Condition of over current:
Flow of excessive current in a power distribution system is known as over load or over current. Over current and short circuits happen once in a while which can damage the whole supply system if not properly taken care of. There is a continuous flow power supply in conductors which produces heat. The more the flow, the hotter the conductor is. There is a specific limit on the capacity of the conductors to carry the current and any excess heat due to excess current flow is more than enough to damage the electrical components of the distribution system. To protect the conductors and the supply system from any damage, it is essential to have an over current protective device for every power distribution system. These devices are designed in such a way to maintain a safe level of current flow in the circuit so as to prevent the conductors from overheating. Circuit control as well as over current protection is mainly performed by the panelboards.
Controlling the Power Supply:
Today equipment is whether simple machinery or a sophisticated one, are run by electricity. The electrical supply used may be AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current). Whatever the power supply, it is essential to properly control the flow of electricity for the safety of the machine as well as the person working on it. The control of the power supply is done with the help of switchboards which contains a lot of switches through which the flow of electricity can be controlled either by switching it on or off accordingly. They also contain the circuit indicators which are capable of detecting the power of various circuits. For the effective functioning of these boards, the amount of electricity transmitted by them should be equal to the amount of electricity received. These boards are covered properly with covering panels which are trim, so that the complicated wiring structure will not be visible to the operators. This outer cover is known as dead front and it gives a finished look to the board.
Structure of the cabinets:
Every single power distribution system is closely covered in safe cabinets and placed in electrical rooms or such other places in the building. These covered cabinets are also known as electrical enclosures or utility cabinets and they are made of different materials depending on its usage. They may be either made of rigid plastics, aluminum or even steel. The indoor cabinets are easily accessible and can be opened by the residents for some minor operations, whereas the outdoor cabinets are not easily accessible. They are designed in such a way to protect them from corrosion or other damages. A lot companies offer good designs of cabinets at affordable prices. If required, the samples or designs can be viewed before deciding on the cabinet you want to buy. For residential purposes, most people prefer to buy the cabinets on their own so that they can buy those which suit the interior of their house.