Guard for the electric meter and automatic machines

For the installation of the electric meter, as well as circuit breakers, residual current circuit breakers and other elements of relay protection, electric shields are used.

In most apartments of the old construction, distribution boxes are installed on the landing. Often, each such device contains several meters and switches that relate to the power supply systems of apartments located on the floor.

Overhaul of an apartment without fail requires a partial or complete replacement of electrical wiring. Since the aggregate capacity of modern consumers of electricity often exceeds the capacity of circuit breakers installed in standard electrical box, and some devices require connection via a dedicated line, then the installation of your own electrical panel for counter. At the same time, it is possible to choose the size of the box, which fully meets all the requirements.

Currently, shields are still used, in which fuses, so-called plugs, are used to protect the wiring. With the advent of circuit breakers on the market, as well as other DIN rail mounted electrical protection devices, the use of fuses has completely lost its relevance. Therefore, when performing repairs in apartments, the wiring of which includes such devices, it is necessary replace them with more modern, reliable and safe equipment placed in plastic or metal boxing.

The modern market of electrical equipment offers a wide selection of different models distribution boards, which differ significantly in size, quality, manufacturing material, design and price.

Classification of electrical panels

By installation method:

• Built-in boxes for electric meters. Such shields are in most cases used when installing closed wiring. The main advantages of these boxes are their low visibility, as well as the small space required for their installation. The disadvantages of the built-in duct can be attributed to the relative complexity of its installation, which is explained by the need to make a niche in the wall. To fix the electric box in the wall, cement mortar, gypsum, alabaster, etc. can be used. When choosing such a box, you must first make sure that its size and wall thickness allow installation.

• Overhead shields. Models of this type are characterized by maximum ease of installation. To fix them on the wall, it is enough to use several screws. The main scope of such boxes is the placement of open and closed wiring elements.

For the manufacture of electrical panels can be used metal or plastic. Each of them has its own merits. The metal shield is highly durable compared to plastic. However, metal products are heavier and subject to corrosion.

Electrical panel design

The main structural elements of the box for the electric meter and circuit breakers are:

1. Enclosure that has a door with a transparent cover. This design allows for unhindered meter reading. Most models of electrical panels have a housing in which special holes are made, allowing position the circuit breakers in such a way that, with the door open, unobstructed access.
2. DIN rail This product is attached to the back wall of a plastic or metal box using self-tapping screws. It serves to place circuit breakers, counter and other automation devices.
3. Mounting holes in the back wall of the shield, designed to connect the wires to the connecting terminals of the meter, as well as other devices located inside the box.
4. Terminal blocks for connecting neutral and ground conductors.

The number and type of automation devices that are located in the electrical panel is determined by the wiring diagram, as well as the power of the consumers connected to it.

Installing an electrical panel

After acquiring the electrical panel, as well as all the elements placed in it, you can proceed directly to the installation of this switchgear.

Important! The purchase of an electric meter must be agreed with the organization selling the energy. The power consumption control device must meet the required accuracy class.

When installing the electrical panel, the following requirements should be considered:

1. Installation of the box in which the electrical equipment is located is not allowed in close proximity to water or gas pipelines.
2. The shield can only be mounted on a vertical surface with an inclination angle of not more than 1.5 0.
3. When installing the meter in a plastic or metal box, it is necessary to provide the ability to quickly take readings. For this, the shield is equipped with a viewing window and is mounted on the wall at a level of approximately 1.5 m.

The installation of the electrical panel and the connection of all its elements can be divided into several stages:

• Installing a DIN rail inside the box. It is carried out using self-tapping screws that are screwed into holes specially designed for this. If the mounting rail is not supplied with the shield, it can be purchased separately. Also at this stage, the installation of terminal blocks for mounting the neutral and protective grounding conductor is performed.
• Distribution of all automation devices that make up the electrical box, so that their connection and operation is not difficult.

• Wiring in accordance with the wiring diagram. It should be remembered that the only possible way to place the wire in the electrical panel is its horizontal or vertical laying. Laying wires at other angles both inside and outside the duct is not allowed.
• The meter is connected by a specialist. You can independently connect the connecting wires, however, the device cannot be put into operation without drawing up the relevant act and sealing it by the representative of the energy sales.

• When connecting circuit breakers, RCDs, as well as an electric meter, the numbering of wires and terminals should be used. To ensure easier operation and repair of the electrical panel elements, it is necessary to draw up a diagram of the electrical connections.

Important! Circuit breakers must be signed. Many manufacturers for these purposes produce special stickers that come with the device. After some time, even the person who mounted the shield himself can not remember which part of the network disconnects one or another switch.

• Marking the surface of the wall on which the electric meter will be mounted to determine the places of its fastening.
• Drilling holes for dowels.
• Fixing the box for the counter. Connection of wires supplying the load.
• A few months after installing all the elements of the shield should tighten their bolted connections.

As already mentioned, the connection of the electric meter cannot be performed independently. This is the prerogative of the controlling organization. Therefore, to connect the incoming wires, you must call its representative, who will connect and seal the electricity metering device.

Electrical panel selection

When buying this product, you should pay attention to its characteristics:

1. Body material. Regardless of the type and purpose of the shield, the material of its body must be of high quality. Too cheap products often turn out to be short-lived, in addition, they are not able to provide an adequate level of electrical and fire safety.
2. The size of the flap. It is recommended to purchase a product of such a size that, when all the necessary elements are installed in it, a supply of several modules is provided. This makes it possible to make some changes to the electrical wiring over time without replacing the shield.
3. When choosing a shield, as well as the equipment installed in it, it is better to pay attention to the products of well-known manufacturers, for example ABB or Legrand.
4. If the switchboard is located in a place accessible to children, then preference should be given to models that are equipped with locks.

To ensure the possibility of repair work on any elements of the electrical wiring of the apartment, it is necessary to install an additional circuit breaker with a counter, which can be placed in a separate box and also sealed up.

In some electrical panels, a separate place is provided for the placement of the introductory machine.

As an introductory machine, a powerful device should be selected, the rated current of which, as a rule, is 25, 32 or even 40 A, depending on the power of the consumers in the apartment. In addition, for this purpose it is better to use a bipolar switch, which is capable of simultaneously opening the circuit of the neutral and phase wires.

Thus, the installation of the shield for the electric meter and automation devices is not special difficulties, however, to perform such work it is necessary to clearly imagine the power supply scheme of consumers apartments.