Lighting panels: for controlling outdoor lighting, classification and placement

Home » Electrical installation » Electrical panels » Assembly and installation of a lighting panel

Today, lighting panels are considered one of the main elements of the electrical network. Therefore, the installation of a lighting board must be done responsibly. If you do not have enough knowledge, then installation work should be trusted to specialized companies.

Installation of lighting board

The performance of the entire electrical network in your home will depend on this node. Therefore, if the SCHO is damaged or incorrectly installed, the power supply to all consumers may be interrupted. In this article, the site “” tried to consider in detail how to install a lighting board with your own hands.

Street lighting functions

Regardless of the scale of the object - be it a local area or a highway - it needs to be illuminated at night.
Light is needed for the safe movement of residents of the house, ensuring the movement of vehicles, decorative lighting of buildings or their individual elements, illumination of advertising on billboards, etc. As for private housing, in addition to illuminating the entrance to the house, lighting performs the following functions:

general lighting of the area (important from a safety point of view); lighting of steps into the house; lighting of pedestrian paths; lighting of local areas (for example, near the gazebo); decorative lighting of architectural and landscape features of the site.

What does the system include?

Automatic lighting control includes a complex of high-tech devices that are capable of operating in an automated and automatic mode, that is, without human intervention. The system design consists not only of lighting fixtures, but also of sensors and auxiliary devices. You can connect new external devices at any time, because the system is scalable. Equipment list:

Smart switches that can be turned on and off both in normal manual mode and after appropriate commands from the control panel. There are mechanical and touch switches.
Smart dimmers are devices designed to smoothly change the power of lighting fixtures. In other words, they are used for automated editing of lighting brightness.
Smart lamps - have the ability to turn on and off automatically, as well as smoothly change the brightness of their glow. Some models can change color and temperature.
LED strips have the same capabilities as smart lamps. At the same time, they are characterized by lower energy consumption, increased safety of use, and a long service life.

An equally important role in lighting system automation is played by sensors that monitor changes in the environment. In the schemes under consideration, the greatest demand is for sensors that respond to movement, presence, opening and closing doors and windows, and changes in lighting levels. Automation can also successfully interact with other building systems, including fire alarms or HVAC.

Manual control

The transition to manual lighting control is carried out in the following cases:

For network repairs during the daytime.
To activate lighting when the control relay is faulty.
Turning on the lighting in situations where the control relay does not operate under specified conditions.

Switches are located on the door or side surface of the lighting panel, thanks to which the transition to manual control is carried out. You can perform manual activation in several ways:

Switch for indoor or outdoor installation.
By moving the manual control key to one of the positions.
Push-button control station - industrial version.

The operation of the control relay depends on sensors located in the most convenient places. Often, photo relays are placed under shields and lighting supports. Sensors are connected to the circuit with cables using terminal blocks mounted on a DIN rail.

If the load connected to the external lighting panel exceeds the maximum permissible, then it is connected through the starter. In this case, the relay is responsible for turning on the starter, which, in turn, turns on the lamps.

Emergency lighting boards

Emergency lighting is a completely autonomous system with independent power supply, which is drawn from the input switchgear. Its connection is carried out through an automatic transfer system, powered from two independent sources.

Emergency lighting, unlike working lighting, cannot be turned off manually: switches are not installed after the lighting panel. Such lighting either constantly works or is turned on automatically using magnetic starters or automation.

Installation of lighting board

When the preparatory work is completely completed, you can proceed directly to the installation. The installation process will depend on the number of phases.

Single-phase lighting boards

Today, lighting panels with single-phase consumers are the most popular.

