Considering the electrical networks of modern apartments or private houses, it is easy to notice that an important place is given to the electrical panel. The usual location of distribution boards is at the entrance to an apartment or private house, where the power cable entry is located. For multi-apartment buildings, it is allowed to have a common electrical distribution board that provides power to several apartments located on the same landing.

Typically, the assembly of electrical panels is entrusted to professional electricians, especially when it comes to the construction of new houses. And when carrying out major repairs or building a private house, due attention should be paid to the installation of electrical panels and, regardless of the cost of assembly and connection, this should be done by a person who is familiar with electricity first-hand.

So, let’s try to figure out what this component of the home’s electrical network is and what is inside modern electrical panels.

Design and main components of the electrical panel

In practical implementation, a wall-mounted distribution panel or an electrical panel built into a niche consists of a plastic or metal case with doors that are locked with a lock. In the case of plastic cases, they are made of non-flammable materials, eliminating the risk of fire. One or more DIN rails are located inside the housing, ensuring simple, compact, and reliable mounting of protective automatic devices. The presence of distribution buses is mandatory, for example, for connecting ground and neutral wires.

Real electrical panel diagrams can be very diverse, depending on the imagination and material capabilities of the owner. However, let’s consider the components of the input distribution device, the presence of which is simply necessary.

• The list is topped by an input circuit breaker, connected to the input cable and designed to protect electrical wiring from overloads and short circuits. Its other purpose is considered to be the ability to relieve voltage from the entire electrical network, although sometimes these functions are performed by a switch installed in front of the machine.
• Next, according to the connection diagram, is an electricity meter, in other words, an electric meter. The device monitors power consumption and its presence in house or apartment panels is mandatory.
• A residual current device (RCD) is installed immediately behind the meter, breaking the network in the event of differential leakage currents. Leaks can occur due to electric shock to a person or in the event of a breakdown in the insulation of electrical wiring. Thus, this type of protective device protects people from electrical injuries and the home from fires.
• Next, group circuit breakers are installed, designed to protect wiring along individual lines (groups). An example of these would be power lines: household appliances, water heaters, washing machines, lighting, etc. They operate during local overloads and, by turning off one group, maintain the power supply to the others.

Sometimes it is advisable to install difavtomats – protective devices that combine the functions of an RCD and a circuit breaker, however, the right to choose lies on the shoulders of the homeowner. Of course, you should use only high-quality components; only this can guarantee reliable protection.

We have looked at the basic set of protective devices required by a modern electrical panel. In reality, it can be expanded by any circuits rich in protective automation.

A practical example circuit might include:

• modular voltage relays;
• multifunctional protection devices;
• contactors for various purposes and much more.

Expansion of protective device circuits increases the safety of the electrical network but increases the cost of finished electrical panels. Ultimately, finding compromises is important.