Adaptable Switchboards Traditional and Functional

Adaptable switchboards Traditional and Functional

National Electrical Code of the U.S defines it as a panel, large and large or an assembly of panels on which are mounted switches, buses, overcurrent protection devices among other devices and many other instrument. Switchboards can be classified using two criteria, voltage and current. If classified according to voltage, we get low voltage and high voltage current. switchboards are divided into several functional units. Each unit comprises of all the electrical and mechanical devices deemed necessary for the fulfillment of a given function.

The design of switchboards is tailored to adapt to its applications. Designing of switchboards should be based on specified standards and working practices. These standards dictate that a switchboard should provide dual protection. It should offer protection to switchgear, fuses, relays and indicating instruments amongst other devices from vibration, mechanical impacts and other disturbances. switchboards should also offer protection from electrocution.

Protection against electrocution is offered by safety switches and fuses. A switchboard also offers controls to control electric supply of electricity from generators. By regulating the frequency, AC power and sharing loads measures against electrocution are heightened. A switchboard contains a bank of buses inside it. These buses are commonly bare but lately manufactures have resorted to insulating them to reduce on electrocution of the user.

There are two technologies of switchboards currently existing. They are the traditional and functional distribution switchboards. The traditional switchboard distribution has the switchgear and fuse gear located at the chassis located in the back of the enclosure. All the indicating and control devices are located in the front face. The functional distributions are made of functional modules including switchgear devices together with standardized accessories that are used for mounting and connecting. These standardized accessories ensure high level of reliability and great capacity of the switchboard. The functional switchboard distribution has many advantages. By virtue of modularity, it enables the integration of many functions in one switchboard. These functions include protection, operation, maintenance and upgrades. It also eases the design since it only involves the additional of functional modules. Functional distribution switchboards are subjected to tests to ensure high dependability.

There are different standards that govern the manufacture of switchboards. They include the international standards which are IEC 61439-1 which defines general rules and IEC 61439-2 defines power switch gear and control gear assemblies. These standards are set to ensure uniformity of all units. They also ensure that all units conform to the required safety standards which are very crucial for operation. With the insurgence of many players in the manufacture of switchboard business, it’s very important for industries to endure that the switchboards they buy have been manufactured by certified manufactures as that would ensure that they have been manufactured according to the required standards and therefore safe for use.

Besides safety and division of current, the switchboards offer aesthetics. It offers convenience in case there are any extensions or rather expansions of load distribution. Therefore all those industries that are scheduled to expand its load distribution in the future should factor in the use of switchboards.