Making Switchboards

Power from a utility company enters a building through a metering device before being distributed from a load center to the various circuits for appliances, lighting, and electrical outlets.

The switchboard controls and manages the flow of electricity from the main supply to the outlets. It divides the current from the mains into smaller currents for further distribution.

So, how are switchboards made?

Here’s how to make safe connections to and from a commercial switchboard for efficient power distribution.

Evaluate and Form Consumer Groups

The role of the switchboard is to control the current flow to your outlets. Therefore, the first step will be to determine your consumer groups. For instance, do you have appliances that need a high power voltage supply?

Consider the energy consumption data on your electrical equipment and appliances.

Once you have identified your consumers, group them according to the voltage they demand.

Also, remember to group lighting and sockets separately.

Scheming

Before making the actual connections to your switchboards, it’s recommended to do some scheming. This allows you to imagine the location of the elements in your switchboards.

You can use a sketch diagram to indicate all the elements, connections, and separations. This aids the switchboard assembly process.

Select the Electrical Board and Place of Installation

This is the step where you do all the calculations and select the equipment and place of installation. You also need to select the switch box based on various factors.

Select all the switchboard components based on consumer groups and calculate the number of modules. Here are the elements you’ll need for your switchboard connection;

The starting switch: Allows you to supply power to the board or turn off the supply
GFCI/ differential breaker: Offers protection against leakage (electric shock)
Measuring devices: To visually monitor current and voltage
Voltage relay: Protects against excessive voltage surges
Counter: Measures the consumed energy

Pay close attention to the quality of the components that go into your switchboard.

Moreover, choose an accessible location to install your switchboard, away from gas equipment, heating devices, or other flammable materials. The distance from the floor to your switchboard should be 1.7 meters.

Choose Your Electric Switchboard

Once you have calculated the number and value of modules, select an electric switchboard. You can opt for a metal or non-flammable plastic switch box.

Also, pay close attention to the manufacturer's details, materials, and operating rules.

Assemble the Electric Switchboard

Assemble the switchboard in the order as follows;

Fix and install the modules on DIN rails based on a preliminary scheme
Use a terminal strip to connect all the components to the starting switch
Connect the phase by cables
Install the zero bus
Use a screwdriver to check connection reliability
Connect the input switch to the power supply and check the correct actuation of elements
Use a multimeter to check the voltage on the component

Before using your switch box, ensure that you assemble and connect all the elements of the electrical system, including the sockets, switches, and terminal boxes.

Get Professional Switchboard Installation Today

Making a switchboard can be simple or complex, depending on your knowledge and experience. Regardless, you must ensure a secure connection to minimise risks and power failures.

If you’re not an expert, it’s best to leave the work to the professionals. We can help you make your switchboard while maintaining high health and safety standards.

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