Switchboards Basics

Switchboards are distribution boards (DB) that receive large amount of power, dispatching it in small measures to diverse electrical equipment placed within the power distribution system.

Additionally, switchboards have power-controlling devices like switches and breakers, as well as protection devices like fuses.

Switchboards are divided into:

• Direct-control panel type of switchboard
• Remote mechanical-control panel type of switchboard
• Direct-control truck type of switchboard
• Power Electric Switchboards or Electrical-operated type of switchboard

Direct-Control Panel-Type

When talking about the direct-control panel-type, bus bars, switches, meters, rheostats and other parts are installed directly on the switchboard or near it. The rheostats and switches are operated directly by operating handles, especially if they are mounted on the back of the switchboard. For AC and DC, voltages are limited up to 600 V or lower, but in the case of oil circuit breakers, they can operate up to 2500 V. You should keep in mind that these types of switchboard panels are not designed for capacities of more than 3000 kVA.

Remote Mechanical-Control Panel-Type

This type of switchboard is the AC switchboard where the connections and bus bars removed from the panels and installed separately and away from the load. The oil circuit breakers are run by levers and rods.

Remote – mechanical – control -panel type of switchboard is designed for a heavier duty and it can be used for up to 25 000 kVA.

Direct-Control Truck-Type

The direct-control truck-types of switchboards are used for 15 000 V or lower. They have equipment enclosed in steel compartments, which are completely assembled. The equipment is interlocked and the high-voltage parts are enclosed to prevent operational mistakes. These types of switchboards are designed for low and medium capacity plants and for providing power in large generating stations.

Power Electric Switchboards

Power electric switchboards use solenoid or motor-operated circuit breakers. The rheostats are controlled by small switches installed on the switchboard panels. Power electric switchboards can locate high-voltage and other equipment regarding the location of the switchboard.

These switchboards should be constructed at least 1-2 meters from the walls, while the switchboard frames and structures should be grounded. The power electric switchboard must be adapted individually for each specific electrical system or equipment.

They are usually used in different kinds of command systems featuring transformers that belong to a power grid, nuclear power plant centers and many other types of equipment that are powered by electric ebb and flows. Power electric switchboards are most commonly utilized for systems used in power plants and applications which rely on thwe use of equipment empowered by electric flow and ebb. It is important to stay up-to-date on the technology in order to take the full advantage of this devices.