Aveniz guides

Before selecting the panel

A professional needs to understand the available supply, connected equipment, property type, earthing arrangement and environmental conditions. Individual circuit protection and likely future expansion must also be considered.

Decisions to document

• Expected load and reasonable spare capacity.
• Protection against overload, short circuit and electric shock.
• Clear separation, identification and documentation of circuits.
• An accessible location protected from moisture and impact.
• Final tests with recorded results.

Energising is not the final step

Connections, torque, continuity, insulation, earthing and protective devices should be checked before service. Labels must let another qualified person understand the system without guessing.

Warning signs not to ignore

• Breakers that trip repeatedly.
• Warm sockets, plugs or distribution boards.
• A burning-plastic smell, buzzing or crackling.
• Lights that flicker when equipment starts.
• Damaged outlets, dark marks or a tingling sensation from an appliance.

What to do immediately

If there is smoke, a strong smell, sparks or an unusually hot surface, move away and isolate power only if it is safe. Do not re-energise the circuit before it is checked.

Early inspection is usually easier

Note when the fault occurs, which equipment was connected and whether it began after building work or a change. Photos can provide context, but they do not replace measurements.

Typical uses

230 V circuits commonly supply lighting, sockets and everyday equipment. 400 V is used where machinery, motors, heating or other loads require three phases or higher power.

It is more than changing a plug

• Equipment must be designed for the available voltage and phase arrangement.
• Cables, protective devices and conductor sizes must match the load.
• Loads should be distributed to avoid phase imbalance.
• The rating plate and manufacturer diagram are essential references.

When uncertain, do not connect

An incorrect connection can damage equipment and create serious risk. Verify the supply and the exact equipment configuration before installing or relocating machinery.

What it may include

Depending on use, work may include visual inspection, connection checks, electrical measurements, protective-device tests, thermography, technical cleaning and updated labels or documentation.

Set frequency by risk

• Use and age of the installation.
• Moisture, dust, vibration, temperature and other environmental factors.
• Criticality of the supplied process.
• Fault history and manufacturer recommendations.
• Requirements applying to the building or activity.

Records make comparison possible

Dates, readings, anomalies and corrective actions reveal trends. A rising temperature or changing measurement may justify intervention before a failure develops.

Verify every project

Design, installation, protection, testing, documentation and required qualifications are not identical everywhere. International work must consider technical standards, permits and local responsibilities.

Core practices remain important

• Assess risk before work begins.
• Isolate, lock out and verify absence of voltage where required.
• Use equipment and protection suited to the environment.
• Record tests, changes and responsible parties.
• Provide understandable documentation to the owner or operator.

A year is not proof of validity

A document marked 2024 or 2025 may not still be current in 2026 or apply to a specific project. Confirm the edition, national amendments and transition dates before design or execution.