The main switchboard is an intermediate installation in a ship's power distribution circuit that connects the power generators (auxiliary engines with alternators) with the power consumers (machinery in the engine room).

To prevent a fault in one part of a ship's electrical system from affecting other parts of the vessel, isolating switches are used to cut off power to individual plans. A short circuit in a small system can cause a blackout of the whole ship if such isolation is not provided.

As a result, different types of safety devices are used on board ships and installed on the main switchboard and electrical distribution panels. These include circuit breakers, fuses, and ground fault circuit interrupters. This ensures the safe and efficient running of machinery, as well as preventing shock from faulty wiring or equipment.

The main switchboard contains these important safety devices which are:

● Circuit breakers: Circuit breakers are automatic shut-off devices that open the electrical circuit in cases of abnormality. A circuit breaker can be installed in a building's electrical system to cut power in case of an overload or short circuit.

● Fuses: Fuses are used to protect a circuit from overloading. They limit the amount of current that can pass through a circuit, and if the current exceeds a safe level, the fuse melts and the circuit is shut down. Fuses are normally used with 1.5 times the full load current of a circuit.

● Over-current relay: OCRs are used primarily on the local panel and the main switchboard for protection from high currents. They are installed where a low-power signal from a controller triggers an action that protects against the high currents. Relays are usually set to protect against full load current with some sort of time delay.

● Dead front panel: A safety device that prevents you from opening a switchboard until the power to that panel is switched off.

Therefore, maintenance and operational safety play an important role in the safety of main switchboards.

In our state-of-the-art production facility in China we produce all range of switchboards and cabinets.

• Main switchboards 

• Emergency switchboards

• Motor control centres 

• Frequency drive panels

• UPS panels

• Distribution panels

• PLC & control cabinets

• Shore supply cabinets

• Stainless steel cabinets

• Alarm relay box with alarm columns

Get in touch with our team for more information.