What are the 4 types of electric panels?

Electric panels are devices that distribute and regulate the flow of electricity in a system. There
are four main types of electric panels, each with its own purpose and function.

1. Automatic Power Factor Control (APFC) Panels

2. Motor Control Centre (MCC) Panels

3. Automatic Mains Failure (AMF) Panels

4. Power Control Centre (PCC) Panels

Let’s dive into each type and explore their unique features and applications.

Automatic Power Factor Control Panels (APFC)

They are used to improve the power factor of a system by automatically switching capacitors on
and off. This reduces the reactive power consumption and increases the efficiency of the system.

Applications
The users of Automatic Power Factor Control Panels are:

 Industries that use motors, transformers, or fluorescent lighting, such as automobile,

metal, pharmaceutical, cement, chemical, etc.
 Power stations and windmills that generate and distribute electricity
 Hospitals, malls, banks, and IT parks that require stable and efficient power supply
Advantages
The potential advantages of APFC panels are:
  Improved power quality by reducing voltage drops, fluctuations, and harmonics
 Energy efficiency by reducing reactive power and apparent power demand
 Increased system capacity by freeing up more power for useful work
 Reduced electricity bills and penalties by avoiding power factor surcharges and
maximum demand charges
 Automatic control and monitoring of power factor by switching capacitors and reactors as
needed
Motor Control Centre Panels (MCC)
They are used to control the operation of multiple motors in a system. They provide protection,
monitoring, and control features for each motor, such as overload, short circuit, start/stop, speed,
etc.
Applications
The users of MCC panels are:

 Industries that use multiple motors for various processes, such as food, chemical,
pharmaceutical, petroleum, etc.
 Power plants that generate and distribute electricity.
 Facilities that require efficient power management, safety, and protection for the motors
in the system
Advantages
The potential advantages of MCC panels are:

 Simplified installation and maintenance of the motors and their control devices.
 Reduced floor space and wiring costs by housing all the required components in a single
location.
 Enhanced safety and protection features for the motors, such as overload, short circuit,
start/stop, speed, etc.
 Improved operation and performance of the motors by using PLC and SCADA for remote
control and monitoring.
Automatic Mains Failure (AMF) Panels
They are used to detect the failure of the main power supply and automatically switch to a
backup generator. They also monitor the status of the generator and switch back to the main
supply when it is restored.

Applications
The users of AMF panels are:

 Industries and facilities that require uninterrupted power supply, such as hospitals, malls,
banks, IT parks, etc.
 Power plants and windmills that generate and distribute electricity.
  Systems that need automatic changeover between mains electric supply and backup
generator.
Advantages
The potential advantages are:

 Reduced labor cost and human error by eliminating the need for manual intervention.
 Increased safety and reliability by detecting and switching the power sources in case of
failure.
 Enhanced protection and monitoring features for the power system, such as fuses, circuit
breakers, relays, etc.
 Optimized power consumption and efficiency by using PLC and SCADA for remote
control and management
Power Control Centre (PCC) Panels
They are used to distribute the power from the main source to various sub-circuits in a system.
They provide protection, isolation, and control features for each sub-circuit, such as circuit
breakers, fuses, relays, etc.

Applications
Some possible applications and advantages of PCC panels are:

 Industries that require centralized control and monitoring of power distribution to various
electrical equipment, such as motors, generators, transformers, etc.
 Power plants that generate and distribute electricity.
 Facilities that need efficient power management, safety, and protection for the sub-
circuits in the system.
Advantages
 Reduced installation and maintenance costs by housing all the required components in a
single location.
  Improved safety and reliability by providing circuit protection, isolation, and control
features for each sub-circuit.
 Enhanced performance and efficiency by using metering and monitoring instruments,
control relays, and remote control devices.

TYPES OF ELECTRICAL BOXES

What is Electrical Boxes?

An electrical box or electrical junction box (also known as a box) is an enclosure housing
electrical connections. Junction boxes protect the electrical connections from the weather, as
well as protecting people from accidental electric shocks.

1. Metal and Plastic Electrical Boxes

The majority of electric boxes are metal or plastic. Most indoor metal boxes are steel, while
indoor plastic boxes are PVC or fiberglass. Weatherproof metal boxes for outdoor use are
typically durable aluminum alloy. Some situations require a metal box over a plastic box, such as
using a metal conduit to run wiring. If you are using a non-metallic cable to run wiring, like a
Type NM-B (non-metallic sheathed cable), you can choose a metal or plastic container.

As a note, metal electrical boxes must connect to the system ground, typically via a short length
of wire called a pigtail. Keep in mind that plastic boxes do not usually require such grounding.

