Outline

• Introduction
• What is a distribution board?
• Components of a distribution board.
• Types of distribution boards.
• Peculiarities of the newly improved Schneider Electric distribution board (DBset).

Introduction

The box that saves your home from burning down; this overlooked box in your building could be the difference between safety and disaster.

Think of a distribution board like the central nervous system in humans, where every nerve meets, receiving and interpreting signals for the rest of the body. 

Distribution boards serve as the nerve centre of an electrical system. They are the central control room where all electrical power coming into a building is controlled and distributed to other units. 

A distribution board is classified primarily into two different phases: the 3-phase distribution board and the single-phase distribution board, based on the number of electrical phases supplying the board and how the loads are distributed.

What is a Distribution Board?

A Distribution Board (DB) acts as a central location in an electrical system. It transfers electricity from the main supply to various outlets and circuits within a building. Electricians assemble circuit breakers or fuses on a distribution board to protect each circuit from overloads or faults.

This board arranges, manages, and distributes electricity. In this way, a distribution board makes it easier for electrical appliances and other equipment to run efficiently across the building.

A distribution board not only directs power but also serves an essential safety function, preventing electrical faults and fires. The distribution board houses protective devices such as circuit breakers and Residual Current Devices (RCDs). These devices immediately cut off power when they detect faults like overloads, short circuits, or current leakage, reducing the risk of electrical fires, equipment damage, and personal injury.

A distribution board facilitates the safe and effective use of energy by regulating and protecting the flow of electricity. Additionally, because individual circuits can be shut off without affecting the system as a whole, it makes maintenance and troubleshooting easier.

Distribution Board Phases 

A distribution board comes in two phases: 

1. 3 phase distribution board.
2. Single phase distribution board.

Single-phase distribution board: 

A single-phase distribution board, often known as an electrical panel or consumer unit, is a device that receives energy from the main supply and distributes it to various circuits within a building. The system operates on a single-phase 230V power supply, which is common in homes, small offices, and small retail establishments.

3-phase distribution board

A 3-phase distribution board, also known as a TPN board, is an electrical panel that receives power supply from 3 different sources and distributes it to several circuits. They are mostly used in factories and industries that require heavy machinery, commercial applications, and large residences.

The 3-phase distribution board comes in various configurations, including 4-way, 6-way, 8-way, and many more, which indicates how many different circuits can be connected. 

Components of a Distribution Board

In order to assemble your distribution board, here are some components you must have. Please note that distribution boards are supplied without these components. The components are purchased separately and then installed in the distribution board.

• The main switch
• The circuit breakers
• The MCB
• RCD
• Surge protection devices 
• Earth busbars
• Enclosure 

1. The main switch: This is the major control switch that turns the entire distribution board on and off. It allows you to isolate supply for maintenance or emergencies.
2. Circuit breakers: These are automatic switches that protect individual circuits against overloads and short circuits. The circuit breaker trips and opens the circuit when it detects an overcurrent, cutting off the flow of electricity to prevent damage and reduce the risk of fire. Unlike traditional fuses, you can reset a circuit breaker instead of replacing it once damaged.
3. The miniature circuit breakers: These safety devices, also known as Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs), detect current leaking to the earth (an earth fault). This is an essential feature for avoiding electrical shocks. If an RCD senses an imbalance in the current going into and out of a circuit, it will immediately cut the power.
4. Residual current devices: Residual Current Devices (RCDs) put safety first. When these devices detect a leakage current, they immediately cut power, which is critical in preventing electrical shocks and fires.
5. Surge protection devices: A Surge Protective Device (SPD) shields electrical appliances and sensitive electronics against brief high voltages in a distribution board. Turning on and off major appliances can trigger surges due to external events, such as lightning strikes, or internal events.
6. Earth busbars: This busbar allows fault currents to safely dissipate into the ground when connected to the grounding system. It is an essential component in guaranteeing the safety of the electrical installation.
7. Enclosure: The enclosure houses all of the distribution board’s components, protecting them from the environment and assuring user safety. Enclosures are often composed of materials that adhere to safety requirements and regulations.

3 phase distribution board vs. single phase distribution board

Criteria	3-phase distribution board	Single phase distribution board
Load capacity	3 phase distribution boards provide more stable and consistent power and can handle larger loads.	Single-phase distribution boards, though quite efficient, can be limited in the amount of load they can handle.
Voltage supply	Its system uses three separate AC waveforms, each staggered by 120 degrees. This overlapping of waveforms ensures a constant and steady power flow. The voltage is typically higher, around 400V, and it’s capable of handling significantly larger power loads.	This system utilizes a single AC (alternating current) waveform. In many parts of the world, including Nigeria, the voltage is typically around 230V. This power supply is sufficient for small to medium power loads.
Complexity	A 3-phase distribution board system is complex, usually made of three wires and a neutral. It includes larger bus bars and multiple circuit breakers.	A single phase system is simple, requiring two main wires: a live wire and a neutral.
Pricing	The complexity, efficiency, and capacity of the 3 phase distribution board make it more expensive to install and maintain. However, its satisfactory performance makes it worth the price.	Due to its simplicity and fewer components, it is less expensive and easier to install.
Application	They are often ideal for factories, large offices and high-rise buildings, manufacturing plants that require heavy machinery.	Small offices, shops and homes.

Types of Distribution Boards

Some major types of distribution boards are

1. Main Distribution Board (MDB): The Main Distribution Board (MDB) initiates power distribution in an electrical system. Factories, large buildings, and industrial complexes use MDB.
2. Sub-Distribution Board (SDB): Several Final Distribution Boards (FDBs) get electricity from the MDB via the Sub-Distribution Board (SDB). Buildings with multiple floors or wings typically use SDBs.
3. Final Distribution Board (FDB): The Final Distribution Board (FDB) in an electrical system refers to the final stage of power distribution. It delivers electricity to a variety of items, including plugs, fans, and lights.
4. Motor Control Centre (MCC): The Motor Control Centre (MCC) regulates the operation of electric motors, acting as a form of distribution board. It consists of a single panel with motor starters, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and feeder breakers.

Peculiarities of the Newly Improved Schneider Electric Distribution Board (DBSet)

Schneider Electric’s distribution board called DBset is new and improved with and enables certain unique features to ensure optimal performance. Some of them are:

P.S: Schneider Electric distribution boards do not include these components. However, we strongly recommend purchasing them separately to ensure optimal performance and reliable operation of your distribution board.

1. Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) and Power Tag, which enable asset management on all outgoing MCBs with Power Tag.
2. Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent protection (RCBO) and Power Tag: enables asset management through a new wireless RCBO Power Tag.
3. EcoStruxure Panel Server (Gateway) is the Power Tag link for wireless data concentration.
4. Ecostructure Energy Hub for remote monitoring and control is easy-to-use software that aggregates installation data for greater visibility and displays actionable insights. It alerts facility managers to problems as they occur and predicts issues.
5. The neutral and earth terminal bar lug allows for connection of unprepared cables up to 35 mm².
6. It is a fully type-tested system as per 61439-3 certified by DEKRA labs.
7. Earthed door assembly, which provides uninterrupted earthing continuity.
8. Plated neutral and earth bars, which provide optimal performance, inhibit oxidation for enhanced durability.
9. New and improved fishbone that allows dissipation of heat, which in turn enhances performance.
10. The flexible feed direction lets installers mount and feed the incomer from either the top or the bottom.

Schneider Electric DBSet comes with amazing features that enhance your electrical system and promote its well-being in homes, offices, industries, companies, and factories. Check out our website to get yours at fluxenergy.ng. 

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