What is a Distribution Panel and How Does it Work?
If you are providing power for a variety of different components at the same time, using a distribution panel is probably the best option to consider. You have probably seen these before – typically they are represented by a metal panel that opens up to a variety of on and off switches. This is the control panel where you can control the power for different components and locations throughout your business, or wherever the panel is installed.
To understand what a distribution panel is, there are certain features that you need to know.
What is a Distribution Panel?
A distribution panel is found in just about any home or professional office building around the world. To put it simply, a distribution panel is where the main source of electricity is controlled for a large area such as a live event, wharehouse, or office building.
Distribution panels can either be large or small. The amount of circuits depends on the needs of the location that is being powered. Below, we will cover what distribution panels are and how they work in greater detail.
Basic Functions of a Distribution Panel
· Power Source for A Whole Set of Gear
As briefly mentioned, a distribution panel is the main source of a large set of electrical circuits. Distribution panels work by combining circuits from many different locations into one central hub. This allows you to access the entire electrical grid for your home from one spot.
· Breaks Power off into Separate Sources
A distribution panel works by providing one main power switch that controls the power for all circuits. When turned off, the main power switch can temporarily shut down the entire grid. However, there are also times when you might need to control the power for separate components or locations in your home.
For this reason, a distribution panel will separate each of the circuits into their own switches. This way, if you needed to shut off the power in just one location of your home you can do so without turning off the power for other areas that do need power at that time.
· Safe and Reliable Means to Power Up Large Buildings & Homes
Without a distribution panel, powering up your office building or wharehouse would be quite dangerous. Imagine running hundreds of different electrical cords from different locations to your local municipality’s electrical grid. Without distribution panels, powering up large complexes with a complicated electrical system would be a total nightmare.