Best use: Metal-sheathed cable or metal conduit for metal boxes; non-metallic cables for plastic
boxes
2. Standard Rectangular Electrical Boxes
When you picture an electrical box, you will likely imagine a standard rectangular box. These
electrical boxes protect the wires associated with single light fixture switches and standard power
outlet receptacles. This type is also referred to as a single-gang or one-gang box, and they are
generally 2 inches by 3 inches in size, with depths ranging from 1½ inches to 3½ inches. If you
have a complex electrical setup, many rectangular boxes are “gangable,” meaning they feature
detachable sides that allow multiple boxes to link together.

Standard rectangular boxes also come in new-work and old-work designs. Install a new-work
box after the wall has been framed but before adding drywall. Install an old-work box, otherwise
known as a retrofit box, after you finish the walls. Note that a standard electrical box used to
enclose wire splices is called a junction box, which is installed in an accessible spot to make wire
connections.

Best use: Light switches and outlets

3. 2-Gang, 3-Gang, and 4-Gang Electrical Boxes

You can join multiple standard rectangular boxes together to handle the electrical needs of
numerous household electrical switches and outlets, or you can go with 2-gang, 3-gang, or 4-
gang boxes.

As the names suggest, these electrical boxes are similar in function to rectangular boxes, but they
are oversized to mount up to four devices side-by-side. Like standard rectangular boxes, you can
find these in a variety of new-work and old-work designs. Some even have built-in cable clamps
for convenience.

Best use: Multiple electrical devices joined together

4. Round Pan Electrical Boxes

Round pan boxes, also known as pancake boxes, tend to be shallow, at just ½ inch to ¾ inch
deep. They’re best for ceiling or wall-mounted lighting fixtures that weigh no more than 50
pounds.

Ensure the fixture wires are properly connected and fitted. These are shallow boxes that can only
fit two or three connections, and overstuffing them can lead to hot ceiling fixtures and,
potentially, an electrical fire. If the setup demands more wire connections, go with a full-sized
box.

Best use: Ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures, weighing less than 50 pounds
5. Octagon and Round Electrical Boxes
Octagon and standard round electrical boxes provide more room than shallow round pan boxes,
with depths ranging from 1½ inches to 3 inches deep. This option is the most traditional choice
for ceiling or wall-mounted lighting fixtures that weigh up to 50 pounds. Many round electrical
boxes have fasteners, or “ears,” that can attach to the wall or ceiling surface so you can avoid
cutting a large hole in the drywall. This feature makes them especially suited for old-work
applications.

Best use: Ceiling- or wall-mounted light fixtures, weighing up to 50 pounds

6. 4-Inch Square Electrical Boxes

Standard square boxes, also known as 4-inch boxes, provide plenty of depth for multiple
applications (1¼ inches to 2.125 inches). The square corners offer even more interior space for
multiple conductors and connectors. For these reasons, square boxes are handy for running
conductors in two or more directions. They attach to ceilings or walls and easily support lighting
fixtures, housing switches, and related electrical receptacles.

Square electrical boxes also shine when used as a junction box, as they boast plenty of space to
protect wire splices and the like.

Best use: Several conductors and connectors running in two or more directions

7. Ceiling Fan Electrical Boxes

These boxes are purpose-built for, you guessed it, mounting ceiling fans. They come in various
types and sizes to suit different kinds of fans, though they are usually round. If you are installing
a new ceiling fan, make sure the associated electrical box is UL-listed for ceiling fan mounting
and marked “for use with ceiling fans.” Do not use a standard round or octagonal electrical box
for mounting a ceiling fan, as they likely will not be able to withstand the dynamic loading of a
rotating fan.

Best use: Ceiling fans weighing up to 70 pounds; light fixtures weighing between 90 and 150
pounds

8. Outdoor Electrical Box

These boxes are weatherproof and tailor-made for mounting to the surface of roof overhangs,
decks, and exterior walls. If you have a complex backyard electrical setup with features
like outdoor outlets, you likely have a few weatherproof outdoor boxes. Plastic outdoor boxes are
usually high-impact PVC, and outdoor metal boxes are typically made from durable aluminum.
Outdoor boxes must have a cover that has been rated for damp or wet locations.

Best use: Outdoor electricity

9. Covers and Box Extenders
It can help to learn a bit about box covers and box extenders. Electrical box covers enclose the
front of the box, which is usually required by code. In other words, it is unsafe and typically
illegal to leave an electrical box uncovered. Solid box covers are great for junction boxes or
unused boxes, while those with cutouts can accommodate switches and outlets.

Box extenders, otherwise known as extension rings, come in a bunch of different shapes and
sizes to match all of the aforementioned box types. They are box-shaped but have no back, as
they attach to standard electrical boxes to increase the overall capacity. Box extenders can also
bring a box flush with the drywall or ceiling for aesthetic and functional purposes.

