An electrical feeder pillar functions as a central hub for the distribution of electricity downstream through feeder pillar distribution boards. This configuration serves to safeguard individual circuits while providing convenient control. Typically positioned along roads, feeder pillars regulate the flow of electricity to neighboring households. They find applications in various scenarios, accommodating both single-unit, low-voltage connections and intricate circuit setups in commercial, residential, and solar installations.
An electrical feeder pillar is essentially a distribution point for electricity, serving as a central hub for routing power to various circuits. It safeguards each circuit while enabling convenient control and monitoring. Typically positioned along roadways, these pillars regulate the flow of electricity to nearby homes and businesses. When electricity is needed, the feeder pillar’s circuit breakers or switches can be activated to supply power, and when not in use, they can be deactivated to ensure safety and efficient power distribution. Feeder pillars play a vital role in maintaining reliable electrical service to communities, commercial areas, and industrial sites.
A feeder pillar, also known as a distribution pillar, is an electrical enclosure or cabinet used to distribute electrical power from a primary source to various secondary circuits or loads. It is a crucial component in electrical distribution systems, serving to protect, control, and distribute electricity to different locations.
Key features and functions of a feeder pillar include:
Distribution Point: Feeder pillars act as distribution points where power from the main electrical supply is divided into multiple circuits or branch circuits.
Protection: They house protective devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, or switches to safeguard individual circuits and equipment from overcurrents and short circuits.
Control: Feeder pillars offer manual or remote control over the distribution of electricity, allowing circuits to be switched on or off as needed.
Monitoring: Some advanced feeder pillars are equipped with monitoring and metering devices to track power consumption, voltage levels, and other electrical parameters.
Weatherproof Enclosure: Feeder pillars are typically designed with weatherproof or outdoor-rated enclosures to protect the electrical components from environmental factors such as rain, dust, and extreme temperatures.
Feeder pillars are commonly used in various applications, including residential areas, commercial establishments, industrial facilities, and public infrastructure. They play a critical role in ensuring efficient and safe electrical distribution while allowing for localized control and protection of circuits.
Standards for electrical feeder pillars, or distribution pillars, are in place to ensure the safety, performance, and reliability of these components within electrical distribution systems. These standards may vary by region and application, but some of the commonly applicable standards include:
IEC 61439: This International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard specifies the requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, which may include feeder pillars.
IEC 60947 Series: Various standards within this series cover low-voltage switchgear and controlgear, and some elements may apply to the components used in feeder pillars.
EN 61439: The European Norm (EN) standard that corresponds to IEC 61439, providing similar requirements for electrical distribution and controlgear assemblies.
IEC 62208: This standard relates to empty enclosures for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies and can be relevant to the enclosure design of feeder pillars.
Local Electrical Codes and Regulations: Feeder pillars are subject to local electrical codes and regulations, which may specify additional requirements for their design, installation, and use.
Manufacturer's Specifications: Manufacturers often have their own specifications and guidelines for the design and manufacturing of feeder pillars, which should align with relevant industry standards.
Compliance with these standards is essential to ensure the safe and reliable operation of feeder pillars and to meet the requirements of the applications they serve. When designing, manufacturing, or installing feeder pillars, it's important to consult with electrical engineers and experts to ensure that they conform to the appropriate standards and guidelines for the specific region and application.
Ratings for electrical feeder pillars, or distribution pillars, help in determining their suitability for various applications and load requirements. These ratings encompass various specifications to match the specific needs of electrical distribution systems. Common ratings for feeder pillars include:
Voltage Rating: Feeder pillars are designed to operate at specific voltage levels, such as 415V for three-phase systems or 230V for single-phase systems, depending on the application and regional standards.
Current Rating: The current rating indicates the maximum current-carrying capacity of the feeder pillar. This can range from a few hundred amperes to several thousands of amperes, depending on the size and load requirements of the electrical distribution system.
Frequency Rating: Feeder pillars are typically designed for a standard frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on the region's electrical standards.
Degree of Protection (IP Rating): The Ingress Protection (IP) rating specifies the level of protection against dust and moisture. Common IP ratings for outdoor feeder pillars include IP54, IP55, IP65, and higher.
Enclosure Material: The material of the enclosure affects the durability and environmental suitability of the feeder pillar. Common materials include metal (e.g., steel or aluminum) or non-metallic materials.
Number of Circuits: Feeder pillars are rated for a specific number of circuits or branch circuits that they can accommodate. The number of circuits should match the distribution needs.
Protection Devices: The type and rating of protective devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, and switches are important ratings within a feeder pillar.
Control Features: Advanced feeder pillars may include remote control capabilities, monitoring features, and control options for individual circuits.
Selecting the right feeder pillar with the appropriate ratings is essential to ensure efficient and safe electrical distribution. The specific ratings required depend on the size and characteristics of the electrical load, the number of circuits, and the application requirements. Consulting with electrical engineers and experts is recommended to determine the most suitable feeder pillar for a particular setup.
The protection level of an electrical feeder pillar, also known as a distribution pillar, is often determined by its Ingress Protection (IP) rating. The IP rating indicates the enclosure's ability to protect the electrical components within from the ingress of solid objects and moisture. The IP rating is typically represented as "IP" followed by two digits.
Common IP ratings for feeder pillars include:
IP20: Provides protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm in diameter and offers no protection against liquids. This rating is suitable for indoor installations in clean, dry environments.
IP54: Protects against dust and provides protection against splashing water from any direction. It is appropriate for indoor installations where exposure to moisture is minimal.
IP55: Offers protection against dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction. This rating is suitable for indoor installations with occasional exposure to water.
IP65: Provides protection against dust and water jets from any direction. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations in environments where exposure to water is more common.
IP66: Protects against dust and high-pressure water jets from any direction. It is suitable for outdoor and indoor installations in wet or harsh environments.
IP67: Offers protection against dust and temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter in depth for up to 30 minutes. This rating is suitable for applications where the enclosure may be temporarily submerged.
The choice of the IP rating for a feeder pillar depends on the installation environment and the potential exposure to dust, moisture, or water. Selecting the appropriate IP rating is crucial to ensure the longevity, safety, and performance of the electrical components within the enclosure, especially in outdoor or challenging industrial settings.
We are CPRI approved and ISO Certified leading producer and supplier of Power and Automation Control Panels.
© 2023 Acecorp Power Ventures India
