Low voltage panels are the boards through which electrical energy is distributed in factories, workshops and commercial premises. The energy of the entire facility can be controlled from a single board.
In consumers fed from a building type substation, the transformer LV output runs directly to the main distribution board and from there to sub-boards. In consumers fed from a pole mounted substation, the supply enters the main distribution board from the metering panel and leaves through switches to the sub-boards. In premises without a transformer, the supply arrives from the service cut-out into the distribution board and is distributed to the installation. In large facilities the board is installed together with a power factor correction panel.
A main distribution board in a large facility contains copper busbars, a main switch, outgoing switches and current transformers. Internal lighting and metering instruments can be added where required. Busbars are covered with transparent fibreglass sheet to prevent accidental contact.
Indoor type boards are used inside buildings and are installed with natural ventilation or forced extraction. Where installation is outside the building, outdoor type boards are used. The outdoor type allows energy to be carried safely to areas outside the building in large facilities and provides control options such as isolating individual zones.
Selecting the correct board type prevents problems later in service. Board type and configuration should therefore be determined according to the layout and load profile of the facility.
