Switchboard Installation: About Switchboards and Where to Install Them

26 April 2023

Buildings require a steady source of power to ensure their equipment pieces, appliances, and core systems can run optimally. One power source these properties often use is electricity.

Electricity is a source of power that most buildings take advantage of today. And the only way to ensure the proper flow of electricity is by installing an effective electrical system. This system often features a wide range of components to effectively regulate the flow of electrical power as well as protect other electrical components from potential damage.

One component of an electrical system that buildings must possess is a switchboard.

A Quick Introduction to a Switchboard

A switchboard is an essential component of any electrical system. It intends to distribute electrical power throughout a building or facility. It can also control the flow of electricity to different circuits and devices. Switchboards generally come in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet the specific needs of different applications.

To make a switchboard effective, it often features multiple components. These components include multiple switches, fuses, and circuit breakers. It serves as the central hub of an electrical system, responsible for distributing power to different parts of a building or facility.

There are two primary types of switchboards: low voltage and medium voltage.

• Low Voltage Switchboards: Low voltage switchboards can handle voltages up to 600 volts and are commonly used in commercial and industrial applications. They can be utilised to distribute power to lighting, heating, and air conditioning systems, as well as electrical outlets and appliances.
• Medium Voltage Switchboards: Medium voltage switchboards, alternatively, are designed to handle voltages between 1,000 and 38,000 volts. They are generally used in high-power applications like factories, power plants, and substations. They can distribute power to large motors, generators, and other heavy equipment.

Primary Places to Install Switchboards

Switchboards should be installed in a location that is easily accessible for maintenance and repairs. They should be in a dry, ventilated area free from dust, dirt, and other contaminants. They should also be installed away from any sources of heat like boilers or furnaces to prevent overheating and fire hazards, which can damage properties and injure people.

In residential applications, switchboards should be installed in basements or utility rooms. They should then be mounted on a wall or other sturdy surface to avoid disrupting their functions. They must also be easily accessible for maintenance and repairs.

Switchboards in commercial and industrial applications, alternatively, must be installed in utility rooms or electrical closets. These rooms should be dedicated solely to electrical equipment and should be locked to prevent unauthorised access. Installing them in these areas can also prevent unauthorised personnel to access them accidentally.

Switchboard Installation Requirements 

Switchboards must be installed following local standards and building codes of Australia. They must be properly grounded to prevent electrical shocks and other hazards. They should also be connected to a ground rod or other grounding electrode driven into the earth. To indicate the location of each circuit and the type of equipment they will be controlling, the switchboards must be properly labelled. Doing these things can make it easier to identify the source of electrical problems and prevent any confusion.

Switchboards are essential as they distribute power throughout a building or facility and control the flow of electricity to different circuits and devices. They should be properly grounded and must be installed in an accessible location for maintenance and repairs.

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