Electrical panel

Definition of an electrical panel

The electrical panel, also known as the distribution board or electrical box, is the central equipment that receives the general power supply for your home and distributes it to the various circuits (lighting, sockets, heating, household appliances, etc.).). It consists of a box (empty or pre-equipped) containing all the protection and control devices required for the safe operation of your electrical installation.

Composition of an electrical panel:

• The box setinsulating plastic housing for all modules
• The branch circuit breaker.At the starting point of the installation, it provides the general cut-off.
• The differential switches.protect people from power leaks
• Divisional circuit breakers.protect individual circuits against overloads and short circuits
• Modular switchgear: remote switches, contactors, surge arresters, etc.
• Earth terminal blockgrounding: ensures the earthing of the installation

The modern electrical panel also incorporates energy management functions, with connected meters, load shedders and programmers to optimize your electricity consumption and make substantial savings on your energy bill.

The different types of switchboards

Empty electrical box

The empty electrical box is the most flexible solution for customizing your panel. It's a bare box, equipped only with a DIN rail and a ground terminal block, into which you install all the modules required for your installation. This solution is aimed primarily at professionals or experienced individuals who want a customized configuration.

Benefits:

• Total freedom in module selection and layout
• The panel can be precisely tailored to your needs
• Cost-effective solution if you buy components separately
• Ideal for complex or evolving installations

Available configurations :

• From 1 to 4 rows of modules
• Capacity of 13 or 18 modules per row
• Surface-mounted or flush-mounted
• With or without door (transparent or opaque)

Pre-equipped (or pre-wired) electrical panel

The pre-equipped panel is delivered with all protection devices already installed and pre-wired in a standard configuration in compliance with NF C 15-100. This turnkey solution greatly facilitates installation and considerably reduces set-up times, while guaranteeing a standard-compliant installation.

Benefits:

• Quick, easy installation, even for non-professionals
• Guaranteed compliance with NF C 15-100 standard
• Considerable time savings (up to 70% compared with traditional assembly)
• Optimized, meticulous original wiring
• Ideal for standard renovation and new-build projects

Pre-equipped switchboards are generally sized according to the type of dwelling: studio/T1, T2-T3, T4-T5, depending on the number of circuits required. They incorporate the essential protection features (30mA type A and AC differential switches, divisional circuit breakers rated for each use) and can include additional modules such as modular sockets or remote circuit breakers.

Worksite enclosure

The site cabinet is a sturdy, waterproof temporary electrical panel designed to power your tools and equipment during the construction or renovation phase. It meets the requirements of standard NF C 14-100 for temporary connection to the EDF grid.

Features:

• High degree of protection (IP44 minimum, often IP65)
• Shock resistance (IK08 or IK09)
• Integrated branch circuit breaker
• 30mA differential protection
• Single-phase and/or three-phase sockets
• Carrying handle for mobility

Waterproof outdoor enclosure

For outdoor installations or installations in damp environments (garage, cellar, swimming pool, garden), the waterproof enclosure offers enhanced protection against the elements and splashing water. These switchboards have a minimum IP65 protection rating and can be installed outdoors without risk.

Applications:

• Pool equipment room
• Detached garage
• Garden shed
• Outbuildings
• Wet areas (laundry room, cellar)

How to choose an electrical panel?

The choice of your electrical panel depends on a number of essential criteria that should be carefully analyzed before any purchase.

1. Surface area and type of accommodation

The size of your home directly determines the number of circuits required and therefore the capacity of your switchboard:

• Studio / T1 (< 35m²)1 or 2 row panel, 26 to 39 modules
• T2-T3 (35-100m²) : 2 or 3 row panel, 39 to 52 modules
• T4-T5 (100-160m²) : 3- or 4-row panel, 52 to 72 modules
• House > 160m ²: 4-row panel or several sub-divisional panels

2. New build or renovation?

In new construction: opt for a pre-equipped panel adapted to the surface area, which guarantees fast, compliant installation. Anticipate your future needs by leaving a few modules free for extensions (electric vehicle charging station, home automation, etc.).).
In renovation: if your current panel is old (pin-type fuseholders), a complete renovation is required. Opt for a board of the same size or larger, depending on how your needs evolve. If your panel is new but incomplete, you can add modules in the empty slots or install an additional sub-divisional panel.

3. Brand choice

The industry's leading brands (Legrand, Schneider Electric, Hager, ABB) all offer quality products that comply with standards. A few differences to note:

• Legrand (Drivia range): historic benchmark in France, wide compatibility, meticulous finishes
• Schneider Electric (Resi9 range): innovation and design, customizable doors, easy installation
• Hager (Gamma, Volta range)excellent value for money, professional ruggedness
• ABBadvanced technical solutions, particularly for the industrial sector

Our advice: stick with the same brand if you're extending an existing installation to ensure module compatibility and a uniform look.

4. Surface-mounted or flush-mounted?

Surface-mounted panel: wall-mounted, visible, quicker and easier to install. Ideal for garages, cellars and renovations where flush-mounting is not possible.
Recessed table: integrated into the wall, more aesthetic and discreet. Requires creation of a niche or installation of a flush-mounting kit. Recommended for living rooms.