Connecting a single-phase lighting panel

The installation process for such shields is as follows:

Before starting installation, you need to study and prepare a single-line diagram. Some attach the circuit later on the electrical panel door.
The installation process begins with attaching DIN rails. You can attach all modern switching devices to them. Some designs already have din rails, but in most cases they will need to be redone.
It is advisable to immediately install tires for fastening the wires. These tires can later be attached to slats or to a box. It all depends on their design.
Now you can begin installing the equipment on the slats. Fastening is carried out using a spring mechanism.
According to PUE standards, food will always be on the left. Therefore, if you open the electrical panel for the first time, you can be sure that the input machine is located in the upper left corner. If there is a backup power supply, it is usually located on the right.
If the design has an input circuit breaker, then the phase wire is installed immediately below it. Terminal blocks for neutral wires may be located slightly lower. In some cases, they are also placed on the side walls of the cabinet.
Subsequently, group circuit breakers are powered from the phase terminal block. Therefore they are located below the tires.

The photo shows a three-line diagram of the distribution panel

If you decide to install RCDs, then they need to be placed below the group machines. You can also place additional equipment in this row.
Once the power equipment is installed, you can begin connecting it. To do this, you will need a schematic diagram of the lighting board. It allows you to trace every wire.
When the distribution panel is opened inside, it can be mounted at a permanent installation site.

Three-phase SCHO

Installation, as well as manufacturing, which is carried out in a three-phase version, is practically the same, but there are certain nuances.

The photo shows a three-phase wiring diagram for the lighting panel

Now let's look at the nuances that you may encounter during installation:

The main difference is the ability to connect three-phase and single-phase loads. Depending on the load types, there is also the option for a single-phase load to be powered by 2 or 3 different phases.
The first possible option is power supply from an input circuit breaker for three-phase and single-phase loads. In this case, below the input machine, you will need to place three busbars of phase wires. Single-phase and three-phase loads can be powered from them. In another, the principle of constructing such a shield will be similar to a single-phase one.
If only single-phase loads will be supplied from a three-phase input circuit breaker, then in this case, three busbars for phase conductors must be installed below the input circuit breaker at the same level. Separate groups can be powered from each of these buses.

Ready-to-install lighting panels

Nowadays, ready-to-install lighting distribution boards are also available on the market. Their design already contains all the necessary equipment, which is quite simple to connect. There are many types of such shields, so there is no point in considering each one.

The designation of the configuration and type of device will be placed at the top. The first character indicates the presence of an introductory machine. If the number is “1”, then this means that there is a switch without built-in protection. The symbol “1A” indicates that there is a switch with built-in protection. The symbol “1D” indicates that the design has a circuit breaker with built-in residual current protection. Accordingly, the number “0” means that the device does not have an input machine.
The following numbers indicate the rated current for which the lighting board is designed.
The number of circuit breakers and RCDs is indicated through the fraction.

In addition, in the designation you can find the following letters:

“U” - indicates the need to build the shield into a niche;
“Sch” – the presence of a meter in the design of the meter panel;
“F” – the presence of additional control devices, as well as alarms.

Location and dimensions

Before you begin installing the lighting panel, you need to perform a number of preparatory work. You also need to choose the right sizes.

ShchO location

One of the main rules is location. It must comply with a number of rules, which we will familiarize ourselves with in detail. Clause 7.1.28 of the PUE states that the location should be convenient for maintenance. In addition, installation cannot be carried out in rooms located under showers, bathtubs or bathhouses.

Niche in the wall for installing a shield

Here are additional rules to follow:

The distance from communication pipes should be 1 meter. In this case, it is necessary to completely exclude the option of flooding. The level of the shield from the floor should be higher than the possible flood level.
Experts consider design selection to the next stage. Here you will need to decide on the installation location of the structure. The installation option can be built-in or wall-mounted. The first option is more suitable since it does not take up much space.
If you decide to do the installation yourself, then you need to pay attention to the material. In this matter, the location of the shield installation will be of fundamental importance.
For installation in the house, it is better to choose plastic lighting panels. For the street, you can choose a metal structure. The second option also requires a ground connection.
The structure should be installed at a height of 20 cm from the floor. On the street, it is better to install the structure at a height of 1 meter.
If measuring instruments will be installed in the street lighting panel, then it is necessary to organize its heating.

