Exploring Switch Board and Key Components
ElectricalOM NEC-IN is a robust electrical design software that offers extensive features for modelling and managing electrical systems. One of the most versatile components in ElectricalOM NEC-IN is the Switch Board, along with related components like the Distribution Board, Busbar Trunking System (BTS), Junction Box, Transfer Switch, and Final Circuits. This blog provides a detailed explanation of how these components work, with a focus on their features and options in ElectricalOM NEC-IN.
Switch Board
The Switch Board in ElectricalOM NEC-IN is available in two configurations: 3-Phase (3Ph) and Single-Phase (1Ph). When inserting a switchboard immediately after a three-phase source, only the 3Ph option will be selectable. Otherwise, both 3Ph and 1Ph options are available.
Switchboards can accept various components after their insertion, and to add a component, the user must first select the switchboard. Depending on the switchboard’s phase configuration, ElectricalOM NEC-IN will filter the available components accordingly. For instance, if a 1Ph switchboard is selected, only single-phase components will be available, whereas all components will be displayed if a 3Ph switchboard is selected.
The way components are added to the switchboard is also phase-specific:
- For three-phase components, the first component is added to Way No.1, the second to Way No.2, and so on.
- For single-phase components, the first component is added to L1 of Way No.1, the second to L1 of Way No.2, and so on.
- If a single-phase component is inserted first, it will take L1 of Way No.1. If a three-phase component is inserted afterwards, it will be placed on L1-L2-L3 of Way No.2, skipping L2 and L3 of Way No.1.
Notes such as minimum bus bar sizing for the switchboard can also be added.
Distribution Board
The Distribution Board (DB) is similar to the switchboard and comes in both 3Ph and 1Ph versions. If placed immediately after a three-phase source, only the 3Ph option will be available. However, unlike a switchboard, a distribution board features “teeth” to indicate each way of distribution.
For example, the first way of a single-phase DB is marked as 1.L1, the second way as 2.L1, and so on. For a three-phase DB, the first way is indicated by three teeth labelled 1.L1, 1.L2, and 1.L3. Users can modify these labels using the Project Info and Options Menu.
As circuits are added to a DB, ElectricalOM NEC-IN shifts the numbering of the ways accordingly. Moving circuits between ways is easy using cut/copy/paste options or the drag-and-drop feature. The number of ways in a DB can also be modified via the Ways drop-down list in the Properties Tab of the Schematic Module’s side panel. ElectricalOM NEC-IN will prompt the user to approve the changes with a confirmation message.
Distribution boards can be leveled to optimize space for schematic printouts. By selecting a multiple-way DB and adjusting the number from the Levels drop-down list, users can create a levelled DB, which ElectricalOM NEC-IN will display accordingly.
Busbar Trunking System (BTS)
ElectricalOM NEC-IN also supports Busbar Trunking Systems (BTS), which can be inserted directly into the system. Similar to other components, BTS is available in both 3Ph and 1Ph configurations. A BTS begins with a BTS Box, which represents the main connection point to the system.
After inserting the BTS, the user can extend it using the Extend Trunking System option from the BTS Functions sub-menu. A bar representing the busbar will follow the mouse pointer until the user clicks to select the desired orientation. Each section of the BTS acts as a distribution node, allowing users to add components via the Insert Menu. A Tap-off point is created whenever a component is added to a BTS section, and this tap-off point can be flipped using the right-click menu.
ElectricalOM NEC-IN allows users to add more sections by selecting the desired section and using the Extend Trunking System option. New sections can be oriented and added to the system with a click.
Final Circuits – 3Ph & 1Ph
Final circuits can be added to a system by selecting either the 3Ph or 1Ph option from the Insert Menu. Once inserted, a final circuit is represented by a box. ElectricalOM NEC-IN will select the load type as Other circuit 3Ph and N for three-phase final circuits and Other circuit for single-phase final circuits by default. The circuit will also be tagged with the prefix FC, followed by a number.
Junction Box
The Junction Box component is another versatile element in ElectricalOM NEC-IN, offering both 3Ph+N and 1Ph+N configurations. When inserting a junction box immediately after a three-phase source, only the three-phase option will be available.
Functionally, the junction box acts similarly to the switchboard. However, there is a key difference in the Circuit Edit Tab—there is no Load Section. Instead, the load for a junction box is automatically defined by the connected circuits.
Transfer Switch
The Transfer Switch operates similarly to the switchboard, with two available options: 3Ph+N and 1Ph+N. If inserted after a three-phase source, only the three-phase option is available. The transfer switch has a slight difference in the Circuit Edit Tab, which includes a Load Field where the user can set a rating for the component. ElectricalOM NEC-IN will verify the design current and warn the user if the transfer switch’s rating is insufficient.
