Common configurations of the air switches in the household distribution box
The configuration of the air switches in the household distribution box needs to be combined with
electrical safety, area division, and the power of electrical appliances. The following are the common
configuration schemes and key points:
I. Basic Principles of Configuration
1. **Coordination between the Main Switch and Branch Switches**
- The rated current of the main switch **≥** the sum of the rated currents of the branch switches to
avoidcan be translated as "tripping" or "overstep tripping", here we use "tripping").
- The leakage protection (leakage protector) should be preferentially configured in areas prone to
leakage, such as sockets, kitchens, and bathrooms.
2. **Matching of Wire Specifications and Air Switches**
- **2.5mm² wire**: The rated current ≤ 26A, and it is equipped with a **C25 air switch**.
- **4mm² wire**: The rated current ≤ 38A, and it is equipped with a **C32 air switch**.
- **Incoming wire (10mm²)**: It is equipped with a **C63 main switch**.
YouTube：https://youtube.com/shorts/VNU-cT7nhhM
II. Common Configuration Schemes
Scheme 1: The Main Switch Has No Leakage Protection, and the Branch Switches Have Leakage
Protection (Recommended)
- **Main Switch**: 2P air switch (63A, without leakage protection).
- **Branch Switches**:
- **Lighting Circuit**: 1P air switch (16A, without leakage protection).
- **Ordinary sockets, kitchens, bathrooms, cabinet air conditioners**: 1P+N or 2P leakage protection
switches (25 - 32A).
- **Wall-mounted air conditioners**: 1P air switch (20A, without leakage protection).
**Advantages**: When there is a leakage in a branch circuit, only the branch switch trips, which does
not affect other areas, and it is convenient for troubleshooting.
Scheme 2: The Main Switch Has Leakage Protection, and the Branch Switches Have No Leakage
Protection
- **Main Switch**: 2P leakage protection switch (63A).
- **Branch Switches**: All are 1P air switches (16A for lighting, 20A for sockets, 25 - 32A for air conditioners).
**Disadvantages**: When there is a leakage in any branch circuit, the main switch trips, and it is
necessary to close the switches one by one for troubleshooting. This is suitable for simple circuits.
Scheme 3: Both the Main Switch and the Branch Switches Have Leakage Protection (High Safety)
- **Main Switch**: 2P leakage protection switch (63A).
- **Branch Switches**: All are 1P+N or 2P leakage protection switches (16A for lighting, 20A for sockets,
25 - 32A for air conditioners).
**Advantages**: Multiple protections, high safety; **Disadvantages**: High cost and large space
requirements for the distribution box.
III. Configuration Suggestions by Area
| Area/Electrical Appliance | Rated Current (A) | Whether with Leakage Protection | Wire Specification |
| Main Switch | 63 (2P) | Optional | 10mm² |
| Lighting Circuit | 16 (1P) | No | 2.5mm² |
| Ordinary Sockets | 20 (1P+N) | Yes | 2.5mm² |
| Kitchen Sockets | 25 - 32 (2P) | Yes | 4mm² |
| Bathroom Sockets | 20 - 25 (2P) | Yes | 4mm² |
| Wall-mounted Air Conditioners | 20 (1P) | No | 2.5mm² |
| Cabinet Air Conditioners | 32 - 40 (2P) | Yes | 4mm² |
| Electric Water Heaters | 25 - 32 (2P) | Yes | 4mm² |
IV. Precautions
1. **Range of Leakage Protection**
- The operating current of the leakage protector is generally **30mA**, which is used in wet or
high-power areas such as sockets, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Lighting and wall-mounted air conditioners can be without leakage protection (to reduce false tripping).
2. **Space of the Distribution Box**
- A 2P switch occupies 2 modules, and a 1P+N switch occupies 1.5 modules. The number of
positions needs to be planned in advance.
3. **Brand and Quality**
- Select regular brands (such as Chint, Schneider) to avoid false operations caused by counterfeit products.
4. **Construction Specifications**
- Use blue for the neutral wire, and distinguish the colors of the phase wires (live wire: red/yellow/green,
neutral wire: blue, ground wire: yellow-green).
- The cross-sectional area of the wires in the wire pipe ≤ 40% of the cross-sectional area of the pipe
to avoid poor heat dissipation.
V. Configuration Example (for a 100㎡ family)
- **Main Switch**: 2P 63A air switch (without leakage protection).
- **Branches**:
- Lighting: 1P 16A ×1 circuit.
- Ordinary Sockets: 1P+N 20A leakage protector ×1 circuit.
- Kitchen: 2P 32A leakage protector ×1 circuit.
- Bathroom: 2P 25A leakage protector ×1 circuit.
- Wall-mounted Air Conditioners: 1P 20A ×2 circuits.
- Cabinet Air Conditioner: 2P 32A leakage protector ×1 circuit.
Adjust according to the actual power of the household electrical appliances. It is recommended to ask
a professional electrician for design to ensure safety and practicality.
