Assembly of the electric bar in the apartment with your own hands begins with an accurate calculation of the total power of all connected consumers and the choice of denominations of the input machine. An error at the design stage of the nominals of protective devices will lead to constant blackouts of light when powerful equipment is turned on or, worse, to overheating of the wiring and a fire hazard situation. Properly designed and installed power distribution system provides not only comfort, but also safety of residents, protecting against short circuits and current leaks.
Before starting physical installation, it is necessary to develop a single-line scheme, which will indicate all consumer groups, cable cross-sections and types of protective devices. Modern. power-cloth - is a complex engineering structure that requires strict adherence to the sequence of connection and use of high-quality components. Ignoring the rules of load grouping or saving on differential protection can be too expensive, so each stage of work requires care and compliance with the rules of PPE.
Schematic design and load calculation
The first step in building a reliable power supply system is to divide all consumers into separate groups. You can not connect all the outlets and lighting on one machine, as this will lead to overloading of the line and frequent protection. Grouping It is carried out on a functional basis: kitchen outlets, bathroom, air conditioning, lighting and powerful stationary devices like ovens are separately allocated.
For each group, it is necessary to calculate the estimated power and select the appropriate cable cross section and the nominal value of the circuit breaker. For example, for a rosette group of living rooms, a 2.5 mm2 cable and a 16 Amp machine are usually used, and for lighting - 1.5 mm2 and a 10 Amp machine. Introductory machine It should be designed for the total capacity of the apartment, but taking into account the limit allocated by the energy supply organization.
Particular attention should be paid to appliances with high power consumption, such as electric stoves, water heaters and washing machines. These devices require a separate power line and personal protection, often with the use of a separate power line. CCD (devices of protective shutdown) with a leakage current of 10 mA for wet rooms. Accurate calculation will prevent situations when the simultaneous inclusion of several devices causes an emergency shutdown of the entire apartment.
- ⚡ Rosetta group of living rooms and corridor.
- ⚡ A separate line for the kitchen with powerful outlets.
- ⚡ Dedicated lines for air conditioning, oven and water heater.
- ⚡ Zone lighting group or general lighting group.
- ⚡ Line for the system "warm floor" or ventilation.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to combine sockets and lighting into one group, as well as to connect the bathroom without a separate RCD with a leakage current of 10 mA.
When drawing up a diagram, it is important to take into account the development perspective, leaving a power reserve and free spaces in the shield for future connections. This will avoid a complete bulkheading of the shield when buying new equipment. All calculations are better to enter in the table for clarity and ease of installation.
Selection of components and equipment
The quality and reliability of the entire power grid depends on the selected components. The basis of the shield are automatic switches that protect lines from overloads and short circuits. When choosing, you should give preference to well-known brands, such as: ABB, Legrand, Schneider Electric or IEKAs they guarantee compliance with the declared characteristics and long service life.
Protective shutdown devices (RCDs) or differential machines (difavtomats) are a key safety element. CCD reacts to a leak of current and disconnects power when a person touches live parts or damages the insulation. The difaute combines the functions of the automatic machine and the RCD, taking up less space in the shield, which is important with limited space.
Combine tires and connecting tips are used to switch wires inside the shield. The comb provides reliable contact between a group of machines, eliminating the need to create jumpers from wire clippings, which reduces the risk of poor contact and heating. Zero tires will also be required (N) and ground tyres (PE), the number of which depends on the scheme (general or separate for each group).
| Element | Appointment | Characteristics of choice |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory machine | Protection of entry into the apartment | 2 poles, nominal value of the project (usually 25-40A) |
| Automatic switch | Protection of lines from KZ and overload | 1 pole, characteristic "C", 10A or 16A |
| UZO (Protective shutdown device) | Protection against current leakage | Leakage current 30mA (10mA for the bathroom), nominal value above the machine |
| diffautomatic | Combined protection | Replaces the bundle Automatic + RCD, saves space |
Equally important is the choice of the shield itself. For hidden installation in the wall, built-in boxes are used, and for open wiring - overhead. The number of modules (spaces for machines) should be with a margin of 20-30% of the calculated amount for ease of installation and upgrades.
Comparison of RCD and difautomat
The RCD protects only against current leakage and requires mandatory installation in series with an automatic switch. Difautomatic is a device "two in one", which takes 2 modules (as a bunch of RCD + Automatic) or 1 module (in expensive series) and protects from everything at once. The choice depends on the shield and budget.
Tools and preparation for installation
For high-quality assembly of the electric brush with your own hands, a specialized tool will be required. The main working tool of the electrician is a dynamometer screwdriver, which allows you to tighten contacts with the force recommended by the manufacturer. Insufficient puff will lead to heating and burnout of the contact, and excessive can damage the mechanism of the machine.
