Electrical Power Distribution Boards

Electrical Distribution boards or DBs and load centers are an important part of the electrical installation in both residential and commercial properties which allow for the management of the electrical supply in a safe and effective manner. These panels are the main control units that distribute electricity from the main power source to the various circuits in a building and they also have the role of regulating and protecting the electrical supply in order to avoid overloading and faults.

Do you know that behind every light switch or any plugged-in appliance there is a network of wires, cables and the distribution board? As the “brain” of the electrical system the DB or load centers are responsible for the proper and safe distribution of electricity and thus it is an essential component to the proper functioning and safety of electrical systems. It is thus important to understand the role of these distribution boards or load centers to come up with better and safer electrical systems for both residential and industrial use.

What is a Power Distribution Board and How Does It Work?

A power distribution board (DB) is an essential electrical panel containing circuit breakers, fuses, and other safety components to distribute electricity safely throughout a building’s various circuits.

The board acts as the main control center to distribute this electricity efficiently while protecting itself against short circuits, overloads or any potential electrical hazards to ensure continuity throughout its operation.

What is the Role of the Main Distribution Board (MDB)?

The main distribution board (MDB or also known as the service entrance panel) is typically the first point of contact for incoming electricity from the utility company. It receives the power and distributes it to sub-distribution boards or sub panels within the building. The MDB is responsible for managing high-power loads, ensuring proper circuit protection, and controlling the distribution of electricity to different sections of the property.

In large buildings or industrial settings, there may be multiple sub-distribution panels, each connected to the main distribution board. This ensures that the load is evenly distributed, and power is efficiently used across the entire property.

Power Distribution Board Components

Distribution boards consist of various key components that play a vital role in their proper functioning, including:

  • Circuit Breakers: Circuit breakers are an essential tool in protecting electrical circuits against overloads and short circuits, typically providing each circuit in a DB with its own dedicated breaker. When current exceeds an unsafe threshold, the breaker trips and shuts off power to that circuit to prevent potential risks such as fires or equipment damage.
  • Fuses: Fuses can provide an additional layer of security by acting as backup protection methods in case of overload, cutting off current flow to prevent further damage to a circuit when it blows due to overload. While circuit breakers are typically resettable, fuses must be replaced after they’ve been compromised.
  • Busbars: Busbars are metallic strips made of copper or aluminum that distribute power across different circuits within a distribution board. These busbars connect incoming power supplies with circuit breakers and ensure the right amount of current reaches each branch of an electrical system.
  • Residual Current Devices (RCDs): RCDs are safety devices designed to detect when there’s an imbalance between live and neutral wires that may indicate leakage to earth; should such an imbalance be identified, an RCD will immediately disconnect the circuit to avoid electric shock or fire hazards.
  • Mains Switch: In an emergency or maintenance scenario, this central switch allows users to quickly shut off the entire distribution board in case of emergency or during maintenance work. All components work together seamlessly to ensure safety and reliability in the electrical system.

Types of Power Distribution Boards and Load Centers

There are several types of power distribution boards, each designed for specific needs. These include:

  • Single-phase Distribution Boards: These boards typically find use in residential properties to supply single-phase circuits with power.
  • Three-phase Distribution Boards: Three-phase distribution boards are used to manage and distribute power in systems utilizing three-phase electrical supplies, commonly found in industrial and commercial settings. They serve to balance load across all three phases, ensuring efficient energy distribution. In some cases, 3-phase converters can be utilized to convert single-phase power into 3-phase power to feed a three-phase distribution board.
  • Main Distribution Boards (MDBs) or service entrance panel: MDBs serve to distribute power from MDBs to sub-panels and smaller sub-distribution boards that supply individual areas or systems within buildings with power from MDBs. As previously discussed
  • Sub-Distribution Boards or sub panels: These are smaller boards that receive power from the main board and supply it to individual areas or systems within the building.

Size of Power Distribution Boards

The size and configuration of a power distribution board depend on its electrical load requirements, and the utility transformer size. A residential home may only need a smaller distribution board capable of managing limited circuits; an industrial facility, on the other hand, may need something much larger to support multiple machines and systems with high-power needs.

Selecting an appropriately sized distribution board to protect safety and avoid overloading. An undersized board may result in frequent trips while an oversized one may incur unnecessary costs. When selecting one for use in power distribution systems it must meet a few key criteria, including these four.

Typical Uses for Distribution Boards

Power distribution boards serve numerous uses in both residential and commercial settings, including:

  • Distributing Power: They ensure power is efficiently disbursed throughout the building by connecting different circuits to it.
  • Circuit Protection: Provides electrical circuits with protection from overloads, short circuits, and faults caused by overloads, short circuits, or faults.
  • Safety Control: Helps avoid fire hazards by disconnecting circuits when problems arise and cutting power when necessary.
  • Energy Management: For larger systems, power distribution boards can assist in overseeing energy consumption more effectively and managing power usage more efficiently.

Choosing the Right Power Distribution Board

Distribution boards and load centers are an essential element of any electrical system, helping ensure electricity flows safely and efficiently within buildings while protecting from electrical hazards. Selecting the appropriate distribution board when designing or upgrading existing electrical systems is vital in order to guarantee both safety and efficiency.

Never underestimate the importance of selecting and understanding the appropriate type and size of distribution board to avoid costly mistakes and potential electrical issues later.

By understanding the importance of power distribution boards, you can safeguard your electrical system from potential hazards. To ensure the best performance, make sure to choose the right board based on your electrical requirements and consult a professional. Contact us now for expert advice and tailored solutions to go along with your phase converter needs.