Opening cabinets or panels manufactured according to GOST 32396-2013, are intended for centralized transmission and distribution of electrical energy from substations. In the systems of centralized energy supply of residential and public buildings, a household type of structures is used. Power and protective electrical equipment are mounted in them, as well as connecting wires and cable outlets are laid (a sample cabinet is shown in the photo below).
Design features
Products of this class are produced in the form of a metal or plastic box (box), in which the following electrical equipment is mounted:
- Control devices (electricity meters for energy consumption, in particular).
- Switchgears and protection devices (current and overvoltage).
- A set of terminal blocks and connecting wiring (as in the photo below).
Additional Information: The structure of the electrical wiring includes cable routing and linear branches of the consumer network.
The cabinet is designed with special partitions made of insulating material, which exclude electrical contact between individual elements.
Control and protection devices, as well as switchgears are installed on special DIN rails, ensuring quick and reliable installation. There are openings in the upper and lower parts of the housing used for the entry and exit of cable lines. The dimensions of the mounting hatches depend on the cabinet grade and the expected linear load. The surface of the steel body is covered with high-quality powder paint, which reliably protects it from damage and destruction.
Dimensions and grounding elements
Distribution cabinets are produced in various designs, first of all, differing in their dimensions. For residential and public buildings, their height usually does not exceed 1.7 meters. The width and depth of the structure are in most cases 70 and 20 cm, respectively.
The specified dimensions are sufficient to accommodate all the necessary electrical distribution equipment. Additional devices that ensure the safe operation of the cabinet include protective grounding. For its normal functioning, a thick copper conductor is used, which has an electrical connection to the local circuit.
Choosing a place for a cabinet
According to SNiP 31-110-2003 and PUE 7 (clause 7.1.22) distribution cabinets are installed at the entrance to the building in places specially designated for this purpose.
note: These documents specifically stipulate that there may be several such structures in multi-storey buildings (there are three of them in the photo below.
They are placed either on the floor in the selected room or on / in the wall at the level of the power cable entry. Power input and distribution cabinets are not allowed to be located in the following places:
- in the immediate vicinity of explosive and flammable materials;
- close to garbage collectors;
- under the toilet rooms.
Access to electrical devices is strictly limited. The keys are kept by the local government representative or the electrician on duty.