GB2498020A - Electrical distribution board - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical distribution board has at least one incoming terminal and one or more bus conductors 12 for distributing electrical power from the incoming terminal to one or more outgoing conductor terminals 14. At least one isolation mechanism 20 isolates the outgoing conductor terminals from the bus conductors. The isolation mechanism is moveable between a first position in which the outgoing conductor terminals are isolated from the bus conductors and a second position in which the outgoing conductor terminals are connected to the bus conductors. The isolation mechanism is also configured such that in the first position the isolation mechanism defines a retaining member receiving aperture, which, in use, receives a retaining member such that movement from the first position to the second position is prohibited. The movement may be prohibited by a lock 32.

Description

Improvements in or relating to Electrical Distribution Boards The present invention relates to an electrical distribution board having mechanical disconnectors to electrically isolate the outgoing conductors from a terminal bus conductor.

An electrical distribution board distributes electrical power from one or more incoming power supply terminals to a number of outgoing power supply terminals.

Typically, the electrical distribution board comprises one or more bus conductors which run the length of the board. The bus conductors carry the incoming electrical power to one or more outgoing "stab" conductors which are, in turn, connected to one or more circuit breakers of the outgoing circuit The circuit breakers are typically miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), or the like.

When work is required to be carried out on one or more of the outgoing circuits the circuit breakers are used to break the electrical connection between the outgoing conductor terminals and the outgoing circuit In order to prevent the circuit breakers from being accidentally reconnected, a plastic cover, which may be lockable, or electrical insulation tape is placed over the circuit breaker switch.

Alternatively, and more properly, the circuit breaker is removed from the distribution board and a blanking module is used to cover the stab conductor. Once the work is complete the plastic cover or the tape or blanking module are removed and the outgoing circuit reconnected. The tape technique is not recommended or officially sanctioned, but often happens in practice.

The electrical distribution board may additionally include an isolation switch positioned between the bus conductor and the stab conductor. Schneider Electric in particular supplies "Isobar" brand of boards with this feature. The purpose of the isolation switch is to allow unused stab conductors to be electrically isolated from the bus conductor. This facility is not designed to prevent electric shock when work is required to be carried out on the outgoing circuit, but is sometimes used by With these known precautions, there remains a risk of electrocution by virtue of the fact that the outgoing circuit could be prematurely re-energised either by someone accidentally operating the isolation switch, or the circuit breaker switch (for example by pressing against the switch through the insulating tape, or when the tape falls off prematurely). Someone may remove the cover or blanking module and operate the switch on the assumption that the work had been completed. Where different electricians are working on different circuits, one may accidentally re-energise the wrong circuit when he has completed his own work.

According to the present invention there is provided an electrical distribution board comprising: at least one incoming terminal; one or more bus conductors for distributing electrical power from the incoming terminal to one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and at least one isolation mechanism for isolating one or more outgoing conductor terminals from the bus conductors, wherein the isolation mechanism is moveable between a first position in which the outgoing conductor terminals are isolated from the bus conductors and a second position in which the outgoing conductor terminals are connected to the bus conductors, and wherein the isolation mechanism is configured such that in the first position the isolation mechanism defines a retaining member receiving aperture, which, in use, receives a retaining member therethrough, such that movement from the first position to the second position is prohibited.

The electrical distribution board may comprise a plurality of incoming terminals.

The electrical distribution board may comprise a plurality of outgoing conductor terminals.

The electrical distribution board may comprise a plurality of isolation mechanisms, wherein each isolation mechanism is configured to operate with one outgoing terminal and the bus conductors.

The retaining member may be lockable. The retaining member may be key-operated, combination-operated or tool-operated to prevent unauthorised unlocking. The retaining member may be a padlock. Alternatively) the retaining member may be a wire seal or a security seal.

The isolation mechanism may further include a visual indication device to indicate if the isolation mechanism is in the first position or the second position.