5. Additional functions

Anticipate your future needs:

• Domotics: provide modules for connected remote switches, micromodules
• Energy managementslots for connected meter, load shedder
• Electric vehiclededicated protection for charging station (32A or 40A circuit breaker)
• Lightning arresteressential in high-risk areas or to protect sensitive equipment
• Modular outletsat least 2 sockets required by NF C 15-100 standard

The NF C 15-100 standard and the electrical panel

Standard NF C 15-100 governs all low-voltage electrical installations in France. It defines strict requirements for the electrical panel to guarantee the safety of people and property.

The main requirements for the electrical panel

Location and accessibility:

• The panel must be installed in the Gaine Technique Logement (GTL).
• Height: controls between 0.90m and 1.80m from the ground
• Easy, barrier-free access
• Adequate lighting of the space

Compulsory protections:.

• Service circuit breaker.rating according to subscriber power (15A to 90A)
• 30mA earth leakage switches.at least 2, type A and AC
• AC type: conventional circuits (lighting, sockets)
• Type A: specialized circuits (hob, washing machine, EV terminal)
• Type F (optional): for circuits that do not need to be disconnected (freezer, alarm)
• Divisional circuit breakers.: calibrated according to the protected circuit
• 10A: lighting (max. 8 points per circuit)
• 16A: sockets (max. 8 sockets per circuit)
• 20A: specialized circuits (washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers)
• 32A: hob, EV charging point

Minimum number of circuits:.

The standard imposes a minimum number of circuits depending on the surface area of the dwelling. For example, for a T3 :

• At least 2 lighting circuits
• At least 3 circuits of 16A sockets
• 1 dedicated kitchen circuit (32A)
• 3 specialized 20A circuits (household appliances)
• 1 VMC or ventilation circuit
• 1 heating circuit if electric

Lightning protection:.

Lightning arresters become mandatory in certain configurations (buildings with lightning conductors, exposed areas). Although not mandatory, it is highly recommended to protect your sensitive and expensive equipment.

Grounding:.

• Earth resistance < 100 ohms
• Protective conductor connected to panel ground terminal block
• Minimum copper cross-section 16mm².

Renovation: obligations and advice

Renovation work on pre-1991 installations generally requires a complete overhaul, particularly in the case of a sale (mandatory electrical diagnosis). Critical points :

• Replacing fuseholders with circuit breakers
• Installation of 30mA differential protection devices
• Elimination of ungrounded sockets
• Compliance with safety volumes in bathrooms

A complete upgrade secures your installation and enhances the value of your property.

Electrical panel installation and commissioning

Essential safety precautions

WARNING: Electricity can be lethal. If you're not qualified, call in a professional electrician to install your switchboard.
Fundamental safety rules:

• Systematically cut off the power supply at the EDF circuit-breaker
• Check that no voltage is present with a voltage tester before carrying out any work.
• Always work on a de-energized installation
• Never touch two conductors at the same time
• Use insulated tools
• Wear protective equipment (insulating gloves, safety shoes)

Electrical panel installation steps

1. Preparing the site

• GTL (Gaine Technique Logement) installation
• Fixing the box at the right height (1.20m recommended)
• Preparing cable feed-throughs

2. General food tuning

• Connecting the service circuit breaker
• Ground connection to terminal block

3. Installation of protections

• Fitting differential switches at the head of the row
• Divisional circuit breaker installation
• Connecting horizontal and vertical distribution combs

4. Tuning the circuits

• Identifying and marking each circuit
• Color coding (blue=neutral, red/brown/black=phase, green/yellow=earth)
• Proper tightening of connections (torque according to manufacturer)

5. Checks and tests

• Visual check of all connections
• Test each residual current device (test button)
• Checking for short-circuits
• Earth continuity test

6. Repairing and finishing

• Labeling of each circuit breaker (corresponding circuit)
• Installing plugs on empty modules
• Installing the enclosure door
• Gluing the one-line diagram to the door

After installation

Please keep in a safe place:

• The electrical diagram of your installation
• Instructions for installed equipment
• Certificates of conformity (Consuel certificate for new installations)
• Warranty invoices

Plan a periodic inspection every 10 years, or whenever a major change is made to the system.

Why choose domeashop.com for your electrical panel?

A rigorous selection of quality products

At domeashop.com, we only offer equipment certified to current French and European standards. All our switchboards and modular equipment come from the industry's leading brands:

• LegrandFrench leader in innovation and reliability since 1865
• Schneider Electricglobal expertise, connected solutions
• Hager: a specialist renowned for its robustness
• ABBstate-of-the-art technology

Competitive prices all year round

Our aggressive pricing policy means we can offer you the best prices on the market for our entire range of electrical equipment. Whether you're an individual or a professional, you'll benefit from attractive prices without compromising on quality.

Expertise at your service

Our technical team will be happy to advise you on your choice of electrical panel and associated equipment. If you have any doubts about sizing or module compatibility, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Fast delivery and available stocks

Delivery times and stock levels are clearly indicated on each product sheet and updated in real time. Our optimized logistics guarantee fast shipment of your orders, with detailed tracking of your package.

Satisfaction guarantee

All our products are covered by manufacturer's warranties. Our after-sales service is available to answer any questions you may have and to handle any returns in accordance with our general terms and conditions of sale.