What is a Ready Board?
A Ready Board is a pre-wired electrical distribution system designed for basic power supply in residential or community settings, particularly useful in areas with limited infrastructure. These compact units come fully assembled with essential components such as sockets, switches, and lamp holders, eliminating the need for extensive electrical wiring within the property.
Ready Boards are engineered for quick installation, requiring only an earthing connection for safety. This makes them ideal for rapid deployment of electrical access in small buildings, typically two rooms or less. Power is distributed from the Ready Board to various points using extension cables, offering flexibility without the need for permanent wiring.
The main advantage of Ready Boards lies in their cost-effectiveness and ease of use. By bypassing the need for traditional electrical wiring, they significantly reduce installation costs and time. This makes them particularly suitable for temporary housing, emergency shelters, or developing areas where rapid electrification is crucial.
Components of a Ready Board
- Main Switch: Controls the overall power supply, allowing it to be switched on or off.
- Circuit Breaker: Automatically disconnects the supply in the event of a short circuit.
- Earth Leakage System: Ensures safety in case of electrical leakages.
- Large Lamp: Provides lighting for the room where the Ready Board is installed.
- Three Switch Sockets:
- Left Hand Side: For connecting heavy power appliances such as cookers via extension cable.
- Middle: For connecting medium power appliances like irons via extension cable.
- Right Hand Side: For connecting light power appliances such as radios, TV sets, fans, etc. via extension cable.
- Metering Unit: Supplied alongside the Ready Board to measure electricity consumption.
Ready Boards’ Advantages Compared to Traditional Distribution Methods
Ready Boards and traditional electrical distribution methods differ significantly in design, functionality, and application. Ready Boards are pre-wired, compact systems designed for quick installation, making them ideal for rapid deployment in residential or community settings with basic electrical needs. They require minimal setup, needing only an earthing connection for safety. In contrast, traditional distribution boards involve more complex installation processes, are designed for higher power loads, and are commonly used in industrial environments.
Functionally, Ready Boards serve as low-voltage distribution devices with basic protective features, primarily aimed at providing efficient and sustainable electrical supply in areas lacking infrastructure. Traditional boards, however, manage multiple circuits with comprehensive protection mechanisms, suitable for more complex electrical systems.
Ready Boards find their niche in low-income communities, rural areas, or temporary setups, while traditional boards are better suited for permanent installations in residential, commercial, and industrial settings with diverse electrical needs. The compact design of Ready Boards allows for higher space utilization, making them suitable for smaller living spaces, whereas traditional boards may require more space due to their complexity.
Installing a Household Ready Board
Before installing a ready board, carefully inspect the package, enclosure, and sealing screws for any damage. If the board has been stored for an extended period or shows signs of damage, have it rechecked by an authorized department. Begin the installation process by turning off the mains power and using a voltage tester to ensure no current is flowing. Choose a dry, well-ventilated location away from water and flammable materials, adhering to local electrical codes.
Securely mount the ready board to the wall, ensuring it’s vertical and stable. Connect the main power wire to the circuit breaker, observing proper color coding (red for positive, blue for neutral, yellow-green for ground). Install appropriate circuit breakers and organize wires neatly, avoiding loose connections or cross-wiring. Label each circuit for easy identification and future maintenance.
Before operation, verify the rated current and voltage of each component against specifications. Conduct a trial run to check the functionality of all switches and circuit breakers. It’s crucial to avoid striking the ready board with hard objects and refrain from replacing original components with non-standard parts. Keep detailed records of any issues encountered during use and notify the manufacturer if necessary.
For safety and compliance, it’s highly recommended to have a professional electrician perform the installation and periodic maintenance. This ensures proper wiring, tight connections, and efficient operation of your ready board.
Ready Board in Africa: Market Overview and Evolution
The ready board market is primarily concentrated in Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan countries that adhere to European Distribution Standards of 240 Volt, 50 Hz. The Republic of South Africa stands as the epicenter of ready board manufacturing, wholesale, and retail operations. Market research reveals that these products have been specifically designed for African markets and similar jurisdictions.
The concept of ready boards originated from the need to provide electricity to residents in informal settlements within dense urban environments of South African cities. Over time, their usage has expanded to other African nations, including Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Liberia, and Kenya.
Initially, ready boards manufactured for the African market were low-capacity units designed for very poor communities. These typically comprised one outlet and one light, catering to basic electrical needs. However, the market has evolved, and higher capacity ready boards are now available. These advanced models find applications not only in residential settings but also in outbuildings and storage/garage facilities, offering an alternative to traditional internal wiring systems.
While the African ready board market has been dominated by local manufacturers and suppliers, such as CBi in South Africa , new players are entering the field with innovative solutions. For instance, Yueqing VIOX Electric Co,.Ltd now offers ready boards that address the limitations of traditional models. Their products can be customized to meet specific requirements, including small batch production and adaptability to various interface standards, be it British or North American. This flexibility in design and production is helping to meet the diverse needs of the African market and beyond.
The information comes from https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00MGF5.pdf
CONCLUSION
Ready Boards have emerged as a vital solution for rapid electrification in developing areas, particularly in Africa. These pre-wired systems offer quick installation, cost-effectiveness, and basic safety features, making them ideal for temporary housing and communities with limited infrastructure. As the market evolves, Ready Boards are becoming more advanced, catering to a wider range of applications beyond basic residential use. While not a replacement for comprehensive electrical systems, Ready Boards serve as a crucial stepping stone in providing access to electricity. Their continued development and adoption promise to play a significant role in addressing global electrification challenges, contributing to improved living standards in underserved regions. However, proper installation and maintenance by qualified professionals remain essential for ensuring safety and efficiency in their operation.
