Introduction
A switch is an electronic segment that can interrupt by connecting or disconnecting the conducting path flow of electricity or electric current. Electrical switches are used to make or break the electronic circuit, as they are binary devices which can be either turned completely on or completely off.
What is a Switchboard, and what is the primary function of a Switchboard?
An electric switchboard is a vital component of your home’s electricity power distribution process. It consists of various electronic equipment that is used for operating electric circuits. The primary function of a switchboard is to transmit the electricity from the main source to another.
An electric switchboard distributes electricity throughout the home/ building safely and in a controlled way. It divides the main electrical power flow into smaller components: branch circuits. The amount of power every circuit can hold depends on the amount of power every device needs to function efficiently.
The branch circuits carry power to panels, transformers and several other electrical types of equipment that further distribute the electric power to the required devices. In simple words, a switchboard transmits the electric power from the utility provider. It then distributes the electric power through several circuits before transmitting it to devices within a power grid’s reach.
Your switchboard probably requires servicing if you experience a burning or foul smell from your switchboard, a flickering light problem in the house, or a constant blowout of the fuse or tripping of a circuit.
What are the main parts of a switchboard?
- Busbars
Busbars, also known as a bus, are strips composed of aluminium or copper. The switchboard contains a set of busbars to transmit high electrical current from the cable conductors to devices connected to the circuit.
Busbars take a primary position when it comes to ensuring your safety. They are connected to a relay or switchgear, a combination of electrical disconnect and breakers/fuses — used to control faults and de-energise equipment.
- Electrical panels
Switchboards consist of several electrical panels, which pivot electricity by holding the switches of devices that interrupt or switch the flow of a circuit— enabling controlled and properly directed circuits.
Usually, a singular electrical panel is sufficient for a small building, but multiple panels are used for larger buildings on which power control equipment is mounted.
Switchboards might contain circuit indicators to detect the strength of the circuit. For the efficient functioning of a switchboard, the amount of power transmitted by the switchboard must be equal to the power it receives.
- Protective devices
Only distributing the electricity is not sufficient. Switchboards are fitted with the protective devices ensuring that your home is operating completely and maintaining the safety standards.
Each circuit in the switchboard is equipped with a circuit breaker or fuse. The fuse is triggered when a large volume of voltage is distributed through a single circuit.
This triggering of the fuse prevents electrical overload and short circuits in a particular location or an appliance. Devices such as single or multiple generators usually control the electric supply to the switchboard.Visit Legrand.
