Busways, Panelboards & Switchgears
Electrical distribution systems rely on several essential components that include busways, panelboards, and switchgears. These elements provide safe and efficient electrical power management in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. The conductors of a busway are insulated and housed in a protective enclosure. The construction is inherently safe and can be used in environments where a high density of electrical power is carried. The flexible, modular system can distribute direct current (DC) as well as alternating current (AC), across a wide range of voltages, in any configuration needed.
A facility's electrical power is routed through its panelboards. These are the dynamic and centralized distribution centers of a building's power, but they also perform crucial protective and functional functions. They are well organized, they have a good schematic diagram on the front door, and they use protective devices like circuit breakers and fuses.
In contrast, switchgears handle controlling, protecting, and isolating electrical devices within a power system. They ensure the safe operation of high-voltage equipment like generators and transformers and maintain the overall stability of a power system. A switchgear usually contains a variety of devices that serve to control, protect, and isolate high-voltage equipment and make it safe for the operator to perform maintenance without fear of electric shock. The use of a switchgear is essential for ensuring the reliable operation and power distribution of a stable power plant, especially for high-demand equipment like generators.
Differences between Power Supplies, Inverters and Transformers
Power supplies
A power supply converts one type of power to another. The most common example is a power supply that takes AC voltage and converts it to DC voltage. While it is very common to use power supplies in industrial applications, one very common place to see a power supply used is for the devices such as: smartphones, laptops or tablets. Most devices come with a power cord that has a bulky block on the end of it. This block is where the power supply is located. Most devices do not use AC power, which is the type of power being supplied to homes. They use some form or DC power. The power supply changes the AC voltage to the correct DC voltage for the device.
Inverters
Inverters work in a similar way to power supplies, with one major difference, instead of converting AC power to DC power, the inverter does the opposite. It converts DC power to AC power. DC power is created by devices such as solar panels or batteries, but most homes require AC power. To convert the DC power that is generated by the solar panels, an inverter is used.
Transformers
Transformers convert one type of AC power to a different type of AC power. For example, homes commonly use 120 VAC and automatic sprinkling systems have valves that require 24 VAC. A transformer converts 120 VAC to 24 VAC so the sprinkler valves can operate properly. Transformers come in many different shapes and sizes. and can convert AC power up or down.