsh conditions, underground or surface mining operations require very rugged boards to withstand dust, water, and extreme temperatures.
Hospitals, schools, and other large institutions have many electrical needs. Distribution boards in these places ensure reliable, safe power supply for critical systems like lighting, HVAC, and medical equipment for health centers or computers and labs in schools.
Heavy industries such as steel, petrochemical, and automobile manufacturing deal with huge electrical loads and require complex power distribution systems. Their distribution boards have higher load capacities and robust safety features to cater to their demanding environments.
Distribution boards come in various designs to cater to all clients' load requirements, safety standards, and environmental conditions. Here are the common features and specifications that these boards have:
The load capacity refers to how much electrical load a distribution board can handle regarding the size of buildings and power demands of the electrical systems it supports. Large structures like industrial plants or high-rises may require high-capacity boards, while a single-family home would not need more than a low-to-medium capacity one.
These ratings indicate how well a distribution board prevents particles or water from entering its enclosure. Boards with higher IP ratings, like IP54 or IP65, have better protection and are ideal for harsh industrial or outdoor environments where dust, water, or extreme conditions are expected.
This refers to how circuit breakers are arranged in the distribution board. Some boards may have single-phase or three-phase breakers or a mix of both, depending on their configuration. The number of poles (1-pole, 2-pole, etc.) for each breaker will also differ depending on whether it is needed for residential, commercial, or industrial use. Users can thus easily configure or reconfigure these breakers according to circuit needs.
These materials range from steel to aluminum alloys, plastics, and fiberglass, each suited for various environments. For example, while steel or aluminum is great for industrial applications due to their strengths, polymer enclosures may be better for less demanding indoor spaces since they will resist corrosion.
The grounding feature helps ensure safety and system reliability. Some boards may have bus bars for grounding, while others have separate terminals. Low-impedance grounding options may be available for industrial applications to reduce the chance of electric shock or fire and improve system stability.
Distribution boards are increasingly designed to offer more mounting or installation flexibility, thanks to their configurability. These boards are usually mounted on the wall, but other designs offer more options, allowing placement in cabinets or even on the floor, depending on the space available.
A. While a distribution board manages the overall power distribution within an electrical system, thereompanels are the individual components within these boards that protect circuTheseits from overloading or short-circuiting.
A. The higher the first two digits of the Ingress Protection rating, the better the protection against dust and water will be.
Eh. However, it is recommended that there be some routine inspections and maintenance of the distribution boards to ensure all components function well and safely.
Yes, but only if it has a high IP rating of at least 54.
Distribution boards are critical system components that serve all electrical needs and require adequate safety protection. So, whether users wish to efficiently manage power in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, it's crucial to choose the right kind of distribution board that meets load requirements, installation conditions, and safety standards.
Distribution boards with advanced safety features (like CBPs and RCDs), rugged enclosures, and monitoring capabilities are ideal ones for these harsh environments. In addition, boards with higher IP ratings are suitable for outdoor applications, while automated boards are currently trending for their real-time power distribution efficiency data. Overall, these factors make these distribution boards more resilient, reliable, and easier to maintain.