The isolation mechanism may comprise a translatable component and a rotatalMe component. The rotataNe component may provide an electrical connection between the outgoing conductor terminals and the bus conductors. In the first position the rotatable component disengages the outgoing conductor terminals from the bus conductors. In the second position the rotatable component engages the outgoing conductor terminals with the bus conductors. The translatable component contrcils the rotation of the rotatable component The translatable component either permits or prohibits rotation of the rotatable component In the first position the translatable component is engaged with the rotatable component to prohibit rotational movement thereof. In the second position the translatable component is disengaged from the rotatable component to permit rotational movement thereof.

The translatable component may comprise a slide operated switch. The slide operated switch may be operable to move hterally and/or axially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the electrical distribution board.

The slide operated switch may have a first end and a second end. The first end is engageable with the rotatable component The rotatable component may include a recess for receiving the first end of the switch therein. The recess may be in the form of a slot. The first end of the switch may be complementary in shape to the slot, such that it fits therein in the first position. When the first end of the switch is fitted into the slot of the rotatable component the rotational component may not be rotated.

The isolation mechanism maybe mounted within the electrical distribution board.

The electrical distribution board may comprise a housing and the isolation mechanism may be mounted substantially within the housing. The housing may be electrical'y insulating. The one or more outgoing conductor terminals may protrude from the housing.

The translatable component and the rotatable component of the isolation mechanism may be arranged such that they do not protrude from the housing.

The translatable component of the isolation mechanism may be slidably mounted within the housing.

When the isolation mechanism is in the first position the retaining member receiving aperture may be defined by the boundaries of the second end of the switch and the housing.

The rotatable component of the isolation mechanism may be rotatably mounted within the housing.

The rotatable member may include one or more indicators which may be visible through one or more apertures in the housing. The apertures in the housing allow the position of the rotatable member within the housing to be viewed. The one or more indicators are indicative of the first or second position of the rotatable member, and hence the first or second position of the isolation mechanism.

The translatable member may include one or more indicators which may be visible through one or more apertures in the housing. The apertures in the housing allow the position of the translatable member within the housing to be viewed. The one or more indicators are indicative of the first or second position of the translatable member, and hence the first or second position of the isolation mechanism.

The retaining member receiving aperture may be formed in a top surface of the main housing of the electrical distribution board.

The retaining member receiving aperture may lie in the same plane as a top surface of the main housing of the electrical distribution board.

The isolation mechanism may comprise a translatable component and a pivotable component. The pivotable component may provide an electrical connection between the outgoing conductor terminals and the bus conductors. In the first position the pivotable component disengages the outgoing conductor terminals from the bus conductors. In the second position the pivotable component engages the outgoing conductor terminals with the bus conductors. The translatable component controls the pivoting of the pivotable component. The translatable component operates the pivoting action of the pivotable component. The translatable component is mechanically connected to the pivotable component, such that translational movement of the translatable component produces pivotal movement of the pivotable component The translatable component may comprise a slide operated switch. The slide operated switch may be operable to move laterally and/or axially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the electrical distribution board.

The slide operated switch may have a first end and a second end. The first end is engaged with the pivotable component.

The isolation mechanism may be mounted within the electrical distribution board.

The olectrical distribution board may comprise a housing and the isolation mechanism may be mounted substantially within the housing. The housing may be olectrically insulating. The one or more outgoing conductor terminals may protrude from the housing.

The translatable component and the pivotable component of the isolation mechanism may be arranged such that they do not protrude from the housing.

The translatable component of the isolation mechanism may be slidably mounted within the housing.

The isolation mechanism may further comprises a protrudable member which is operable to protrude from the housing when the isolation mechanism is in the first position. The protrudable member may be mounted to the pivotable member. The retaining member receiving aperture may be formed in the protrudable member.

When the isolation mechanism is in the second position the protrudable member may be located within the housing.

The protrudable member may include a retaining member receiving portion for receiving and aligning the retaining member.

The pivotable component of the isolation mechanism may be pivotably mounted within the housing.