Dimensions

Now it's time to decide on the size of the distribution board. This factor in most cases depends on the amount of equipment you decide to connect. Therefore, before purchasing, you first need to decide what will be installed here.

SCHO dimensions

To choose the optimal size, pay attention to:

Decide on the introductory machine. If they are already present on the floor board, then installation will be impractical.
Experts recommend installing a separate input circuit breaker only if the electrical switchboard receives power from a distribution panel with circuit breakers that have a higher rated current.
If you plan to install fuses to protect group networks, then installing an input circuit breaker is mandatory.
Availability of a counter. When installing the meter, the panel must contain structural elements for sealing the clamps from the input machine to the meter.
If the meter is connected via transformers, then a separate compartment should be provided here, which can be locked if necessary.
To select the correct dimensions of the lighting board, you need to know the number of groups. Therefore, it is best to perform the calculation in advance.
Think about the additional equipment you want to install. If you decide to install additional equipment, then you need to provide a place for its further installation.

Manual control

The transition to manual lighting control is carried out in the following cases:

For network repairs during the daytime.
To activate lighting when the control relay is faulty.
Turning on the lighting in situations where the control relay does not operate under specified conditions.

Switches are located on the door or side surface of the lighting panel, thanks to which the transition to manual control is carried out. You can perform manual activation in several ways:

Switch for indoor or outdoor installation.
By moving the manual control key to one of the positions.
Push-button control station - industrial version.

Installation of electrical equipment in a distribution board

There are no standards regulating the installation location of modular devices in electrical panels. There is only one installation rule: the equipment layout must be clear to both other professionals and users. It is advisable to place the input circuit breaker, general protection and measuring instruments in the top row. Place frequently used modules below.

This arrangement of the panel elements allows you to connect the input block to the upper terminals, and the voltage distribution along the lines is carried out from the lower terminals.

Attention! Modular devices and other equipment in the electrical panel can be installed in any order, as long as they are correctly connected to each other. However, it is much more convenient if the arrangement of the equipment corresponds to the sequence indicated on the circuit diagram.

All internal equipment of the electrical panel is installed on special DIN rails, which are most often already installed in the housing. Most manufacturers of switchboard equipment complete their products with various useful add-ons. In addition to DIN rails, this list includes various wire and cable clamps, input seals, false panels, as well as special roll-out frames to facilitate equipment installation. We can say that any switchboard housing is initially equipped with everything necessary for installing modules and other devices.

But closer to the topic! We have already decided where to install the main groups of modular devices. The upper part is occupied by the entrance group, followed by frequently used modules. These include group-type RCDs. As a rule, one RCD is installed for each outlet line and additionally for the bathroom and kitchen. Such current protection, together with circuit breakers, makes it possible to avoid installing differential circuit breakers.

If we talk about automatic switches, then the first to be installed are modules to protect lighting lines, then sockets and specially dedicated ones: for a boiler, washing machine, and so on.

Installing circuit breakers, RCDs and other equipment on DIN rails is very simple. The modular device is inserted onto the rail until it clicks; no other operations are required, as it will be securely fixed.

To dismantle or move the equipment, just press the module's eye with a screwdriver - the device can be easily removed from the mounting strip. If it is necessary to install an electricity meter in the distribution panel, it is also installed on a DIN rail. Well, that's all about installing equipment in an electrical panel! It's time to move on to connecting the elements according to the schematic diagram.

Installation (installation) of lighting panels

In our company, you can purchase an OSCH panel for street (external) or internal lighting in a suitable configuration, possibly in an open design, completely corresponding to your design. If you purchase an external version of ShchO, then its design involves the use of moisture-proof gaskets and a frost-resistant housing. Installation of the product is carried out in a special niche or involves mounting it to the wall. Our specialists will professionally carry out installation, connect and check, and also instruct employees who have access to it. The price of the product is determined by the configuration, and the cost of work is determined by the complexity and number of installed devices.

