Low-voltage distribution panel: what is it and what is it used for?

The low-voltage distribution panel plays a key role in the electricity supply, but do you know which one and why it is so important?

Saying that the electrical grid is complex is perhaps something that no one can overlook. As we have explained in previous posts, the grid is a large tangle of intertwined elements with very specific functions to ensure the correct supply of energy. Of all these elements, one of the closest to our consumption points is the low-voltage distribution board, which you may have never heard of and may be wondering what it is and what it is for. Well, let’s try to explain what the function of this element is and why your ability to read these lines right now depends on its proper functioning.

To locate the low-voltage distribution panel and its functions, we must first understand that the great highway that carries electrical energy until it reaches our homes, workplaces, stores, medical centers, supermarkets, and other places we travel through in our daily lives is not a road with one lane but with many directions. Each of these lanes leads, in a coordinated manner, to the different energy consumption nodes; the point where the transformation and distribution centers do their important work. As with any road, the speed (voltage in this case) varies depending on the section we are traveling. Initially, the energy reaches us at high voltage, and its voltage must gradually decrease as it approaches us, thus ensuring safety during energy consumption. However, it goes from high voltage to medium voltage in the transformation and distribution centers and then ends at low voltage. This is exactly where our protagonist today comes into play: the low voltage box.

We could define the LV distribution board as the last element of distribution of electrical energy before the point of consumption, although it is true that in our homes we also have other elements such as the domestic electrical panel. Among the functions of our protagonist is to ensure that all electrical appliances are properly connected and receive energy in their fair measure, as well as to protect them from any problem arising from an overload in the network and its fatal consequences. In this way, the LV boards distribute electricity from the main supply through the low-voltage network to the entrance of homes and businesses; guaranteeing stable and completely secure access for consumers. This is why they are so important in our daily lives.

What types of low-voltage distribution panels are there?

Although we now know the main functions of these panels, it remains to be seen how they work. To do this, we must first try to differentiate what types of low-voltage panels exist and what their main characteristics are. Let’s see.

• Panels with fuses: They have replaceable fuses, a protective piece that melts when there are alterations in the network to guarantee the life of the equipment to which it is connected.
• Panels with circuit breakers: They differ from the previous ones in that the circuit breakers trip (like a switch does) in the event of an overload, thus protecting both the life of the rest of the elements and the maintenance workers from possible electric shocks.

How has the low-voltage panel evolved and what advantages has it brought to the consumer?

Like the rest ofthe electrical switchgear, low voltage switchgear has been evolving in line with the needs of the electrical grid and its consumers. Thus, they have gone from being a merely mechanical element, with its obvious technical complexities, to becoming a product fully connected to the rest of the intelligent electrical grid – guaranteeing its monitoring and remote control – thanks to the integration of electronics and IT elements.

On the other hand, low-voltage panels have improved their safety and functionality performance through the contribution of technological innovation resulting from trials and development tests carried out by the electrical equipment goods industry.

Ormazabal, LV switchboard manufacturers with more than 55 years of experience in the electrical grid

Ormazabal’s transversal knowledge of the electrical grid and its work to transform it into a future-proof infrastructure – more reliable, resilient and sustainable – has culminated in the development of the low-voltage smart switchboard with insulated busbar addibo. This drop-in switchboard – a digital native product – is fully equipped with a series of cutting-edge technological elements that allow it to be customized according to the smartization needs required in the BT network. Thus, we find the following variants:

• addibo.compact: fuse bases with header disconnector
• addibo.urban: fuse bases with header disconnector and advanced monitoring (optional)
• addibo.smart: automated circuit breaker bases and load switch connection (optional)

The addibo is fully certified according to IEC 61439 and has the following technical specifications:

• Rated voltage: 440 V
• Rated current: up to 1600 A
• Assigned frequency: 50/60 Hz
• Withstand voltage at industrial frequency: 2.5 kV active parts and 10 kV to ground
• Lightning impulse withstand voltage: 20 kV
• Short circuit current: up to 25 kA 1 s
• Internal arc rating: IAC 25 kA 1 s