The translatable member may indude one or more indicators which may be visible through one or more apertures in the housing. The apertures in the housing allow the position of the translatable member within the housing to be viewed. The one or more indicators are indicative of the first or second position of the isolation mechanism.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical distribution board according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is second perspective view of the electrical distribution board of figure 1 with a retaining member located in the retaining member receiving aperture thereof; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the isolation mechanisms and bus conductors of the electrical distribution board in an "on" and "off" state; Figure 4 is a partially transparent version of figure 3; Figures 5 and 6 are partial perspective views of the isolation mechanism of figures 3 and 4 in an "on" and "off" state; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an electrical distribution board according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is an enlarged partial view of the electrical distribution board of figure 7; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of if the isolation mechanism of the electrical distribution board of figures 7 and 8.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an electrical distribution board 10. The electrical distribution board 10 comprises at least one incoming terminal (not shown) and three bus conductors 12 for distributing power from the incoming terminal to one or more outgoing conductor terminals 14 ("stab" conductors 14, or "stabs" 14). A plurality of lateral connectors 15 (see figures 3 and 4) are located between the bus conductors 12 and the stabs 14. The lateral connectors 15 provide electrical connection between the bus conductors 12 and the stabs 14 in cooperation with the isolation mechanism, described below.

The stabs 14 project from a main housing 16 of the board 10. In use, the stabs 14 are connected to circuit breakers (not shown) of the outgoing circuit (e.g lighting circuits etc.). The circuit breakers are typically miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), or the like. The circuit breakers are mounted between a DIN rail 17 of a mounting p'ate 18 of the board 10 and the stabs 14, in the usual manner.

In the embodiment described and illustrated here, the board 10 also includes a plurality of isolation mechanisms 20. The purpose of each isolation mechanism 20 is to act as a safety device which allows each stab 14 to be isolated from the bus conductors 12. This is useful when, for example, maintenance is being carried out on an outgoing circuit As illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the isolation mechanism 20 are located within the main housing 16. The main housing 16 is electrically insulating.

With reference to figures 1 to 6, the isolation mechanisms 20 are moveable between a first position in which the stabs 14 are isolated from the bus conductors 12 and a second position in which the stabs 14 are connected to the bus conductors 12. The first position is referenced "0" and the second position is referenced "1,'.

Each isolation mechanism 20 comprises a translatable component 22 (slide operated switch 22) and a rotatable component 24 (tool operated screw 24). The tool operated screw 24 provides an electrical connection between the stab 14 and the lateral connector 15. In the first position the tool operated screw 24 disengages the stab 14 from the lateral connector 15. In the second position the tool operated screw 24 engages the stab 14 with the lateral connector 15. The slide operated switch 22 and the tool operated screw 24 are configured such that they do not protrude from the main housing 16.

Each isolation mechanism 20 also comprises a vertical connector 26. The vertical connector 26 provides an electrical connection between the lateral connector 15 and the stab 14. The vertical connector 26 provides the electrical connection by making physical contact with the stab 14 and the lateral connector 15. The vertical connector 26 has a first end 26a and a second end 26b. The first end 26a is configured to connect with the stab 14 and the second end 26b is configured to connect with the lateral connector 15.

The tool operated screw 24 is formed integrally with a first portion 28a of an insolating housing 28 and the vertical connector 26 is located within a second portion 28b of the housing 28. The second portion 28b of the housing 28 has a male threaded portion 28c which is received by a female threaded portion 28d of the first portion 28a of the housing 28. (Note: in figures 5 and 6 the male threaded portion 28c is formed as part of the first portion 28a of the housing 28, not as part of the second portion 28b of the housing 28. The operation of the isolation mechanism 20 is essentially the same, the only difference with this arrangement is that the vertical connector 26 is brought into and out of engagement with the lateral connector 15, as opposed to the stab 14.] As best illustrated in figures 3 and 4, rotation of the tool operated screw 24 results in rotation of the first portion 28a of the housing 28. By virtue of the threaded engagement between the first portion 28a and second portion 28b of the housing 28, rotation of the tool operated screw 24 [and the first portion 28a of the housing 28) results in translational movement of the second portion 28b of the housing 28.

Since the vertical connector 26 is located within the second portion 28b of the housing 28, the vertica' connector 26 also translates with the second portion 28b of the housing 28. This transLational movement of the vertical connector 26 moves the vertical connector 26 into, or out of, connection with the stab 14. It shouki be noted that in the arrangement described and illustrated in figures 3 and 4 the vertical connector 26 is always connected to the Lateral connector 15 and it is brought into contact with, or out of contact with, the stab 14. However, it should be appreciated that the vertical connector 26 may instead always be connected to the stab 14 and maybe brought into contact with, or out of contact with, the lateral connector 15, as illustrated in figures 5 and 6. Such an alternative arrangement can easily be provided by an appropriate configuration of the threaded relationship between the first and second portions 28a, 28b of the housing 28.

