Literate brushwork It is the foundation of safety and comfort in any modern apartment. It is the quality of the work performed that determines the stability of the work of household appliances, the protection of wiring from overloads and, ultimately, the life of residents. Many property owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply install several machines, but a professional approach requires taking into account many nuances, ranging from calculating power consumption and ending with the correct selection of components.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the entire process required to create a reliable power supply system. You will know how different it is. single-phase diagram from three-phase, why it is important to observe the selectivity of protection and what errors are most often made during installation. A properly designed shield will last decades, requiring only minimal maintenance.
Design and calculation of capacity
Before you go to the store for components, you need to make a clear plan for the distribution of loads. The design power This is the basic parameter from which they start when choosing an introductory automaton and cross-section of cables. It is not necessary to blindly rely on standard values, it is better to analyze specific energy consumers that will be used simultaneously. For example, if you have an electric stove, a powerful oven, a washing machine and an air conditioner, the total load can reach critical values.
At this stage, it is important to divide all consumers into separate groups. Rosenets In living rooms, lighting, powerful stationary appliances and bathroom equipment (where special protection from moisture is required) should be powered by independent lines. This will allow you to de-energize one area during repairs, without turning off the lights in the entire apartment.
To understand the scope of work, you can focus on the following table of consumer distribution:
| Consumer group | Type of consumer | The denomination of the machine | Cable cross-section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen (sockets) | Microwave, kettle | 16 A (C16) | 3×2.5 mm2 |
| Bathroom | Washing machine | 16 A (C16) | 3×2.5 mm2 |
| Lighting | LED lights | 6 A or 10 A | 3×1.5 mm2 |
| Electroplate | Cooking panel | 32 A or 40 A | 3×6.0 mm2 |
⚠️ Warning: Never use circuit breakers above 16 Amps to protect the 2.5 mm2 socket groups. This is a direct threat of fire wiring during prolonged overload.
Development prospects should also be considered. If you plan to install a warm floor or dishwasher in the future, (reserve) space in the shield and lay cables "just in case" will be a smart decision.
Selection of components: automatic machines, RCD and difautomats
The heart of any protection system is the automatic switches. For household needs, devices with a characteristic are most often used «C»which are intended for active and inductive-active loads. It is important to understand the difference between a conventional automatic machine that protects the cable from short circuit and overheating, and a protective shutdown device (Switch).CCDwhich saves a person from being electrocuted.
The RCD responds to a current leak, for example, if you have touched a phase or if the insulation in the washing machine has been damaged. The leakage rating for residential premises is usually 10 mA or 30 mA. The more sensitive 10mA is placed on individual appliances in bathrooms, and 30mA on general groups or the whole house.
- 🔌 Automatic switch Protects the wires from overload and short circuit.
- ⚡ RCD (Protective Shutdown Device) Protects a person from electric shock during a leak.
- 🛡️ differential - a combined device "2 in 1", combining the functions of the machine and the RCD.
When choosing brands, you should give preference to proven manufacturers, such as: ABB, Legrand, Schneider Electric or IEK (for the budget segment). Cheap analogues of unknown brands may not work at a critical moment or, conversely, falsely turn off, creating discomfort.
Use comb tires instead of jumpers from wires to connect the machines. This increases the reliability of contacts, improves the aesthetics of installation and simplifies the maintenance of the shield.
Shield assembly and layout
There are two main approaches to layout: the use of difautomats or a bundle of “automatic + RCD”. The first option is more compact, but more expensive. The second option saves space in the shield and budget, since one RCD can protect several machines. However, here lies an important nuance: if one RCD "hangs" three machines, then if the current leaks on any of these three devices, everything will turn off at once, and you will have to look for a malfunction by the method of exclusion.
The optimal scheme is considered, where for each RCD there are no more than 3-4 automatic switches. This provides a balance between cost, space and usability. The introductory machine is usually installed first, followed by the counter (if the shield is an apartment and a counter inside), then a general RCD or a difautomat, and then group automatic machines.
When assembly, it is necessary to strictly observe the color marking of the wires. Phase (Phase)L) is usually indicated in black, brown or white, zero (N) is blue and the grounding (PE) - yellow-green. These colors cannot be confused.
⚠️ Note: It is forbidden to combine zero working wire (N) and zero protective wire (PE) after the separation point in the shield. This will lead to incorrect operation of the RCD and the appearance of dangerous potential on the case of devices.
