What is the function of a distribution board (DB)?
How many times have you come across a concealed metal box embedded in the wall near your entrance? Quite a few times, isn’t it?
Well, what is this box and what role does it play in your home? Would you like to find out?
This box is called the distribution board (DB). It is one of the essential components of a home’s electrical system. Also known as the distribution panel, the distribution board primarily distributes electrical power to different circuits, assuring safety and control over the electrical supply.
The power supplier:
The distribution board acts as a hub that connects the power supply from the provider to the electrical circuits in your home. The board distributes power to different circuits through protective devices like circuit breakers or fuses. So, basically, all your electrical appliances and devices receive the power supply from the distribution board.
Electrical protection:
Protecting against overloading and electrical faults is one of the primary functions of distribution boards. The electrical circuits in the home can only handle specific loads and overload can damage the wiring, leading to short circuits or even electrical hazards. To prevent this, the circuit breakers or fuses in the distribution board interrupt the flow of electricity if the circuit’s current exceeds the rated capacity.
Control over the electrical circuits:
Each electrical circuit in the home is designed to power specific appliances or devices. And the distribution board enables you to control the power supply to every circuit. This function is highly used when you need to perform maintenance or repair work on a particular circuit. The distribution board can isolate a circuit from the rest of the electrical system to ensure safety.
Easy access:
Providing convenient access to protective devices is one of the important functions of the distribution board. The easy access simplifies the process of resetting circuit breakers or replacing the fuses in case of overload or fault. Thus, it ensures that faults or overloading issues are quickly identified and resolved, minimizing the risk of electrical damage or fire hazards.
In line with safety standards and regulations:
In many countries, distribution boards are compulsorily enforced by law to ensure compliance with electrical safety standards. Hence, these boards are always designed to meet the latest safety standards and regulations. It’s important that the distribution boards should always be installed by a qualified electrician to make sure that it is correctly wired and grounded to prevent electrical shock hazards.
Managing energy usage in the home:
Last but not the least, distribution boards are very helpful in managing energy usage in the home. It helps in monitoring and identifying circuits that use more energy and circuits in which you can make energy-saving improvements.
In conclusion, distribution boards serve a vital function in homes. They provide safety, protection, and control over the power supply within the home. It is important to ensure that the distribution board is installed correctly and complies with the latest safety standards and regulations, whether you are considering a renovation or building a new one. By doing so, you make sure that your home’s electrical system is safe, efficient, and reliable.