The slide operated switch 22 controls the rotation of the tool operated screw 24.

That is, the slide operated switch 22 either permits or prohibits rotation of the tool operated screw 24. As best illustrated in figures 3 and 4, the slide operated switch 22 has a first end 22a and a second end 22b. The first end 22a of the switch 22 is engageable with a correspondingly shaped recess 28e, or slot, in the first portion 28a of the housing 28. The slide operated switch 22 moves laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis ba of the board 10 [see figure 1). The slide operated switch 22 is slidably mounted within the main housing 16.

In the first position the switch 22 is engaged with the tool operated screw 24 and in the second position the switch 22 is disengaged from the tool operated screw 24.

When the switch 22 is engaged with the tool operated screw 24 the tool operated screw 24 is prevented from being rotated, i.e. the stab 14 is prevented from being connected to the lateral connector 15. When the switch 22 is disengaged from the tool operated screw 24 the tool operated screw 24 may be rotated, i.e. the stab 14 may be connected to the lateral connector 15.

The isolation mechanism 20 also includes a visual indication device 21 which indicates the position of the isolation mechanism 20. As illustrated in figures ito 4, the main housing 16 has a plurality of apertures 16a through which a visual indicator 21a on the isolation mechanism 20, in this case on the tool operated screw 24, may be viewed. The visual indicator 21a is indicative of the first or second position [0, 1] of the isolation mechanism 20. Additionally, or alternatively, the visual indicator 2 la may be located on the switch 22.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, when the isolation mechanism 20 is in the first position (0], the isolation mechanism 20 defines a retaining member receiving aperture 30. The retaining member receiving aperture 30 is defined by the boundaries of the second end 22b of the switch 22 and the main housing 11. The retaining member receiving aperture 30 is configured such that a retaining member 32, in this case a pacflock, may be inserted through the aperture 30. When the retaining member 32 is inserted into the aperture 30 the movement of the isolation mechanism 20 from the first position (0) to the second position (1) is prohibited.

This is because the retaining member 32 blocks the movement of the switch 22 from the first position (0) to the second position (1).

An example of the operation of the electrical distribution board 10 will now be given. With reference to figure 1, the board 10 may be in an initial state where power is being distributed from the bus conductors 12 to the stabs 14. This is illustrated, for example, the right-hand side of the board 10 in figure 1. (Note that in this initial state the circuit breakers would be connected to the stabs 14. However) they are omitted here for clarity.) In this initial state the isolation mechanisms 20 are in the second position (1), i.e. the stabs 14 are connected to the lateral connectors 15, as described above. It should also be pointed out that when the circuit breakers are connected to the stabs 14 the switch 22 prevents access to the stab connection mechanism of the circuit breaker. That is, the connection mechanism of the circuit breaker includes a screw operated clamp which connects to the stab 14 and the screw component of this mechanism is located immediately below the switch 22. In this initial state the switch 22 prevents access to the screw component.

In order to isolate a stab 14, it is first necessary to rotate the tool operated screw 24 with an appropriate toot (not shown) to disconnect the vertical connector 26 from the stab 14, as described above. Rotating the tool operated screw 24 in this manner brings the recess 28e into alignment with the switch 22, as illustrated in figures 3 and 4. The switch 22 is then slid into engagement with the recess 28e such that the first end 22a enters the recess 28e. This operation creates the retaining member receiving aperture 30, as illustrated in the left-hand side of the board 10 in figure 1, and also allows access to the screw component of the circuit breaker, as described above.

The circuit breaker is then removed from the stab 14 through operation of the connection mechanism thereof. Once the circuit breaker is removed from the board the retaining member 32 is then inserted into the retaining member receiving aperture 30 and locked in place.

