## Shield Distribution 12: The heart of the power grid of your home
The distribution shield is, in fact, the main unit of the power supply of your home or apartment. Imagine it as a heart that distributes electrical energy over all arteries - sockets, switches and other electrical appliances. Model 12 in the name most likely indicates the number of modular places inside the shield, that is, the number of circuit breakers that can be installed in it. This means that such a shield is able to protect from overload and short circuit up to 12 separate electric circuits in your house.
### Protection from overloads and short circuits
The main function of the distribution shield is the protection of your electrical wiring and household appliances from damage. Each automatic circuit breaker installed in the shield is sensitive to overloads on the network. If the current in the circuit exceeds the permissible value, the switch instantly works, tearing the circuit and preventing the fire of the wiring or failure of the devices. Similarly, with a short circuit (closing the wires), the switch instantly de -energizes the damaged section of the network. This is an important safety function that can prevent fires and other troubles.
## ease and extensibility
The distribution shield allows rationally organizing power supply in the house. All electric circuits are neatly collected in one place, which facilitates check and repair. In addition, the modular design allows you to easily add new circuit breakers if necessary - for example, if you decide to install new electrical appliances or conduct additional electrical wiring. This greatly simplifies the modernization of the mains in the future.
### Choice and installation
When choosing a distribution shield, it is important to consider the total power of electrical appliances in your house and the number of planned electric circuits. It is better to lay a reserve a little by the number of modular places in order to be able to expand the system in the future without the need to replace the entire shield. Installation of the shield is best entrusted with a qualified electrician. Incorrect installation can lead to unsafe situations, so you should not save on professional work. A properly installed and configured switchgear shield will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your power grid for many years.