The power distribution boxes deliver electricity from the main electrical main to other circuits. Several distribution boxes are designed for specific use in offices or industries.
Types of Distribution Boxes
The electrical power distribution boxes are distribution boards or breaker panels. Meanwhile, it supplies current and can easily handle the load. It usually consists of a fuse breaker for the safe use of electricity in every circuit.
A commonly used distribution box contains doorbells, earth leakage devices, timers, or contact breakers. However, the distribution boxes have several sizes and designs suitable for different needs. Some of the best distribution types are:
1. Main Distribution Board (MDB)
The MDB act as a central section to distribute electricity to various sections with a residential or industrial units. As the name tells the story, the MDB is the hub of electrical power distribution.
They control how much power is enough for a perfect working experience. However, they also handle the building’s overloading or even power supply. They usually include various components like a freestanding enclosure, a bus bar system, MCCBs, and support equipment.
2. Sub Distribution Board (SDB)
These boxes are used in various places, such as residential areas or industries. They simply work by transferring electricity to specific locations, such as garages, parking lots, or other areas.
Most people use them for the ease of controlling multiple power distribution from the main electrical power distribution board.
Additionally, the SDB provides power to various locations, such as buildings, parking areas, and garages.
3. Meter Panel
The most commonly used electrical meters are also the type of distribution boxes. Their main purpose is to track how much power is being used in certain places.
They are so common in both residential areas and factories that by reading a certain number, you get bills at the end of the month.
Basically, it controls the units of electricity used in houses or factories. Also, its main components are primary switches, fuses, and circuits. Meanwhile, they use RCDs, residential current devices, to handle the power among various parts inside the box.
You may also consider different types of meter boxes.
4. Panel Fuse Bank
It acts as a distribution systems load center. It offers over-current electrical circuit protection from electrical hazards. The best device for distributing solar power is a panel box for fuse bank. Before being dispersed throughout the house, the power is stored on the solar panels and goes straight to the fuse box.
The majority of fuse boxes are located on the driver’s side dashboard. However, the precise location is still contingent upon the car’s characteristics. Most cars also include a fuse box under the hood beside the battery.
5. Unitized Panel
This electronic meter shows the electrical properties, making it unique. Power centers employ unitized panels to provide and distribute low-voltage power from a medium-voltage line. These panels are utilized in commercial and industrial settings.
A unitized curtain wall system is an external building façade often composed of aluminum frames containing glass infill’s, thin composite panels, aluminum spandrel panels, or concrete spandrel panels. The framing does not support the building’s floor and roof loads but is fastened to the building’s structure.
6. Transfer Switch
If you have so many electrical devices on a single electrical power source, you are getting more bills because of that.
We recommend using these transfer switches to distribute the power supply evenly and save money. It converts the power supply into erratic and unredirect weather transfer switches. However, they usually come with two further types:
Manual Transfer Switches: The first is the manual transfer switch, which operates manually and distributes the electrical load on different backups.
Automatic Transfer Switches: Secondly, automatic Transfer Switches help you convert your electrical power supply evenly without any headache. They use timer settings so that you smoothly divide the power supply without any stress of manually switching it on or off.
7. Consumer Unit
One of the exciting types of distribution boxes is the Consumer unit. These electrical units can easily control the power supply and are mainly recommended for residential areas.
You can find fuse boxes or circuit breakers in the consumer units. Likewise, they must protect the circuits against power overloading and other risks.
Additionally, the consumer unit consists of different components, including switches, circuit breakers, and RCDs, to control the power.
8. Enclosed Switchgear
Finally, the enclosed switchgear panels’ main function is to supply power and control electrical systems. However, it contains switches, breakers, circuits, and other controlling devices. Meanwhile, safely using these distribution boxes and power supplies can help your electrical circuits in all industry settings.
Medium-voltage switchgers are commonly used with various other voltage ranges from 1 KV to 75 KV. However, they can easily be found in motors, feeder circuits, or transmission lines.
Key Differences Between Distribution Box Types
Type | Description | Function | Location | Key Components |
Main Distribution Board (MDB) | Main hub of electrical distribution | Receives power from transformer, distributes to sub-boards, controls building power | Building entrance | Busbars, MCCBs, metering equipment |
Sub Distribution Board (SDB) | Extends from MDB to power specific areas | Provides localized power distribution | Specific rooms/floors | MCBs, RCDs |
Meter Panel | Houses electrical meters | Tracks electricity usage for billing and troubleshooting | Building entrance | Meter, main switch, fuses/circuit breakers |
Panel Fuse Bank | Load center for distribution systems | Offers over-current protection, ideal for solar power | Homes (solar panels) or Vehicles (driver’s side) | Fuses |
Unitized Panel | Electronic meter displays electrical properties | Provides and distributes low voltage power | Commercial/industrial settings | Unitized meter, circuit breakers |
Transfer Switch | Switches power between sources (e.g., utility, generator) | Provides backup power during outages | Homes/businesses with generators | Automatic/manual transfer switch, breaker panel |
Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) | Residential electrical distribution box | Protects circuits from overloads in homes | Homes | Mains switch, circuit breakers, RCDs |
Enclosed Switchgear | Complete power distribution and control system | Offers organized and safe environment for managing industrial circuits | Industrial settings | Switches, circuit breakers, control devices |
Conclusion
The power distribution boxes are very important for efficient workflow. They ensure that the power supply through the electrical systems is safe and consistent. Thus, you don’t have to face any damage when you optimize the electrical systems and reduce the risk factors.
More resources:
Types of Electrical Panels – Source: KDMFAB