TYPES OF CIRCUIT BREAKER

Different Types of Circuit Breakers

Knowing the different types of circuit breakers makes it easier to choose the one that best suits
your electrical system's specific needs. Let’s break down the different
types.

Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)

Overview: MCBs are compact devices designed for low-current residential and light commercial
applications. They protect overcurrents up to a certain threshold, typically 6 to 63 amps (Eaton).
Applications: Widely used in protecting circuits in homes, offices, shops, and other small-scale
installations where moderate current ratings suffice.

Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs)

Overview: MCCBs are larger and more robust than MCBs, capable of handling higher currents
and offering adjustable trip settings. They are commonly employed in industrial and commercial
applications where equipment and machinery draw substantial electrical loads (ABB).

Applications: These are found in factories, warehouses, large buildings, and facilities where
higher current ratings and customisable settings are required.

Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs)

Overview: RCCBs are designed to protect against electrical leakage, which occurs when current
leaks from an electrical installation. They detect the imbalance between the live and neutral
wires and trip to prevent electric shocks (Legrand).

Applications: Essential in areas where electrical equipment may come into contact with water or
damp conditions, such as bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor sockets, and swimming pools.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

Overview: AFCIs are specialised circuit breakers that detect dangerous electrical arcs in wiring
and shut off the circuit before a fire can occur. They are crucial in preventing electrical fires
caused by damaged or deteriorated wires (The FPA).

Applications: Required by modern electrical codes in residential bedrooms and living areas to
enhance fire safety by detecting and mitigating arc faults.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

Overview: GFCIs monitor the difference in current between the hot and neutral wires of an
electrical circuit and trip to prevent electric shock. They are typically installed in areas where
electrical equipment is near water sources or in damp environments (Gov.uk).

Applications: Found in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoor outlets, and any location where
electrical devices may come into contact with water or moisture.
Arc Interruption Mechanism: Safeguarding Your Home from Electrical Fires

Electrical arcs are the silent threats lurking in your wiring, capable of generating extreme heat
and sparking dangerous fires. These arcs occur when electricity flows through an unintended
path, often due to faulty insulation. The role of circuit breakers, especially Arc Fault Circuit
Interrupters (AFCIs), is to detect these hazards and stop them in their tracks.

AFCIs are equipped with advanced technology that differentiates between harmless arcs, like
those when you switch on an appliance, and harmful arcs caused by damaged wires or cords
(Electrical Safety Foundation International).

PURPOSES OF CIRCUIT BREAKER

Circuit breakers are standard devices that should be installed along with your electrical
systems. As homes nowadays have different power needs and possible safety compromises,
this poses a danger not only to your property but to others as well.

It should be a standard to make homes have circuit breakers attached to each circuit as much
as possible. With this, in the event that a circuit overflows in current, the circuit breaker
does what it’s supposed to do. These are the purposes of a circuit breaker:

1. Monitor power current of circuits

One of the things a circuit breaker does is monitor power consumption. As it only works
when there is a surge of power flow that isn’t typically there, to begin with, a circuit breaker
monitors the amount of electricity there is in a circuit. When it senses that a circuit has more
than electricity that goes through, it trips and shuts down automatically. This prevents the
circuit from functioning and abruptly ends the power flow until you fix it or turn the breaker
on.

2. Breaking down power flows

Another purpose of a circuit breaker is it breaks down power in a circuit. When your circuit
breaker continually trips or shuts off, it’s breaking down the power entering the circuit to
prevent any damage like overheating and short circuits. When there are too many devices or
appliances connected to a certain circuit, it will create an unusually large withdrawal of
energy for supply. When your breaker constantly trips, it breaks down that supply to prevent
danger.

3. Resets for another use

Fuses and circuit breakers provide the same function. However, there is a difference
between the two. Fuses are for one-time use and circuit breakers are reusable or resettable
for future use again. It may be a bit more pricey than usual, but it definitely is an investment
worth having. Safety is the cost you’re paying for. Circuit breakers function again and again
as its mechanism involves shutting off the device in the even of overpower.

4. Prevents possible fire

Too much power flow can cause the event of overheating when not monitored. The circuit
breaker shuts off when there’s too much power to prevent any damage and incidents of
possible overheating that can lead to fires. It is when electrical wires are too loose and are
malfunctioning at the same time drawing too much power; this is where the circuit breaker
comes into play. It has saved countless homes from fire accidents.

5. Prevents the occurrence of electric shocks

When a circuit has too much power, it can get dangerous to handle any damages, especially
if it still hasn’t shut off properly. You might experience electrical shocks when there are
anomalies in the circuit. If the circuit breaker shuts down and prevents the power from
flowing too much, electric shocks are mitigated. This saves you from getting unexpected
shocks in handling your wirings. Apart from keeping your appliances safe, it keeps you
safer too.