Electrical Panel

Its main function is to protect both people and electrical equipment in the installation from direct and indirect contact. All the necessary protection elements are inserted inside the electrical panel.

What are the components of an electrical panel and what are their functions?

Depending on their use and the power requirement, more or less protection elements will be used. Generally they are composed of:

• IGA (Circuit Breaker): This is a circuit breaker that protects the entire installation from direct contact. One unit is used per installation.
• ID (Differential Switch): Protects against indirect contacts, one unit is used per installation. It is key to protect personnel.
• PIA (Small Circuit Interrupter): Protects against direct contacts. They are less powerful than the IGA, but have the same operation. They are used as many as the number of circuits in the installation.

Which switchboard should I choose?

The first factor to take into account is the number of modules you need, each module is ±17.5 mm wide, usually the protections consist of two modules, unless it is a DPN protection (single module protections).

Depending on where it is to be installed, you can choose whether it is surface-mounted or flush-mounted. If you wish to install the panel outdoors, you should choose a box with an IP rating no lower than IP54.

At what height is an electrical panel mounted?

An electrical switchboard must never be placed at a height of less than 1.40 m from the ground and in no case more than 2 metres above the ground.

Types of switchboards

There are countless types and uses for electrical panels, they can be used to protect a home or industry (CGPM), Distribution Boards for Construction Sites, Control Boards for Industrial and Automated Machinery...etc.

As we have seen, depending on their installation, they can be surface-mounted or recessed as well as indoor or outdoor depending on their IP degree of protection.