A distribution board in metering serves as a pivotal component in electrical systems, responsible for the allocation and management of electrical power within a facility. This board, also known as a breaker panel or fuse box, receives electricity from the main power supply and distributes it to various circuits and electrical devices throughout a building or an area.
Key components of a distribution board include:
Main Switch or Circuit Breaker: This is the primary switch that allows for the complete isolation of power to the entire electrical installation. It serves as a safety measure during maintenance or emergencies.
Circuit Breakers or MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers): These protective devices control the flow of electricity to individual circuits. They automatically trip (shut off) in case of over current or short circuits, safeguarding the connected devices and preventing electrical hazards.
RCDs (Residual Current Devices) or GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters): These devices detect imbalances in the electrical currents between the live and neutral wires, triggering a trip if they sense leakage or faults. RCDs are crucial for preventing electric shocks and protecting against ground faults.
Busbars: These are conductive bars or strips within the distribution board that distribute electricity from the main incoming supply to the various outgoing circuits.
Neutral Bars and Earth Bars: These bars provide connection points for neutral wires and earth (ground) wires, respectively, ensuring proper grounding and safe functioning of the electrical system.
Metering Equipment: In some cases, distribution boards include meters to measure electricity consumption for individual circuits or areas within the building.
In the context of metering, the distribution board plays a significant role in monitoring and regulating the electricity usage of specific circuits or sections. Metering equipment integrated into the board allows for the measurement and recording of energy consumption, providing valuable data for billing purposes, energy management, and identifying areas of high usage or potential issues.
Leave a Reply