What are Electrical Panel Components and How Do They Work?
If you have stumbled upon this article that means that you are curious about Electrical Panel Components and their function. Several elements are accumulated to make a fully functional electrical panel.
It is without a doubt that an electrical panel is considered like a brain for distributing electricity. By receiving power from the grid, it makes sure that all the electrical parts of a building whether residential, commercial or industrial are getting the necessary electricity. Not only this, it also ensures that the electrical system is protected in case of any short circuit, over or underload.
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF ABOUT HOW AN ELECTRICAL PANEL WORKS BY GAINING KNOWLEDGE REGARDING ITS WORKING AND WHAT COMPONENTS ARE ESSENTIAL.
Electrical Panel – A Brief Description
It acts as a control centre for distributing electricity throughout a building. Electricity which is received by the grid is sent to different appliances as per their requirements. It is responsible for dealing with any electrical issues for instance, it will use a circuit breaker to stop the power if there is any electrical overload. Thus, maintaining a controlled and efficient flow of electricity.
Electrical Estimating Services Florida accurately cut the cost of electrical panels by breaking down the load requirements and the materials needed.
The cost must be thoroughly calculated to make sure that all the essential components are considered for a properly installed electrical system. There are certain softwares for effective estimating when it comes to electrical estimating and they are:
- Planswift
- Stack
- Bluebeam
- On Screen Takeoff
- Trimble
- ConEst
- McCormick Systems
- RS Means
Electrical Panel Components and Their Functions
Below are some major components along with what are their functions:
1) Circuit Breakers
These are individual switches that are connected to different circuits and each breaker has a voltage limit. Having a limit means that it will trip if it detects any anomalies in the flow of current to Panel components from any damage.
How does it work?
In a situation of excessive electrical current that can cause damage, the circuit breaker will disconnect and end the flow of current.
2) Transformers
They are used to vary AC voltages among circuits by increasing and decreasing them. This process is done by primary and secondary coils thus assuring that the devices are getting the right amount of voltage.
How does it work?
By using electromagnetic induction, it transfers electrical energy from an AC circuit to multiple other circuits rather than by increasing or decreasing the voltage as per the requirements.
3) Terminal Blocks
Insulated blocks that serve as connection points to connect multiple wiring. Thus, they ensure that the process of connecting and modifying the wiring becomes quicker and easier.
How does it work?
By guiding the flow of current through an insulated structure making sure that multiple wires can operate simultaneously.
4) Relays
They are switches that are responsible for opening and closing a Circuit to turn a device on or off. They are mainly utilized for devices that require low currents. It also makes sure that the device is protected as it can trip depending upon the voltage if any fluctuations occur.
How does it work?
It works by using an electromagnet switch that allows a specified low currents that can operate even much larger currents.
5) Contractors
Similar to relays they are also responsible for controlling circuits. When it comes to Electrical Panel Components, contractors are highly favored as they are utilized for appliances that require higher voltages.
How does it work?
Its working principle is the same as a relay but designed and tends to be used for higher current carrying applications
6) Enclosure
As the name suggests, this component is used to enclose an electrical Panel. Generally, they are made of aluminium or stainless steel. There are certain instructions printed on an enclosure door and they represent if it is:
- Indoor
- Outdoor
- Waterproof
- Fireproof
How does it work?
It makes sure that the Electrical Panel Components are secured from external environmental conditions. It also consists of switches and a display.
7) Wiring and Cables
An Electrical Panel will have wiring, a critical aspect that ensures the connectivity of everything. A Panel contains a variety of wirings as different devices will have different connections. On the other hand, cables which are thicker than wiring, are required for the connection between an electrical Panel and other devices.
How does it work?
Wiring and Cables make sure the connection is live between an electrical Panel and devices and make sure that they are receiving electrical energy when required.
Types of Electrical Panels
There are various types of Electrical panels based on their functions therefore during Electrical Estimating Services, the right Electrical panel must be selected for a particular project at hand. The types of electrical panels are as follows:
- Main Electrical Panel
- Main lug Panel
- Subpanels
- Three phase Panel
- Automatic power factor control panel
- Motor control center panels
- Power control center panels
It is important to ensure that an appropriate Panel is chosen that meets the criteria of installing an electrical system which must also ensure cost-effective Electrical Cost Estimating by utilizing electrical estimating softwares such as Trimble and Rs Means
GET ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS ABOUT NECESSARY COMPONENTS OF AN ELECTRICAL PANEL THUS ASSURING SAFETY AS WELL AS EFFICIENCY IN YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Bottom line
To wrap it all up, understanding Electrical Panel Components can help a great deal. As they are most crucial for proper working of an electrical system. This article lists and discusses some of the most important components as well as how they work. In addition to what softwares can be used to make the electrical estimating process streamlined. Furthermore, this article also discusses various types of panels as well.