OSCH classification

Metal lighting panel
Modern electrical lighting panels are classified according to a number of characteristics, the main ones being the housing material and installation method. All OShch models are divided into products made from the following materials:

metal;
non-flammable plastic.

Metal cases are used in panel structures that are intended to be used outdoors. Therefore, they are reliably protected from external influences and bad weather and have a high IP rating.

To extend their service life, standard street panels are additionally treated with special impregnations and coatings. A high degree of security allows them to be installed at sites with increased operational hazard. Their non-flammable plastic counterparts have an attractive appearance and are suitable for indoor placement.

A distinctive feature of this type of shields is their fire safety, since the plastic used in their manufacture does not burn.

Depending on the installation method, the lighting control panel may have the following designs:

in the form of a suspended structure;
product built into the wall.

Built-in switchboards installed in corridors and staircases must be equipped with locks, the keys of which are kept by the electrician on duty

Most of them have an attractive design and are installed in places where aesthetics are of particular concern. If the general atmosphere is disrupted, it is recommended to install them in niches available in most service rooms

External lighting panel

Special control panels for outdoor lighting differ from conventional products in the organization of network activation, which can be done manually or automatically. The following electronic components are used for automatic load switching:

motion sensors that record movement in the illuminated space;
photo relay that responds to the level of illumination in the controlled area;
sound sensors;
time relays that turn on the load at the right moment.

Manual activation

Location of switches on the panel body

This lighting control mode is used in the following cases:

during routine maintenance or emergency repairs;
when automation systems fail;
if necessary, setting up and testing new equipment.

To switch the system to manual mode, use special switches installed on the panel door or on its side panel. You can perform this switching in one of the following ways:

moving the manual control key to the desired position;
through a special switch installed on the outside or inside the cabinet;
using a push-button station (this option is most often used in factory settings).

To switch the panel to group lighting control in automatic mode, you will need to switch back.

What criteria are used to choose outdoor lighting?

The responsibility of choosing lighting for urban areas should not be discussed. Everything must be thought out and executed with maximum precision. Each lamp or lantern must comply with the list of standards:

Each lantern must provide good illumination of the surrounding areas, regardless of its placement. The lamp must comply with all standards and requirements.
Each lighting device must provide additional safety on the road and in the pedestrian area. It has long been proven that due to poor lighting, accidents occur several times more often.
All lanterns and lamps should look aesthetically pleasing and not “cut” the eyes of passers-by. They must perform architectural and design functions.
Each lantern should have a long service life so that they do not have to be replaced every year. Durability is a very important criterion, because all lighting fixtures work for hours and are constantly subjected to incredible voltage and load. Therefore, the body of such flashlights must have maximum strength, reliability and resistance to damage. Lampshades usually have impact-resistant glass.
Saving is probably the most important factor, especially in the CIS countries. The modern world has catastrophic energy problems, so you need to save on this parameter. A small city consumes an incredible amount of energy per day, so it is necessary to replace outdated streetlights with more economical options. The best option is LED lighting, which also has a long service life and reliability.

Where are lighting control systems used?

As mentioned above, lighting control systems either significantly save energy or are used for comfort in smart homes. To significantly save energy, professional lighting control systems are used at a variety of facilities:

warehouses;
office and administrative buildings;
hotels;
parking and protected areas;
multi-apartment residential buildings;
industrial enterprises;
shopping complexes;
educational institutions;

It is very important to correctly design a lighting control system at the building planning stage, but it can also be used in an existing building. Use suitable and reliable equipment in the project, think through the management of lighting groups, plan the system operation algorithm, all this is necessary for stable operation of the system

Naturally, for each type of object the control system will be individual, but standard solutions for premises are also available.