In this state the outgoing circuit [stab 14) may not be inadvertently energised without unlocking the retaining member 32. In this state work may be safely carried out on the outgoing circuit In order to energise the outgoing circuit [stab 14), the above-described process is reversed.

Figures 7 to 9 illustrated an alternative embodiment of the electrical distribution board 10 of figures 1 to 6. The only difference between the electrical distribution board 100 of the second embodiment is that the isolation mechanism 120 is different to that of the first embodiment With reference to figures 7 to 9, and figure 9 in particular, the isolation mechanisms 120 are moveable between a first position in which the stabs 14 are isolated from the bus conductors 12 and a second position in which the stabs 14 are connected to the bus conductors 12. The first position is again referenced "0', and the second position is again referenced "1".

Each isolation mechanism 120 comprises a translatable component 122 [slide operated switch 122) and a pivotable component 124. The pivotable component 124 provides an electrical connection between the stab 14 and the lateral connector 15. In the first position the pivotable component 124 disengages stab 14 from the lateral connector 15. In the second position the pivotable component 124 engages the stab 14 with the lateral connector 15. The pivotable component 124 is configured such that it does not protrude from the main housing 16.

Each isolation mechanism 120 also comprises a vertical connector 126. As before, the vertical connector 126 provides an electrical connection between the lateral connector 15 and the stab 14. The vertical connector 126 provides the electrical connection by making physical contact with the stab 14 and the]atera connector 15.

The vertical connector 126 is located within a housing 128. The pivotable component 124 is connected to the housing 128 and the switch 122.

As best illustrated in figure 9, translation of the switch 122 results in the pivotable component 124 being pivoted. This, in turn, resuks in translation of the housing 128. Since the vertical connector 126 is located within the housing 128, the vertical connector 126 also translates with the housing 128. This translational movement of the vertical connector 126 moves the vertical connector 126 into, or out of connection with the stab 14. It should be noted that in the arrangement described and illustrated in figure 9 the verticth connector 126 is always connected to the stab 14 and it is brought into contact with) or out of contact with, the lateral connector 15. However, it should be appreciated that the vertica' connector 126 may instead always be connected to the lateral connector 15 and may be brought into contact with, or out of contact with, the stab 14. Such an alternative arrangement can easily be provided by an appropriate configuration of the pivotable component 124, switch 122 and housing 128.

The slide operated switch 122 moves laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis bOa of the board 100. The slide operated switch 122 is slidably mounted within the main housing 116.

The isolation mechanism 120 also includes a visual indication device 121 which indicates the position of the isolation mechanism 120. As illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the main housing 116 has a plurality of apertures 116a through which a visual indicator 121a on the isolation mechanism 120, in this case on the switch 122, may be viewed. The visual indicator 121a is indicative of the first or second position [0, 1) of the isolation mechanism 120.

The isolation mechanism 120 includes a protrudabk member 110 which is operable to protrude from the main housing 116 when the isolation mechanism 120 is in the first position [0). As best illustrated in figure 9, the protrudable member 110 is mounted to the pivotable component 124. When the isolation mechanism 120 is in the second position (1) the protrudable member 110 is located within the main housing 116. Although the protrudable member 110 has been described as being mounted to the pivotable component 124, it should be appreciated that the protrudable member 110 may alternatively be mounted to the housing 128.

With reference to figures 7 to 9, when the isolation mechanism 120 is in the first position [0), the isolation mechanism 120 defines a retaining member receiving aperture 130. The retaining member receiving aperture 130 is formed in the protrudable member 110. The retaining member receiving aperture 130 is configured such that a retaining member 132, in this case a padlock, may be inserted through the aperture 130. The protrudable member 110 also includes a retaining member receiving portion llOa for receiving and aligning the retaining member 132 thereon. [Note: it should be noted that some of the isolation mechanisms 120 of figure 7 are not illustrated correctly. When the switches 122 are pushed into the housing 116 of the board 100, i.e. into the first position, the protrudable member should protrude from the housing 116. This is not illustrated consistently in figure 7. However, the correct operation of the isolation mechanism 120 should be appreciated, not least from the figures 8 and 9 and the accompanying description thereof) When the retaining member 132 is inserted into the aperture 130 the movement of the isolation mechanism 120 from the first position [0) to the second position (1) is prohibited. This is because the retaining member 132 abuts against the main housing 116 and prevents movement of the switch 122 from the first position [0) to the second position (1). Is

The operation of the electrical distribution board 100 of the second embodiment is essentially the same as that of the first embodiment, the only exception being the operation of the isolation mechanism 120.

