Maintenance and Human Intervention
If we use a consistent and a considered approach to compare the competing power systems and their distributions, then we should be able to demonstrate that one solution, when compared to the other, is theoretically “more reliable”, i.e. Statistically speaking less liable to fail. However, as in all relatively simplistic and reliable calculations, two limitations always apply routine: maintenance and the human factors surrounding the electrical system. This is where the electrical utility cabinets come into the picture. No designer can plan for any eventuality including the operator pressing the ‘power off’ button. And it is often very difficult to foretell any upcoming disaster. However, as the name suggests the utility cabinets prove to be very useful in overcoming or preventing these waiting-disasters-to-be. Whether it is a seismic location, a hazardous location, or a massive human interface location, utility cabinets have always done the job. Also, due to its aesthetic look, utility cabinets don’t look ugly to the naked eye as well. Hence, the job is well done without pinching the on looking eyes.
The connection and control
The power output side is controlled and monitored by a switchboard. A switchboard plays a key character in the success of the power distribution system. In fact it is this switchboard which actually distributes the main current into smaller currents for further distribution. Each power point is connected to an output switchboard through isolators and then to a common busbar. The common busbar in the output switchboard, in turn, will often feed the critical voltage trough another isolator or circuit-breaker to the load distribution system of the power points. Hence, in simple language we can say that a switchboard is a freestanding assembly of panels which has metering equipment, over current and other protection devices. Switchboards take a large block of power from a substation and break it down into smaller blocks for use within a building.
The distribution board’s role
So we see that in the distribution network, there is a circuit of users who are linked to a power generating station and substations that is typically arranged in either a radical or in a inter connected manner. And the local distribution system transports power inside a building. Power comes into the local distribution system through this wide spread network of power and goes straight into the panelboards. Usually seen the power or the current which flows in this power networks are often of higher voltages and uncontrolled high voltage current can not only harm the buses and connections inside the building, but also can cause short circuits. Hence, panel boards not only provide circuit control but also provide over current protection. Panel boards broadly fall into two categories:
- Lighting and appliance branch-circuit panel boards
- Power panel boards
The main difference between a lighting and appliance branch-circuit panel boards and power panel boards is that a lighting and appliance branch-circuit has a connection to the neutral of the panel board and has over current protection of 30 amp or less in one or more of its conductors. Whereas, the power panel board has a 10 percent or less of it’s over current protecting devices protecting the light and appliance branch-circuits. It can we well said that panel boards which are not light and appliance branch-circuits are power panel boards.