Chapter Four Electrical Distribution Panels

Chapter Four
Electrical Distribution Panels

4-1 Main Distribution Board (MDB):-

The electrical characteristics of the distribution board shall be as follows
(unless otherwise specified):
 Designed voltage: 230/400V  6%, 3-phase, 4-wires, 50Hz  2%
 Neutral earthing: direct earthing at transformer
 Short circuit current capacity: 50kA/sec.
Design Requirements: The design requirements include the design of the
distribution board and the selection of devices and components so that they
are compatible with other components of the electrical installation to ensure
that the distribution board meets the specified performance requirements. All
design works, including relevant information, data and calculations, shall be
submitted to the consultant for approval.
Performance Requirements: In the distribution panel; all materials and
workmanship must conform to the latest version of the following standard
specifications and all subsequent modifications issued prior to the bid date:
(IEC 60947, IEC 60439-1).

59 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Four Electrical Distribution Panels

4-1-1 Construction and Finishing:-

 The structure of the distribution board must be made of solid steel so
that it is self-standing without the need for supports. The ceiling, sides
and doors shall be made of iron sheets or equivalent metal with a
thickness of not less than 2 mm. Iron must be treated before plating to
prevent corrosion, while steel parts that are usually left shiny must be
cadmium-coated.
 The distribution board must be multi-compartment to accommodate
bus-bars, circuit breakers, switches, etc., as shown in the drawings,
suitable for service conditions and conforming to appropriate
international standards.

60 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Four Electrical Distribution Panels

 It should be easy to access all the internal components in the

distribution board
 The bottom of the distribution board must be closed to prevent vermin
with non-magnetic fireproof barrier plates with slots as required to
match the cables as indicated. In the case of cables entering from the
top, the upper part of the distribution board must be manufactured in
the same way.
 The back plates of the distribution board should be detachable with a
pair of handles to facilitate the installation or movement of the plates
 The distribution board must be manufactured according to the standard
(IEC 60439-1) and this is confirmed by a certificate from a recognized
independent and reliable inspection body
 The distribution board must be of the same height and depth from front
to back, uniform in length and of good appearance. It must also have
sufficient ventilation to dissipate the heat.
 All circuit breakers and switches must contain mechanical interlocks so
that their doors and covers cannot be opened except when the circuit
breakers and switches are in the off position. Also, it is not possible to
close the breakers and switches when the doors and covers are open
except after interlocking or using a specific tool.
 The distribution board must be equipped with one or more title boards
to be placed in a permanent manner and in a visible and readable place.
The following information should be installed on the title board:
 Manufacturer or brand name
 Type or identification number
 Current type
 Design work voltage and frequency
 Design insulation voltage

61 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Four Electrical Distribution Panels

 Short circuit capacity

 Protection degree
 Design capacity of main copper bus-bar
4-1-2 Bus-bars, Wiring, and Earthing:-
 The bus-bars compartment shall have three phase rods and a neutral rod
of equal cross-sectional area as shown on the drawings or specified in
the bill of quantities.
 All bus-bars must be made of high conductivity drawn copper
electroplated with tin.
 All bus-bars, including conductors connecting the bus-bars to line-out
feeders, must be configured to withstand a short circuit current at any
point.
 All neutral conductors shall have a cross-sectional area of not less than
that of phase conductors, and must be marked in black or the letter N.
 All auxiliary circuit wires are insulated with PVC at a design
temperature of 70C. All wires must have an insulating collar affixed to
their ends with letters or symbols in fixed ink to distinguish between
the different circuits. Each link must end with a good-quality end
header which must be indicated by an appropriate address label.
 All auxiliary circuit must be assembled and put together in a bundle.
 Auxiliary circuit cables must pass in special paths designed to provide
adequate protection for them from mechanical damage. It must also be
well packaged so that it can be easily recognized along its route.
 Wires from the stationary part of the distribution board to moving parts
such as doors, must be surrounded by flexible plastic tubes.
 It is not allowed to make soldered joints or joints in the auxiliary circuit
wires, and the exposed live ends must be properly wrapped or covered.

62 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad
Chapter Four Electrical Distribution Panels

 A tinned copper earthing rod of suitable bearing capacity of not less

than 70mm2 cross-sectional area must be installed along the lower rear
part inside the distribution board for the connection of the earthing
wires to each cable and to connect the structure of all parts. A final
earthing point must also be available within the lower part of the
distribution board suitable for attaching a copper strip of cross-sectional
area 25*3mm2.
4-1-3 Installation:-
 All panels must be installed and tested prior to delivery to site. The
Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that the panels are
delivered to the site in the form of parts suitable for installation in the
electrical room prepared for this purpose.
 The width of the passage necessary for the movement of the operating
person in front of the main distribution board must not be less than 100
cm.
 The following should be considered when designing compartments
with retractable components:
 Allow the circuit breakers to be replaced by others with the same
characteristics
 Allow interchange of parts of the compartments with others of
the same size
 Openings and spare holes must be closed with plates that can be
easily removed when needed
 The main distribution boards must be prepared by the contractor and
installed in accordance with the requirements with the rest of their
components with the aforementioned types depending on the type of
building and according to the bills of quantities and plans, and without
any additional financial claims.

63 Lecturer:
Dr. Habeeb J. Nekad