Placing shields

The following requirements apply to the location and installation of lighting panels:

The panels are installed at a distance of one meter from sewer lines, gas pipelines and water pipes. In this case, the room in which the switchboard is located should not be subject to flooding. If the operation of the lighting board and power cabinets will be carried out in a room that may be flooded, then they are installed above the possible flood limit.
Much depends on the correct choice of distribution board. When selecting, take into account the installation method of the lighting board - built-in or mounted. The built-in method is considered the most convenient, since a structure installed in this way takes up a minimum of free space and is additionally protected from temperature and mechanical influences.
When installing a switchboard yourself, you must take into account the material from which it is made. Its choice is made based on the location of the panel room: if it is made of combustible materials, then the panel itself must be made of steel. If the shield is installed on a base made of non-flammable materials, then it can be made of low-flammable materials.
External lighting panels are installed at a height of 20 centimeters from the ground or concrete base. If there is a high probability of snow drifts, then the shields are installed on a special foundation.
Equipped with pulse relays, counters and measuring devices, external panels must be equipped with heating. The exception is switchboards with devices that retain functionality at temperatures below 5 degrees.

Selection and installation of the distribution panel housing

It should be said right away that the distribution board can be assembled in two ways: bench-mounted or mounted . The first method involves installing the panel housing with modular devices pre-installed and connected according to the scheme, but the second is the opposite.

There is no fundamental difference between these two methods - only the sequence of assembly and installation operations changes. We will look at the second method, in which the distribution panel frame is first mounted, and then the modular devices are installed, connected to the internal wiring and external cabling.

Based on the type of housing, panels are divided into built-in and wall-mounted. We will not describe the advantages and disadvantages of these two types, we will only say that in each specific case it is necessary to choose the best option. The wall-mounted housing is easy to install, while the recessed housing is compact, but more difficult to install. So, the choice is yours! The size of the case depends on the number of modular devices and other equipment that need to be installed in it.

That's all! The choice has been made, the switchboard housing has been installed in the required location, the supply cable and internal wiring wires have been inserted into it - it’s time to start assembling!

Basic equipment of devices

In its basic configuration, the control room consists of the following elements:

automatic switches, as well as devices for protective shutdown of the input group. These elements are selected according to which device diagram was presented in the electrical project. Here, the calculation of the norm is based on the design load;

The optional part of the device contains the following elements:

group contactors;
elements intended for control automation;
photo relay with remote type sensor;

Photo relay with remote type sensor

daily relay, etc.

Controls include:

switches with or without backlight;
buttons;
switches with different numbers of positions;
light indicators to determine operating modes.

All these parts are found in the basic configuration of the electrical panel. But if the customer wishes, additional components can be installed here.

Preparing for installation of the distribution panel

Installation and assembly of an electrical panel is the final stage of creating the entire internal power supply system of a private house, apartment or other property. After completing the work of connecting the building to general electrical networks and installing internal wiring, you can begin installing the switchboard housing and assembling its internal equipment.

This procedure must begin by drawing up a schematic diagram of the electrical panel, and the following factors should be taken into account.

Type of internal wiring: “star” or “loop”, in distribution boxes or in a mixed version. The type of internal electrical wiring determines the number of wires running into the distribution panel. There can be up to several dozen of them. This indicator determines what electrical equipment needs to be placed in the panel, its quantity and technical characteristics.
Total power of all electrical appliances : determined by the sum of the nominal values for each appliance. Also, this general indicator must be broken down by consumption zones from each internal wiring line installed in the panel. This is necessary for selecting automatic machines and other components based on the maximum load current.
Taking into account all possible load options: connecting additional electrical appliances, turning on all equipment at the same time, and so on. Most likely, such a calculation has already been made when installing the internal wiring, but it is advisable to duplicate it. All machines and other electrical equipment must be purchased with a power reserve.
Determining the types of electrical appliances at the site : many electrical appliances require the installation of additional equipment. For example, the operation of a washing machine must be secured by installing an RCD (residual current device). This will ensure reliable protection of a person from electric shock in the event of a phase short circuit to the body of the electrical appliance.

