Distribution boards are boards that distribute your electric supply to every outlet in your home. They are also known as power boards. A distribution board can be made more affordable by installing a circuit breaker instead of a fuse in each slot, replacing the current breakers with ones that handle more power, or creating specialty boards for expensive appliances like air conditioners and ovens.
However, any changes to the distribution board should be approved by an electrician before installation. The authority to approve or deny any changes is usually held by the property owner.
Safety Tips When Using Power Boards
1. Must cover it:
The distribution board is a source of lethal voltage. You must cover it in times of high temperature. A cover such as a light cloth or blanket to prevent it from being burned by the heat of the breaker’s current will do the trick.
2. Consider power factor correction (PFC):
The distribution board is equipped with fuses that are usually rated 10 amps (i.e., 100 watts). Such fuses are often referred to as low-power fuses because they handle a small amount of power, but should never be overloaded.
3. Test your distribution boards regularly:
Every breaker should be tested to ensure that it is properly and safely installed in the distribution panel. Some breakers may appear to be shut when in fact they are closed and will cause unintentional tripping. Overloading a breaker can result in a fire or an electric shock. Overloading or improper installation of a circuit breaker can also reduce its lifespan.
4. Keep an eye on it:
Always use the correct size of conductors, cables, and fuses for each circuit; this allows you to have access to more current when necessary but protects you from overloading the distribution board if you use too many devices on a circuit with too little capacity for the load that is connected.
5. Keep away from water:
Don’t put water or any electrical device near a breaker because it can damage the cables and fuses.
Is a distribution board necessary?
A distribution board is a necessity in any home. It can save you a lot of money by providing power to every branch in the house. Component cables, common wires, and control wires allow the circuit to be distributed to the connected devices while metallic fuses verify the continuity of electric current within each branch of wiring.
Conclusion
A distribution board helps you make the best use of your electrical supply. This can be done by installing a circuit breaker instead of a fuse in each slot, replacing the existing breakers with ones that handle more power, creating specialty boards for expensive appliances like air conditioners and ovens, or using PFC.