Electrical distribution boards

An electrical distribution board is selected as an enclosure and configuration for specific equipment. Distinguish a distribution application from an industrial solution with sockets and determine which components must be included.

Choose the enclosure type by task

For modular distribution, start with distribution boards. For configurations with industrial sockets, use industrial distribution boards and boards with sockets. The two areas raise different questions about internal space and package contents. External size alone does not show whether devices, sockets or only an enclosure are included.

The range includes metal and plastic versions, surface and flush-mounted models, doors, covers and expansion parts. First determine placement method and required access. Then compare exact reference capacity, rows and dimensions. A door or expansion from one system should not be assumed compatible with every similar enclosure.

A mounting plate is not a wired distribution board

As a specific enclosure version, IDE ARGENTA GN606040 is a steel enclosure for surface wall mounting with one opaque reversible door. Its external dimensions are 600 × 600 × 400 mm. It includes a flat galvanised sheet steel mounting plate, 2 mm thick, supplied uninstalled. This does not mean circuit breakers, busbars, thermostats or wiring are included.

The data for this model do not describe all ARGENTA enclosures or other series. When comparing configurations, distinguish the mounting plate, DIN elements, terminals and electrical equipment. Where protective equipment is required, continue to circuit breakers and fuses instead of assuming it is part of every box.

Assess the housing for its environment

In IP, the first digit concerns solid objects and dust, the second water. IK separately denotes mechanical impact. Check these measures for the chosen version; one enclosure's data do not transfer to every combination with added parts. Consider entries, openings and accessories within the specific solution as well.

For overall equipment organisation, use distribution boards and electrical equipment. Prepare a list containing the enclosure, mounting contents, separate equipment and supplementary parts. Selection can then be checked by function and reference compatibility without confusing an empty enclosure with a complete electrical distribution board.