An electrical panel, also known as a distribution panel, distributes the main current from the grid to subcircuits and components within a building or facility. Considering today’s widespread use of electricity, panels play a crucial role.

Electrical panel types are not standardized but are designed according to the needs of the building. Installations are carried out specifically due to electricity demand and safety requirements. During the design of a panel, the application area is taken into account, as even small changes in current and voltage can cause problems in devices.

Types of Electrical Panels

• Main Distribution Panel
• Sub Distribution Panel
• DDC Panels
• Meter Panels
• Compensation Panels

These panels are specially designed according to the requirements of companies and facilities.

Main Distribution Panel

The Main Distribution Panel (MDP) controls and distributes the energy received from the main power source in power facilities. It is usually located together with compensation panels. Installation is typically indoors, but in some cases, it can be outdoors.

In small facilities, a metered main distribution panel and a compensation panel are used together, while in larger facilities, additional components may be included:

• Copper busbars
• Current transformers
• Meter section
• Main switch

In large facilities, panels are built outdoors, while those for indoor use are manufactured as enclosed and ventilated units.

Sub Distribution Panel

Sub distribution panels are connected to the output of the main distribution panel and are located on different floors and sections of a building. Electricity received by the main panel is transferred to the sub-panels and then distributed to the relevant areas.

They come in various types depending on the size of the facility. Among the meter types are:

• Electromagnetic electricity meters
• Demand meters
• Multi-tariff meters
• Load profile recording meters
• Communication-enabled meters
• Electronic meters
• Three-phase four-wire meters
• Three-phase three-wire meters
• Single-phase two-wire meters

DDC Panels

DDC panels are one of the main components of Direct Digital Control systems. They group control units and are used in building automation systems. They can operate together with MCC panels.

With DDC panels, the following functions can be achieved:

• Control of fan motors, booster pumps, and circulation pumps
• Management of exhaust and ventilation systems
• Remote monitoring through SCADA integration
• Reading of temperature, humidity, pressure, and flow data

DDC panels have customizable structures capable of controlling different field devices.

Meter Panels

Meter panels are panels where electricity meters are mounted. They are specially manufactured for buildings and come in the following models:

• Single-phase
• Combi
• Three-phase

There are also single, double, triple, quadruple, and quintuple meter models. Their primary purpose is to protect meters from external factors. They include automatic breaker rails, making meter installation easier.

Compensation Panels

Compensation panels minimize the phase difference between current and voltage parameters. By correcting the cosine angle, they bring the power factor closer to 1. For enterprises with 9 kW and above, installation is mandatory by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK).

These panels balance the reactive energy consumed, reducing the load on the grid. They correct phase shifts caused by inductive or capacitive loads and improve energy efficiency.