The electrical panel is the heart of the electrical system of any apartment. It is from here that electricity is distributed through all sockets, switches and light bulbs. And the safety of residents and the safety of their property directly depends on how well it is selected and assembled.
Many people treat the choice of a dashboard as something secondary, entrusting the choice to an electrician or buying the first one they find in a store. But this is a serious mistake. An improperly selected shield can cause many problems in the future, from inconvenient use to short circuit and fire.
Embedded or overhead: a matter of aesthetics and convenience
The first thing to decide on is the type of shield mounting. They come in two types:
- Overhead (hinged) — mounted directly on the wall. They are easier to install, no need to smash the wall. But they protrude from the wall, which may not be very aesthetically pleasing, especially in living rooms or corridors.
- Built—in - they are mounted in a special niche in the wall. They look much neater, as they practically merge with the wall. But their installation is more complicated and dirtier, and requires niche preparation.
For apartments with modern finishes, built-in models are most often chosen. Overhead panels are well suited for technical rooms, cottages, or in cases where wall gouging is impossible.
Size matters: we count modules with a margin
The inner space of the shield is measured not in centimeters, but in "modules". One module is the standard width of one single—pole circuit breaker (about 1.8 cm). To understand the size of the shield you need, you need to calculate how many modules all the planned equipment will take.
What is usually installed in an apartment panel:
- Introductory slot machine
- Electricity meter (if it is installed in the apartment)
- RCD (safety shutdown device) or difautomats
- Group vending machines (for sockets, lights, powerful appliances)
- Additional equipment (voltage relays, contactors, etc.)
The main rule is to always take a shield with a margin of at least 20-30%. This will allow you to easily add a new line in the future (for example, for an air conditioner or boiler) or install an additional protective device.
Body material: Plastic or metal
The flaps are made of two main materials: metal and plastic. Everyone has their own peculiarities. Metal shields are more durable and vandal-proof, they do not burn. They are often used in entrances, garages, and industrial premises.
Plastic flaps are most often chosen for installation inside an apartment. Modern ABS plastic, from which they are made, is self-extinguishing, that is, it does not support gorenje. They are lighter, do not rust, and tend to have a more attractive design. The strength of the plastic case is more than enough for household needs.
Not just the box
Choosing a shield is not just about choosing a case. It is equally important to choose the right "stuffing": automatic machines, RCD and other devices.
Safety directly depends on their quality. Saving on automation is a very bad idea. It is better to choose products from well-known and trusted brands. And, of course, the shield must be assembled and installed only by a qualified electrician. Understanding the wagering requirements is key to successfully utilizing your bonus funds. The free promo code 1xbet which grants $130 for sports or €1950 with 150 free spins, comes with clear and fair terms. For the sports bonus, you must wager the amount five times on accumulator bets featuring at least three events, each with odds of 1.40 or higher, all within 30 days. For the casino bonus, a 35x wagering requirement applies. A unique cashback feature returns 0.18% of your weekly sports bets as bonus funds.