Commonly used distribution boxes are made of wood and metal. Metal distribution boxes have a higher protection level, so they are more commonly used.
Classification by Structural Characteristics and Purpose:
(1) Fixed Panel Switchgear, often called switchboard or distribution panel. It is an open-type switchgear with a panel for protection. The front is protected, but the back and sides still allow access to live parts. It has a low protection level and can only be used in industrial and mining enterprises with low requirements for power supply continuity and reliability, for centralized power supply in substations.
(2) Protective (i.e., enclosed) switchgear, refers to a low-voltage switchgear where all sides except the mounting surface are enclosed. The electrical components such as switches, protection devices, and monitoring and control devices are all installed in a closed enclosure made of steel or insulating material, which can be installed against a wall or away from a wall. Isolation measures can be used between each circuit inside the cabinet, or grounded metal plates or insulating plates can be used for isolation. Usually, the door is mechanically interlocked with the main switch operation. There is also a protective tabletop switchgear (i.e., control panel), with control, measurement, and signal electrical components mounted on the panel. Protective switchgear is mainly used as a power distribution device in the process site.
(3) Drawer-type switchgear. This type of switchgear uses a steel plate to make a closed shell. The electrical components of the incoming and outgoing circuits are installed in a removable drawer, forming a functional unit that can complete a certain type of power supply task. The functional unit is separated from the busbar or cable by a grounded metal plate or a functional plate made of plastic, forming three areas: busbar, functional unit, and cable. There are also isolation measures between each functional unit. Drawer-type switchgear has high reliability, safety, and interchangeability, and is a relatively advanced type of switchgear. Most switchgear refers to drawer-type switchgear. They are suitable for industrial and mining enterprises and high-rise buildings that require high power supply reliability, serving as a centralized control power distribution center.
(4) Power and lighting distribution control boxes. These are mostly enclosed and vertically installed. The enclosure protection level varies depending on the application. They are mainly used as power distribution devices in the production site of industrial and mining enterprises.