After developing a schematic diagram of the electrical panel and purchasing all the necessary components and materials, we proceed to selecting the device housing and its installation.

A combination is always better

Above we described various options for how controlled-type outdoor lighting can be organized. In each individual case, the control device must be placed either in the control box (electrical panel) or connected to the lighting installation.

This option for organizing street lighting control has obvious advantages:

the ability to use the most effective control methods immediately (motion sensors, timer, etc.);
minimize the risk of system failure. If there are complementary elements, the risk of lack of light in a particular area is zero;
exclusion of the human factor, etc.

But in order to organize a combined type of street lighting and urban infrastructure, you need to know the following nuances:

where the electrical panel or lighting control box is located. This is necessary to know in those situations when elements of controlled devices, as when using a photo relay, need to be placed in a switchboard;

Switches in the panel

how the control device is connected to a particular lighting installation or control box; operating conditions of lighting control devices

This is very important, since for each device (motion sensor, photo relay, etc.), manufacturers indicate specific operating conditions under which they can guarantee high-quality and long-term operation of the devices in changing street conditions. These nuances are characteristic not only of the combined type lighting control, but also for specific single situations

They should definitely be taken into account when organizing a controlled outdoor lighting system with your own hands and in your own backyard. This type of lighting arrangement can be easily combined with a security system

These nuances are typical not only for the combined type of lighting control, but also for specific single situations. They should definitely be taken into account when organizing a controlled outdoor lighting system with your own hands and in your own backyard. This type of lighting arrangement can be easily combined with a security system.

Power supply circuits for lighting installations

Electric lighting networks are divided into supply, distribution and group.

Supply lighting network - a network from the substation switchgear or branch from overhead power lines to the input device (ID), input distribution device (IDU), main distribution board (MSB).

Distribution network - a network from the VU, ASU, main switchboard to distribution points, switchboards and lighting power points.

Group network - a network from panels to lamps, plug sockets and other electrical receivers.

Electric lighting is powered, as a rule, together with power electrical receivers from common three-phase power transformers with a solidly grounded neutral and a rated voltage on the low side equal to 400/230 V. The rated voltage in such networks is 380/220 V.

The lighting installation can be powered either from individual lighting transformers or from common, combined transformers that simultaneously supply the power load. Separate lighting transformers are rarely installed when power transformers power loads such as welding machines or large engines, the voltage of which changes sharply when turned on.

Power supply diagram for lighting and power loads

A group panel is a device in which protection devices and switching devices (or only protection devices) are installed for separate groups of lamps, plug sockets and stationary electrical receivers.

From the substation distribution boards, the lighting networks are powered by independent separate lines. Each of them powers one or more group shields, depending on their power and relative position. When supplying the mains to three or more (group) panels, they should be used with control devices at the input. In buildings without natural light, it is recommended to install input devices on each of the group lighting panels, except in cases where each panel is powered by an independent line.

Types of electrical panels

Electrical distribution panels are devices of various configurations that are used to transmit incoming electrical current to several smaller circuits and provide various types of protection to internal connections: for example, protection from overcurrent and overload in the form of fuses or circuit breakers, from environmental influences such as snow, rain, dust, etc., and also protect users from death and injury due to electric shock. This may be a large single panel or assembly containing cable connections, switches to redirect power, transformers, contactors, relays, insulators, fuses, and other protection and control devices. Electrical panels are known by different names, such as distribution board, cabinet or box, electrical or panel panel, etc., and use different abbreviations to indicate their purpose - ShchO, ShchK, Main switchboard, ShchE and others. These are a kind of centers that receive large incoming current from the mother electrical network, for example, from a power plant or generator, and disperse it to smaller consumers - substations, workshops, houses, apartments. As a rule, they are mounted on a wall inside or outside a building or in free-standing boxes and are protected by durable housings with closing doors with an abbreviation printed on them - the name of the shield, defining its purpose, and warning signs. Some panels are designed for single family or apartment buildings, while others are designed for commercial buildings and industrial facilities. The hierarchy of switchboards begins with their “boss” called the main switchboard - the main switchboard.