Also needed are cutters, a stripper to clean the insulation without damaging the vein, a set of screwdrivers and a knife. For marking wires and groups, be sure to use markers or shrink tubes with inscriptions, since in a few years it will be extremely difficult to understand the "noodles" of wires without marking. Marking This is a key to quickly searching for faults in the future.
☑️ Assembly tools
Before starting work, make sure that the inlet cable is de-energized. Check the absence of voltage can be with an indicator screwdriver or multimeter. Working under stress without special tolerances and means of protection is deadly.
Step-by-step assembly and installation of the shield
Installation begins with the installation of DIN-regs and zero tires inside the body. First, the input automatic is fixed, then, if there is a voltage relay, then the RCD or difavtomats go, and at the end - group automatic switches. The arrangement is made according to the previously drawn up scheme.
The next step is disengagement. The introductory cable is connected to the upper terminals of the introductory machine. The phase wire from the output of the input machine is distributed to group machines. For this, it is most convenient to use a comb-shaped sturge, cutting off a fragment of the desired length from it. Zero wire. from the input is connected to a common zero bus (if there is no RCD) or to the RCD input.
Group lines are connected as follows: the phase from the machine goes to the consumer, zero - with the corresponding zero tire (or the output of the RCD), the ground - to the ground bus. It is important to observe the color marking of the wires: phase - white / red / brown, zero - blue, the earth - yellow-green.
- ⚡ Installation of DIN racks and ground/zero tires.
- ⚡ Installation of the introductory automatic and voltage relay.
- ⚡ Installation of RCD and group machines according to the scheme.
- ⚡ Connecting a comb bus for phase.
- ⚡ Distribution of zero wires on tires or combs.
⚠️ Attention: Never connect more than two wires under the same terminal of the machine or tire. If you need to connect more, use additional zero tires.
Use a soft multi-core wire (PV-3) to assemble the shield. It is easier to fit, does not break on the curves and provides better contact in the terminals after pressing with NSHVI tips.
Typical errors and safety rules
One of the most common mistakes is getting insulation under the terminal of the machine. This leads to poor contact, heating, melting of the body and possible fire. When tightening, make sure that only the metal part of the wire is clamped. Use transparent protective covers on the terminals after installation.
Another common mistake is the wrong choice of the RCD denomination. The current of the load of the RCD should be equal to or exceed the nominal value of the machine standing in front of it. If the machine is 25A, then the RCD should be at least 25A, and preferably 40A, otherwise, when overloaded, the contacts inside the RCD can burn.
Security When assembling a shield, it also implies the correct organization of the space inside. The wires should not be stretched, but excessive hinges also make it difficult to close the door. All connections should be available for visual inspection and lifting.
The main rule of installation: Phase goes through the automaton, Zero - through the RCD (if any) or directly to the tire, the Earth - always directly to the ground bus, bypassing any automatics.
After assembly, but before connecting the load, it is necessary to conduct a visual inspection and "recall" of the chain for short circuits. Only after making sure that there are no errors, you can supply voltage and check the system by turning on the machines alternately.
Checking system performance
The final stage is testing the assembled electric shield. First, the voltage is applied to the introductory machine. If it does not knock out, the presence of voltage at the output is checked. Then group machines are turned on in turn. When turning on each of them, you should check the presence of voltage in the corresponding sockets and the operation of lighting.
Be sure to check the performance of the RCD. There's a button on every device. TEST or T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T). When pressing it, a serviceable ultrasound should instantly turn off the power of the protected group. If the shutdown does not occur, the device is faulty and requires replacement.
⚠️ Attention: If the machine is turned on immediately there is a disconnect (knocks out), then the line has a short circuit or an error in the installation. Do not try to re-energize the machine until the cause is found and eliminated.
After successful testing, close all wires, install plastrons (if any) and close the shield door. On the inside of the door, it is recommended to paste a shield diagram with signatures, which will greatly facilitate operation in the future.
Can I get a slapboard if I'm not an electrician?
Theoretically, anyone with a technical mindset and attentiveness can collect the shield, strictly following the scheme. However, the work on connecting the input and the initial start is better to trust a professional, since the price of error here is life and fire safety.
Which brand of machine is better to choose for an apartment?
The most reliable and popular brands are ABB (S200 series), Schneider Electric (Acti9), Legrand (DX3) and IEK (for the budget segment). The main thing is to buy original products from official dealers to avoid counterfeiting.
Do I need to put a voltage relay?
Yes, installation of the voltage relay (PNN) highly desirable, especially in old housing stock. It will protect your equipment from power surges in the network, zero break and other emergency situations in the external network.
Why is the gun in the shield?
The main reasons: poor contact (weakly tightened screw), insulation hit under the terminal, overloading line (on too many devices) or malfunction of the machine itself. Diagnostics and contact lifting are required.