Again, when the circuit breakers are connected to the stabs 14 the switch 122 prevents access to the stab connection mechanism of the circuit breaker.

In order to isolate a stab 14, it is first necessary to slide the switch 122 into the main housing (see figures land 2). Sliding the switch 122 in this manner disconnects the vertical connector 126 from the lateral connector 15, as described above. This operation causes the protrudable member 110 to protrude from the main housing 116, as illustrated in figures Band 9. The retaining member receiving aperture 130 is therefore presented to the user. In this position access to the screw component of the circuit breaker is also provided, as described above.

The circuit breaker is then removed from the stab 14 through operation of the connection mechanism thereof Once the circuit breaker is removed from the board the retaining member 132 is then inserted into the retaining member receiving aperture 130 and locked in place.

In this state the outgoing circuit (stab 14) may not be inadvertently energised without unlocking the retaining member 132. In this state work may be safely carried out on the outgoing circuit In order to energise the outgoing circuit (stab 14), the above-described process is reversed.

The electrical distribution board 10, 100 of the present invention ensures that the stab 14 is prevented from being re-energised accidentally. Providing an isolation mechanism which indudes a retaining member receiving aperture means that no additional safety "locking device" need be attached to the electrical distribution board in order to prevent re-energising the stabs 14. On'y the person who locks the isolation mechanism 20, 120 can unlock the isolation mechanism 20, 120 once they are finished working on the outgoing circuit.

Modifications and improvements maybe made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example) although the rotatable component 24 has been illustrated and described above as providing an electrical connection between the stabs 14 and the lateral connectors 15 in conjunction with the vertical connector 16, it should be appreciated that the rotatable component 24 may be configured such that it may alone provide the electrical connection between the stabs 14 and the lateral connectors 15. That is, it should be appreciated that the vertical connector 16 is not essential for the isolation mechanism to function as described above.

Furthermore) although the electrical distribution board 10, 100 has been illustrated and described above as including lateral connectors 15 which provide an electrical connection between the stabs 14 and the bus conductors 12, it should be appreciated that the lateral connectors 15 may be omitted, such that the isolation mechanisms 20) 120 may operation between the stabs 14 and the bus conductors 12.

Also) although the translational movement between the first and second portions 28a, 28b of the housing 28 has been illustrated and described above as being as a result of a threaded connection between the two components, it should be appreciated that any suitable mechanism for causing translation of the second portion 28a as a result of rotation of the first portion 28a may be used.