Main switchboard

You are unlikely to find it in the residential sector, unless it is an autonomous house powered by a powerful generator. Its usual “habitats” are transformer substations and boiler rooms. This shield - the most powerful at any facility - can receive a current of several thousand amperes, converting it and supplying it in the required quantity to several lines, diverging throughout workshops or houses. Between the “boss” of the main switchboard and the end consumers there are the ASU - the input switchgear - and various small panels - ShchA/ShchU/ShchE/ShchK/ShchO and others.

Input distribution device
It contains numerous cables with a whole arsenal of meters, functional boards, protective mechanisms that save networks from excessive loads, equalize voltage, stabilize the current supply, measure electricity parameters, etc.
The ASU processes the electricity incoming from the main switchboard in its own way and directs it further through small switchboards for distribution among floors, apartments, automation systems, alarm systems, control, management, etc. Floor panel
This closed cabinet is often made with a transparent window and is located, as the name suggests, on the floors of apartment buildings, receiving current from the ASU and sending it to the apartments. The box, as a rule, contains cables, electricity metering devices, circuit breakers and various devices for protection against power surges, and sometimes some devices for servicing Internet networks, cable television, etc. In many residential buildings there is no ShchE, and the responsibilities for receiving and distributing energy are performed by its apartment counterpart - ShchK.

Apartment board

Modern building and electrical standards allow for a variety of switchboard options that use combinations of different circuits for several user tasks, for example, metering consumed electricity and distributing it separately in a line with power sockets and lighting, fire alarms and security systems.

Lighting boards

SCHO may include conventional circuit breakers or (in rare cases) residual current switches, relays, sensors, fuses, power meters and
RCDs
.
They are installed mainly where there is a need to control large groups of lighting fixtures from one place, for example, turning off all lighting in hypermarkets, office premises, workshops or floors. The most popular UOSCHV
- a recessed light panel with switches - is a neat-looking panel built into the wall with a door and a row of circuit breakers underneath it.

Emergency switchboards
Devices such as SCHAP and ATS (automatic backup power input) perform similar functions - automatically switching to a backup energy source, for example, to another line or generator in the event of a power outage or a sharp drop in voltage in the network, maintaining the necessary parameters power supply until troubleshooting. They are usually installed where uninterrupted power supply is vital.

Control and automation panels

The control panel and control panel provide controlled power supply to lighting, ventilation/heating lines, security and fire alarms, or are used, for example, for remote control of electric motors. Here you can find various switches, buttons and lights in the form of indicators that allow you to monitor the operation of systems and individual devices. In the first option, control is carried out mainly manually, while the second does everything automatically based on data from various sensors and controllers or working according to a given program. We talked only about the most common types of electrical panels, while in fact there are many more of them, designed to solve specific problems. For reasons of aesthetics and safety, electrical panels and panels inside residential buildings are usually located in remote locations - in attics, garages or basements, but sometimes they can also be an architectural part of the building. All safety panels have a closed front part and are installed so as to be easily accessible for monitoring and maintenance. Building codes prohibit installing panels in a bathroom, in wardrobes, or where there is not enough space for an electrician trying to access the panel. Specific situations, such as outdoor installations, fire or explosive environments, or other unusual locations, may require special equipment designed for harsh environments and more stringent installation guidelines.

The Planet Electric retail chain has a wide range of low-voltage equipment from NEMZ, which includes various models of electrical panels. These include:

lighting boards (SCHO);
apartment panels (ShchK);
floor boards (SHE);
distribution cabinets;
input distribution devices (IDUs);
control and automation panels.

