What is the function of a distribution board (switchboard) in a facility?

What is the function of a distribution board (switchboard) in a facility?

• A. To store spare parts
• B. To house protective devices and route power from feeders to branch circuits
• C. To measure energy usage
• D. To step voltage up or down

Answer: (B)

The distribution board is the point in the electrical system where power is organized and protected as it is fed to all the branch circuits. It houses protective devices like circuit breakers or fuses, which automatically interrupt current if an overload or short circuit occurs, preventing damage and reducing fire risk. It also provides the paths, via busbars, to route power from the incoming feeders to each branch circuit, making it easy to isolate individual circuits for maintenance without shutting everything down. It doesn’t store spare parts, measure energy usage, or step voltage up or down—that’s handled by separate components like meters and transformers. In short, its job is to protect and distribute electricity safely to all parts of the facility.

The distribution board is the point in the electrical system where power is organized and protected as it is fed to all the branch circuits. It houses protective devices like circuit breakers or fuses, which automatically interrupt current if an overload or short circuit occurs, preventing damage and reducing fire risk. It also provides the paths, via busbars, to route power from the incoming feeders to each branch circuit, making it easy to isolate individual circuits for maintenance without shutting everything down. It doesn’t store spare parts, measure energy usage, or step voltage up or down—that’s handled by separate components like meters and transformers. In short, its job is to protect and distribute electricity safely to all parts of the facility.