IEC 61439-3 Ed. 2.0 b:2024—Operation of Distribution Boards
Distribution boards manage and distribute electrical power to buildings. They assure safety and control, allowing users to monitor and manage energy consumption. IEC 61439-3 Ed. 2.0 b:2024—Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies – Part 3: Distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons (DBO) specifies requirements for distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons.
What Is the Purpose of a Distribution Board?
An electrical distribution board, also known as a panel board or a breaker panel, is a crucial component in the electrical system of a building. It is responsible for evenly distributing electrical power from the main power supply to the various circuits and appliances throughout the building. Essentially, the distribution board acts as a central hub for electrical distribution, generation, and transmission within a structure.
What Is IEC 61439-3 Ed. 2.0 b:2024?
IEC 61439-3:2024 edition 2.0 defines specific requirements for distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons (e.g., switching operations and replacing fuse-links), e.g., in domestic (household) applications. This document applies to distribution boards that can contain protection devices, control devices, signaling devices alone or a combination of devices (e.g., circuit-breakers, load shedding relay, energy management, communication devices, and lighting control).
This standard does not apply to an empty enclosure nor to individual devices and self-contained components, such as circuit-breakers, fuse-switches, or electronic equipment.
What Is IEC 61439-3:2024 EXV-CMV?
IEC 61439-3:2024 EXV-CMV contains IEC 61439-3:2024 EXV and IEC 61439-3:2024 CMV.
The extended version (EXV) of the official IEC standard provides the user with the comprehensive content of the standard. IEC 61439-3:2024 EXV includes the content of IEC 61439-3:2024 and the references made to IEC 61439-1:2020.
The commented version (CMV) of the official standard: IEC 61439-3:2024. The CMV of this standard allows the user to identify the changes made to the previous IEC 61439-3:2012 edition 1.0. Furthermore, comments from IEC TC SC 121B experts are provided to explain the reasons of the most relevant changes, or to clarify any part of the content.
Components of Distribution Boards
An electrical distribution board is a fixed installation that distributes electrical power throughout a building, home, or facility. It receives power from the main power source and distributes it to various circuits and outlets throughout the building. Here are examples of various components of distribution boards:
- Main switch—Serves as the gateway to the electrical supply
- Circuit breakers—Protect against short circuits and overloads
- Busbars—Distribute electrical power to different circuits
- Residual Current Devices (RCDs)—protects against electric shock and fires by automatically cutting off power when it detects an imbalance in the electrical current.
- Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)—automatically cuts off the power supply to an electrical circuit when it detects an excessive current, like during a short circuit or overload
- Current Circuit Breakers with Overcurrent Protection (RCBOs)—protects against both overcurrent situations (like short circuits or overloading) and earth leakage currents
Operating a Distribution Board in a House
A power distribution board is a crucial component used for electrical wirings in office buildings and households. It is typically installed where the input current from the primary energy supply enters the household wiring system; it is equipped with one central switch used to control the flow of electricity throughout the house. Hence, operating a distribution board in a house involves receiving the main electrical supply and transferring it to different parts of the house through separate wirings. These subsidiary wirings can be individual controlled by using switches. To assure household electrical safety, a fuse or miniature circuit breaker (safety devices that stop the flow of electricity when there is an overload) is also connected to the power distribution board.
IEC 61439-3 Ed. 2.0 b:2024—Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies – Part 3: Distribution boards intended to be operated by ordinary persons (DBO) is available on the ANSI Webstore.
