Understanding Panel Switches and Panel Boards
Electrical components are a part of our everyday lives in both residential and commercial use. The problem is that most of us don’t understand the basic concepts that are used within the industry. This leads to inefficiency and delay when an electrical system fails and is in need of repair. Having a basic understanding of the various electrical components that are used in everyday life will help in cases of a system failure. The more you know the easier it will be to help come to a resolution to get the system restored.
One component that is often ignored is the panel board even though they are used throughout in providing electricity in residential, commercial and industrial facilities. Without the panel board, often referred to as the power distribution panel, electrical power could not safely be distributed through the facility be it your home or business.
In residential use the power we receive is purchased from a local utility company and is processed into our homes through a meter device located on the outside of our homes. The power enters the system and is distributed from there to various circuit systems throughout the home. This is how electrical power is distributed to various parts of the house to power electrical outlets, lights and appliances that are located throughout the house.
In commercial and industrial settings the power distribution is a bit more complex. The system is complex and consists of a device to measure power consumption, disconnects, switching devices, conductors and transformers. The power is then distributed through various switchboards, transformers and panel boards. A distribution system that is solid and works well is something that doesn’t just happened it is planned out and carefully put together. The distribution center must be engineered carefully in order to safely and adequately provide electrical services to the current electrical load and possible expansion.
A panel board is a single panel or group of panel units that forms a single unit of bus plugs, switches and over current devices. They are used to control light, heat or power circuits. They are often placed in a cabinet or a cutout box and can be mounted in or against a wall. The panel board is only accessible from the front.
Electrical components such as transformers, switches, breaker panels, panel boards and more are a part of our everyday lives. They are hidden and as long as we are receiving uninterrupted supplies of electricity we aren’t concerned with how it is occurring. This is incredibly naive though because we know that any system with multiple components will eventually break down and need to be replaced. With a little bit of knowledge of electrical components and electrical systems you will be well on your way to understanding what part of the puzzle has broken down. This will help you narrow down what needs to be replaced within the system to fix the issue.
J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.
