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Introduction

As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates around the world, the need for reliable charging infrastructure has never been higher. At the heart of every efficient EV charging system lies a critical component: switchboards. They ensure safe and stable power delivery to charging stations while meeting strict electrical standards.

Key Functions of Switchboards in EV Charging

Power Distribution Management

Multi-circuit Control: Switchboards deliver power from the grid to individual charging stations via dedicated circuits. For example, a single commercial switchboard can power more than 10 charging points simultaneously.

Load Balancing: Advanced switchboards dynamically distribute power based on real-time demand to prevent overloads. This is critical for charging stations with multiple high-power DC chargers, such as 50kW-350kW units.

Safety Protection Mechanisms

Overcurrent/Overvoltage Protection: Circuit breakers and surge protectors cut power during faults to protect equipment and vehicles.

Ground Fault Detection: Type A RCDs (Residual Current Devices) detect harmful leakage currents (≤30mA), which is a legal requirement in most jurisdictions.

Thermal Management: Temperature sensors trigger alarms or reduce output if internal heat exceeds safety thresholds.

Monitoring & Communication

Real-time Data: The panels collect voltage, current, and energy consumption metrics and transmit them to a central management system via CAN bus or Ethernet.

Smart Integration: IoT-enabled panels enable remote diagnostics, firmware updates, and integration with billing platforms.

Other Charging Scenarios Where Distribution Panels Are Required:

Residential Settings

Scenario: A homeowner installed a 7kW AC charger.

Solution: 40A single-phase distribution panel with Type 2 sockets, residual current devices (RCDs), and Wi-Fi connectivity for app-based monitoring.

Commercial Charging Stations

Scenario: Eight 22kW AC chargers and two 150kW DC chargers were deployed in a retail park.

Solution: Three-phase switchboard with 400A main circuit breaker, harmonic filter and Ethernet-connected metering for billing integration.

Conclusion

Distribution panels are essential to EV charging infrastructure, balancing power delivery, safety and connectivity. By prioritizing capacity planning, compliance and proactive maintenance, they can ensure their systems remain efficient and future-proof. As EV technology advances, the role of distribution panels grows in importance.