What Does a Main Distribution Panel Board Do?

The primary function of a distribution board is to receive electricity from the main supply and safely distribute it to individual circuits throughout a property. Every building will have at least one distribution board, typically located where the main electrical feed enters the structure.

RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection)

An RCBO is a safety device that protects electrical systems from overloads and short circuits. Installed in fuse boards or consumer boards, it disconnects the circuit when it detects an imbalance.

RCBOs protect against two types of faults:

• Overcurrent: Occurs when the circuit is overloaded, such as when too many devices are connected or there is a short circuit.
• Earth Leakage Currents: Protects against leakage currents, ensuring safe operation of the electrical system.

MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker)

An MCB is an automatic switch that protects electrical circuits from damage caused by excess current. Unlike fuses, which need replacement after activation, MCBs can be reset.

• Function: Trips and cuts off the electricity flow when current exceeds a safe value, preventing damage to the circuit and equipment.
• Installation: Compact and installable in distribution boards, consumer units, and individual devices.
• Resetting: Can be reset after tripping, unlike fuses which require replacement.
• Types: Available in various poles (1P, 2P, 3P, 4P) to accommodate different circuit phases.
• Working Principle: In the event of a short circuit, the current surge trips the MCB. A tripping coil or solenoid displaces a plunger, activating the trip lever and releasing the latch mechanism.

MCCB (Moulded Case Circuit Breaker) Boards

MCCB boards can handle up to 1600A total per board, with up to 630A per outgoing circuit and fault currents up to 50kA. They support both single-phase and three-phase outgoing circuits, making them ideal for high-capacity electrical systems.

Distribution Boards

Distribution boards, also known as breaker panels, electrical panels, or panel boards, are vital components in an electrical system. They split the main electrical supply into multiple circuits and are typically limited to 250A total per board, with a maximum of 63A per circuit and fault currents up to 10kA. These boards should always be installed by a qualified electrician or electrical contractor to ensure safety and compliance.