Specifications

Lighting panel OSCHV-12

It is more convenient to consider the technical parameters of light control panels using the example of the OShch series, manufactured in accordance with TU3434-006-33874352-2004. The characteristics of products in this category include the following features:

protection of single-phase group networks from overloads and short-circuit currents, for which single-pole circuit breakers are provided;
presence of internal lighting;
the permissibility of connecting to the input cable in several ways (via a package switch or using special power terminals);
entry of cable lines through upper or lower openings with removable covers;
the number of input wires connected to one terminal usually does not exceed 2;
the maximum cross-section of these tires is 50 m2;
OSCH, OSCHV and UOSCHV panels are designed for operating voltages of 380/220 Volts and have a weight of 13 to 24 kg.

Main distribution board (MSB)

The main switchboard is designed for input of power power lines, electricity metering and distribution of power lines for objects. The device also serves to protect against short circuits and overloads in power supply networks. If we consider the hierarchy of electrical switchboards, then the main switchboard is at the very top level. The main distribution board is most often located on the territory of a transformer substation (TS), boiler houses, and production facilities.

Main distribution board (MSB)

Lighting board diagram

A typical SchO circuit includes an input three-pole circuit breaker that turns on/off the entire panel, group RCDs or differential-type circuit breakers for powering groups of lighting in wet rooms or outdoor lighting or advertising installations, as well as circuit breakers that power the remaining group lighting lines of the facility .

Additionally, if necessary, the Product can be mounted with:

electricity metering unit (meter, instrument transformers, test box);
operating mode indication and control organs;
output of all connection points of group and supply lines of the switchboard to the ZNI terminal blocks for ease of subsequent connection;
LED lighting lamp;
contactors for switching particularly loaded lighting groups (for example, street lighting over a large area);
controllers and other devices that allow you to monitor the operation of the switchboard and manage it remotely.

Design and equipment

If we look at the design in more detail, then we can understand that it provides a distribution panel on which control elements for switching devices will be located:

various automation elements;
automatic switches of outgoing lines;
automatic input switches.

Manufacturers today produce a variety of dimensions of SCHOs, the number of connected lighting lines, as well as power. Ease of installation can be achieved using a DIN rail.

Lighting board design

Most switchboards are equipped with a special door that prevents unauthorized access to switching devices. Using additional devices, you can set programs that turn the lighting on and off at a specified time. This helps to save electrical energy and maximize automation of the shutdown process.

To monitor the insulation of lighting networks and prevent fires, a variety of insulation leakage monitoring devices have recently been used. Special devices promptly disconnect the damaged electrical section without disrupting normally functioning sections of the electrical circuit.

Placing shields

Special requirements are imposed on the order of placement of lighting boards, related to the features of their installation.

Cabinets are installed in areas at least one meter away from sewer, gas and water supply lines.
The switchboard room must be reliably protected from flooding. If it is impossible to ensure such conditions, they should be placed above the expected water level.
Panels intended for outdoor lighting are mounted at a height of at least 20 cm from the floor or concrete base.
If snow drifts are possible, such structures are installed on a special elevation (foundation).

Power panels for portable lamps

Portable lamps located in rooms with a high level of danger are powered by a voltage of no more than 50 V. For this purpose, step-down transformers are installed that convert the voltage.

Especially for such transformers, special shields of a special design are produced with the following components:

A step-down transformer that converts the voltage to the desired level.
A circuit breaker designed to protect the winding from high voltage.
Circuit breaker to protect the low voltage side lines coming from the transformer.
Socket for connecting portable devices.

Not only sockets are connected to the transformer, but also cable lines leading to stationary lighting fixtures. Lamps powered by low voltage are most often installed in areas with a high risk of electric shock.

Lamps operating from networks with a voltage of no more than 12 V are installed in the following cases:

Small spaces.
Uncomfortable working position.
Constant contact of the worker with grounded metal structures.

A step-down transformer can be installed in lighting panels used to connect general lighting.