Electric Switchboard: An Important Electrical Equipment

An electric switchboard is a widely used electrical equipment

. It forms an important component of an electrical distribution system. This device is used to direct electrical power from one power source to another. A switchboard contains a number of panels. Each panel consists of switches to allow the electric current to be redirected.

According to the U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC), a switchboard is a large single frame, panel or collection of panels. Switches, buses, overcurrent and other protective devices are mounted on the face, back or both sides of the panels. Switches assembled with the series of interconnected electrical panels allow the redirection of the electric current. These switches allow the users to control the flow of the electricity. Further, making use of the electrical switches allows the user to regulate the voltage that is transmitted to the connected electrical appliances. This minimizes the chances of any damages caused to the recipient electrical devices due to sudden high voltage. Installing and using an electric switchboard can reduce the risk of using electric power in the operation of various electric devices, machinery and other equipment.

An electric switchboard receives power from an electrical generator or some other power source. A switchboard consists of a bank of busbars. These busbars are wide strips made from copper. These copper strips are usually bare and supported by insulators. These wide copper strips allow the transmission of large electrical currents through the switchboard.

The amount of electric current going inside a switchboard should be equal to the amount of electrical power going out to the recipient devices. The supply of electricity to an electric switchboard, coming from an electrical generator or an assembly of generators can be controlled with the help of load sharing controls, plus gauges and a synchroscope.

Electric switchboards can be classified on the basis of the amount of interrupting rating, current rating, insulating medium, voltage class, construction types, operating method, interrupting type, type of current and application.

The primary function of a switchboard is to allocate electrical current to each of the recipient device. The current is allocated based on the amount of power required to operate the device. This means that the electrical board receives a continuous flow of electricity from a power source, such as a generator. The flow of power supply is then redirected in parts to each of the attached appliances, based on the status of the each appliance. The flow of electricity to the inactive devices is kept at a minimum in order to prevent any type of overload on the circuitry. The power flow is increased as soon as the device is activated.

The power supply from a switchboard should be cut off before it is opened for maintenance. The bare busbars are a deadly source of electrical power. These bare busbars can cause fatal electrocution hazards. It is important to take the required precautionary measures while working on live switchboards. It is preferable to use protective equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses and thick rubber mats, while working on a live switchboard.

by: Emma Heuton

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