Distribution boards

[OllyO]

Hi all, not sure if this is in the right section?

I'm just getting around to wiring my workshop. I got 3-Phase in the power house out back and a load of single phase sockets and lights etc that are mostly rubbish inside. I plan to ignore the old wiring and rewire the shop in such away that I can remove it all again when I leave.

I know nothing about electrics but I know I need a distribution board installed to in my building that brings the three phase power supply in from the power house. From there all the machines, lighting and sockets will spur off on their own trips switches I guess.

My question is what kind of distribution board do I need? I presume I'd have 1 trip for each machine and one for lights and another for sockets. I have two lathes and a polishing machine with everyhting else being single phase run off sockets ie drill press, blower etc. I'd like provision for a few more machines so would a 8-Way board be enough? Does it need a particular rating for three phase or is that down to the individual trip switches?

There's a lot of questions there so feel free to ignore this post!

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Hi all, not sure if this is in the right section?

I'm just getting around to wiring my workshop. I got 3-Phase in the power house out back and a load of single phase sockets and lights etc that are mostly rubbish inside. I plan to ignore the old wiring and rewire the shop in such away that I can remove it all again when I leave.

I know nothing about electrics but I know I need a distribution board installed to in my building that brings the three phase power supply in from the power house. From there all the machines, lighting and sockets will spur off on their own trips switches I guess.

My question is what kind of distribution board do I need? I presume I'd have 1 trip for each machine and one for lights and another for sockets. I have two lathes and a polishing machine with everyhting else being single phase run off sockets ie drill press, blower etc. I'd like provision for a few more machines so would a 8-Way board be enough? Does it need a particular rating for three phase or is that down to the individual trip switches?

There's a lot of questions there so feel free to ignore this post!

Hi Olly
A 3 phase MCB actually takes up 3 'ways' in a distribution board and a single phase MCB takes 1 'way'.
You want a board like this:

And for each 3 phase machine you need a MCB like this:

Your board will also need an Incomer:

You might be better to get a complete used board on eBay but be wary as some boards are now defunct and its difficult to get MCB's for them.

 

[Jim Davey]

Don't want to widdle on your chips but this really doesn't sound like a job for someone who by their own admission doesn't know what they are doing. Get a sparky in and by all means offer to do "grunt work" as it were if they are happy (most won't be), mounting conduit, putting sockets, isolated and boxes on walls etc. but get their input designing and speccing the system and let them do all the physical electrical connections. It's just an accident waiting to happen doing it any other way.

 

[Robotstar5]

I know nothing about electrics....

Says it all really, get a qualified sparky in

 

[OllyO]

Cheers all.

I'm not intending to do anything myself other than running the cables. All the installation and connection of the electrical hardware is being done by a proffessional spark. All I'm hoping to do is keep the cost down by sourcing some used gear. The spark is happy to install the used stuff (so long as it is suitable obviously!).

Will take another look at whats for sale. Cheers John for all the info, much appreciated!

 

[BrokenBiker]

Stay well away and let someone who knows what they are doing deal with this...

 

[Jim Davey]

Don't buy breakers for industrial applications unless they are C or preferably D rated. Lower rated breakers often trip too fast when used to supply motors and welders due to the inrush. Put twice as many sockets as you expect to need (you'll always want more later) and don't skimp on the cabling, go for all three phases and a neutral, gives you options later on.

 

[OllyO]

Thanks again all for the advice. The spark is a close mate of mine doing me a favour. Obviously if I do end up buying used gear then it will all be checked over by him. All the MCBs etc will be new. Just really looking for a cheap empty board.

 

[brightspark]

-just make sure u buy a current board and not outdated where they have changed the design ane the newer model wont fit and u cant-buy-the breakers of the shelf

 

[normspanners]

Any spark worth their salt should run a mile from used gear...especially that supplied by customers...
Reason:
its asking for unlimited liability with no comeback at all...at least with new gear, your not the only one in the firing line - wholesaler and the manufacturer also have potential liability...

That is of course correct------ BUT if it is a mate that is doing it for him and helping him out then used will be ok ------IMO.
I think most of us in our private workshops ------ if the correct price is say £3000 for a rewire and we could do same job for £1000 would take the chance.
especially when using it yourself then thats fine.
The only problem comes, if it entails landlords/ insurance/ staff etc etc. and the excrement hits the fan!!

 

[normspanners]

My mate has just rented an old house----- he is a leccy he wanted a socket here there etc etc ---------BUT, cant / not allowed to do any leccy work on the house------ landlord insists.