☑️ Checking before applying voltage
Tools and preparation for installation
Quality assembly is impossible without the appropriate tool. You will need a set of screwdrivers with different slits, bokores for cutting wires, a stripper for cleaning the insulation without damaging the veins and a dynamometer screwdriver. The latter tool is especially important for professionals, as it allows you to tighten the terminals with a strictly defined effort recommended by the manufacturer.
Don’t forget about the labeling, too. Each wire must be signed, and the shield diagram (passport) must be pasted inside the door or be in an accessible place. In a few years, you or another electrician will thank you for your forethought. For marking, it is convenient to use a special label printer or at least neat tags.
The installation process requires concentration. You need to work with a completely de-energized shield. If you are changing the old shield to a new one, make sure the introductory cable is turned off on the landing or in the house shield.
- 🔧 Stripper Remove insulation quickly and without notches on the vein.
- 📏 Line and marker - for smooth marking of places of installation of DIN-regs.
- 🔨 Bitters - for cutting of comb tyres and wires.
Why do you need a dynamometer screwdriver?
Unpressed contact warms and can cause a fire, and squeezed - damage the body of the machine or break the wire inside the terminal. The dynamometer screwdriver clicks when the desired effort is achieved, ensuring the perfect contact.
Step-by-step assembly instructions
Start by installing DIN racks in the shield case. Keep them secure by checking the horizontality. Then install the modular devices in the order prescribed by your scheme. Do not rush to tighten the wires to the end; first, it is better to assemble the “skeleton” of the system, connecting all the elements with a comb bus where possible.
The preparation of the wires is a key stage. The vein must be cleaned exactly enough to fully enter the terminal, but the insulation did not fall under the clamping. For multi-core wires, be sure to use NSHVI tips (sleeves), otherwise the thin hairs will flatten over time, the contact will weaken, and heating will begin.
Procedure:1. Set DIN Rails.
2. Place the machines and the RCD according to the scheme.
3. Connect the comb bus (phase and zero).
4. Bring the introductory cable to the upper terminals of the introductory machine.
5. Draw group lines along the lower terminals.
6. Connect N and PE buses.
After connecting all elements, a visual inspection should be carried out. Check if there are any hanging pieces of insulation, whether the wires are reliably sitting. Only after that, you can carefully stack the wires in the bundles using plastic screeds or perforated boxes, if space allows.
⚠️ Before the first switching on, be sure to “ring” the circuit with a multimeter for no short circuit between phase and zero, as well as between phase and ground.
Typical errors and system checks
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore the heat gap. Automatic machines in dense packaging warm more, so between the rows of modules it is sometimes useful to leave small gaps or use special partitions if the shield is metal and poorly ventilated. Also often forget about the stock of wires inside the shield - they must be of such length that they can freely reach any point of installation with a half-stock.
After assembly and visual inspection, the first inclusion is made. The voltage is applied in stages. First, the introductory machine is turned on, the presence of voltage on the comb is checked. Then, group machines are switched on in turn. If somewhere knocks out the ultrasound immediately after turning on, it means that somewhere there is a leak or mixed up zeroes.
The main criterion for correct assembly is the absence of heating of contacts under load and a clear protection operation in case of artificially created leakage (checked by the button "Test" on the RCD).
Regular check of the system, at least once every six months (clicking the button "Test" on the RCD), will make sure that the mechanism is not oxide and the protection will work at the right time. Remember that electricity does not forgive negligence, but when properly approached, it becomes the safest and most convenient source of energy in your home.
Can I build a shield without experience?
Theoretically, you can if you have a deep theoretical knowledge and understanding of the physics of processes. However, in practice, lack of experience often leads to errors in the choice of denominations or the quality of contacts, which can lead to fire. It is better to entrust it to a professional or work under his strict supervision.
What is the life of automatic switches?
High-quality machines of well-known brands are designed for thousands of cycles on / off and can serve 15-20 years or more. However, it is recommended to carry out their preventive check or replacement with frequent positives.
Should I change the introductory machine when increasing power?
Yes, if you change the wiring throughout the apartment and increase the cross section of the introductory cable, then replacing the introductory machine is mandatory. It also requires coordination with the energy supply organization, as the power limit for the apartment is limited.