Assembly of electrical panels: types of devices and their classification, rules for installing equipment in an apartment

Today, almost every apartment uses a large number of household electrical appliances. In order to properly distribute and balance the load on the electrical network from them, it is necessary to divide it into separate circuits. Correctly performed assembly of electrical panels allows you to successfully solve this problem. It is these devices that make the work of household appliances uninterrupted and safe for humans.

Classification by degree of protection

Often, the assembly of panels is carried out outdoors, if there is adequate protection of the enclosure. There are several degrees of protection that determine the location of the device. Shields are divided into the following groups:

1. IP20, IP30 - devices that are installed indoors with low humidity, since they do not have protection against it.
2. IP44, IP54 - a group that unites structures that have increased protection against foreign objects and strong humidity. They can be mounted outdoors if there is protection against direct ingress of water.
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3. IP55, 65 - devices with an increased degree of protection against moisture penetration are more often installed outdoors. In addition, they have good dust resistance.

Outside the premises, overhead and floor types are mounted. Usually they are installed on the walls of buildings, supports, special stands or equipment cases. The enclosures of the shields can be metal or plastic. Usually, larger structures are made of metal, and small panels for indoor use are made of plastic.

Types of equipment for the intended purpose

There is a wide variety of devices for different purposes. They also differ in the complete set of equipment installed in them. The main types of shields are divided into the following devices:

1. Introductory switch cabinet. Designed to receive electricity from power transformers or power supply lines. Usually, switching and protective devices are installed in it. From this cabinet, electricity is distributed to other panels.
2. Main switchboard. In terms of its functions, the device is similar to an introductory cabinet. In addition, measuring equipment and metering devices are installed in it to control the operation of the shield.
3. Reserve input board. It possesses automatic devices to control the operation of the network and switch to backup sources.
4. Floor switchboard. It is installed on the floors of apartment buildings to receive electricity and distribute it to apartment boards.
5. Apartment board. Located directly in the apartment or on the landing. Includes metering device and protection devices.

There are also devices for protection, control, automation, direct current, etc.

Device installation rules

Shield designs can be different: hinged, floor-standing, built-in. They are also distinguished by their functional purpose. For example, main switchboards are designed to supply AC power to public and industrial buildings.

Power cabinets are used to provide electricity to both street and electrical appliances inside the building. There are also station shields that automatically control electrical installations. When assembling this device in an apartment, the following rules should be observed:

1. All electrical appliances with high power should be allocated to separate groups. These include dishwashers and washing machines, air conditioners, electric stoves, ovens and other appliances that consume more than 2 kW of power. Each circuit must have an automatic device that protects the line from overloads. In addition, each circuit should not have any branches and should be made from a whole length of cable.
2. Electrical appliances of low power are connected with a wire with a cross section of 2.5 mm² and protected by a circuit breaker designed for a maximum current of 16 A.
3. Medium power appliances, which include ovens, are connected with a 4 mm² cable and protected with a 20 A.
4. For lines on which more powerful devices are connected, use a 6 mm² wire and a 32 A.

In addition, outlet and lighting lines for each room are best done with separate circuits. For the safe operation of each line, a 10 A machine will be enough.

Assembly Requirements

Before starting the assembly, it is necessary to draw up a diagram of the device with all the equipment. According to this drawing, it will be easier to select a shield model and assemble it. There are already ready-made standard schemes for providing electricity to standard apartments. They are usually marked with all modular automation: circuit breakers, residual current device, contactors, etc. They also show all cross-sections and capacities of cable lines.

After that, according to certain parameters, the brand of the shield is selected. Here, the degree of protection, the material of the case and the type of door, the method of fastening, the number of modules and their dimensions are taken into account. When choosing the number of modules, you should always leave some margin. It will be better if there is empty space than there is not enough space to install them.

Most modern boards are equipped with removable DIN rails, so all modules can be assembled on a table for convenience. Usually, residual current devices are hung on one rail, and under them on the other corresponding machines.

After installing the circuit breakers, they are connected with wires. For ease of assembly, you can use special multi-colored tips. All ferrules are crimped with special pressing tongs for a firm connection.

If there are a lot of machines, then you can use combs, which are produced specifically for their connection. After assembly, the shield must be checked by applying voltage to it. At the same time, it should not heat up and make unnecessary noise during operation.