Furthermore, it should also be appreciated that the protrudable member 110 of the second embodiment could be used with the housing 28 of the first embodiment That is, instead of the retaining member receiving aperture 30 being created by the boundaries of the switch 22 and the main housing 16) the first embodiment could be amended to include the protrudable member 110 of the second embodiment. In this arrangement the retaining member receiving aperture would be created by the aperture in the protrudable member 110, as described in the second embodiment.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims 1. An electrical distribution board comprising: at least one incoming terminal; one or more bus conductors for distributing electrical power from the incoming terminal to one or more outgoing conductor terminals; and at least one isolation mechanism for isolating one or more outgoing conductor terminals from the bus conductors) wherein the isolation mechanism is moveable between a first position in which the outgoing conductor terminals are isolated from the bus conductors and a second position in which the outgoing conductor terminals are connected to the bus conductors, and wherein the isolation mechanism is configured such that in the first position the isolation mechanism defines a retaining member receiving aperture, which, in use, receives a retaining member therethrough, such that movement from the first position to the second position is prohibited.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. An electrical distribution board according to claim 1, wherein the electrical distribution board comprises a plurality of isolation mechanisms, wherein each isolation mechanism is configured to operate with one outgoing terminal and the bus conductors.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. An electrical distribution board according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one isolation mechanism further includes a visual indication device to indicate if the isolation mechanism is in the first position or the second position.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. An electrical distribution board according to any preceding claim, wherein the isolation mechanism comprises a translatable component and a rotatable component) the rotatable component providing an electrical connection between the outgoing conductor terminals and the bus conductors and the translatable component controlling the operation of the rotatable component.</claim-text> <claim-text>S. An electrical distribution board according to claim 4, wherein in the first position the rotatable component disengages the outgoing conductor terminals from the bus conductors and the translatable component is engaged with the rotataNe component to prohibit rotational movement thereof and in the second position the rotatable component engages the outgoing conductor terminals with the bus conductors and the transktable component is disengaged from the rotatable component to permit rotational movement thereof.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. An electrical distribution board according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the translatable component comprises a slide operated switch.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. An electrical distribution board according to claim 6, wherein the slide operated switch has a first end and a second end and the rotatable component indudes a recess for receiving the first end of the switch therein in the first position.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. An &ectrical distribution board according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one isolation mechanism is mounted within the electrical distribution board.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. An electrical distribution board according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical distribution board comprises a main housing and the isolation mechanism is mounted substantially within the main housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. An electrical distribution board according to claim 9, wherein the translatable component and the rotatable component of the isolation mechanism are arranged such that they do not protrude from the main housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. An electrical distribution board according to claim 9 or claim 10, when dependent upon claims 7 or 8, wherein, when the isolation mechanism is in the first position, the retaining member receiving aperture is defined by the boundaries of the second end of the switch and the main housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. An electrical distribution board according to any of claims 4 to 11, wherein the rotatable component of the isolation mechanism is rotatably mounted within the main housing.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. An electrical distribution board according to any of claims 9 to 12, when dependent upon any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the rotatable component includes one or more indicators which are visible through one or more apertures in the main housing, the one or more indicators being indicative of the first or second position of the rotatable component, and hence the first or second position of the isolation mechanism.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. An electrical distribution board according to any of claims 9 to 13, when dependent upon any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the translatable component includes one or more indicators which may be visible through one or more apertures in the main housing, the one or more indicators being indicative of the first or second position of the translatable component, and hence the first or second position of the isolation mechanism.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. An electrical distribution board according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the retaining member receiving aperture is formed in a top surface of the main housing of the electrical distribution board.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. An electrical distribution board according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the isolation mechanism comprises a translatable component and a pivotable component, the pivotable component providing an electrical connection between the outgoing conductor terminals and the bus conductors and the translatable component controlling the operation of the pivotable component.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. An electrical distribution board according to claim 16, wherein in the first position the pivotable component disengages the outgoing conductor terminals from the bus and in the second position the pivotable component engages the outgoing conductor terminals with the bus conductors.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. An electrical distribution board according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the translatable component is mechanically connected to the pivotable component) such that translational movement of the translatable component produces pivotal movement of the pivotable component 19. An electrical distribution board according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the translatable component comprises a slide operated switch.20. An electrical distribution board according to claim 19, wherein the slide operated switch has a first end and a second end and the pivotable component is engaged with the first end of the switch.21. An ekctrical distribution board according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the at least one isolation mechanism is mounted within the electrical distribution board.22. An electrical distribution board according to any of claims 16 to 21, wherein the electrical distribution board comprises a main housing and the isolation mechanism is mounted substantially within the main housing.23. An electrical distribution board according to claim 22, wherein the translatable component and the rotatable component of the isolation mechanism are arranged such that they do not protrude from the main housing.24. An e'ectrical distribution board according to any of claims 16 to 23, wherein the isolation mechanism further comprises a protrudable member which is operable to protrude from the housing when the isolation mechanism is in the first position.25. An electrical distribution board according to claim 24, wherein the protrudable member is mounted to the pivotable component 26. An electrical distribution board according to claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the retaining member receiving aperture is formed in the protrudable member.27. An electrical distribution board according to any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the protrudable member includes a retaining member receiving portion for receiving and aligning the retaining member.28. An electrical distribution board according to any of claims 16 to 27, wherein the pivotable component of the isolation mechanism is pivotably mounted within the housing.29. An electrical distribution board as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 6.30. An &ectrical distribution board as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 7 to 9.</claim-text>