Jakokeskus

Jakokeskus is a central electrical distribution unit in a building's installation. In everyday Finnish usage the term refers to the device or cabinet that receives incoming electrical power and distributes it to the branch circuits of the installation. It is commonly known in English as a distribution board or electrical panel and may be combined with the electricity meter in a single enclosure.

The main purpose of a jakokeskus is to organize, protect, and isolate circuit conductors. It houses overcurrent protection devices such as circuit breakers or fuses, and often residual current devices (RCDs) for earth-leakage protection. The board provides connection points for branch circuits, typically grouped on busbars, and is labeled to identify each circuit’s purpose. A jakokeskus enables safe operation, fault isolation, and simple maintenance or upgrades of the electrical system.

Types and configurations vary with the size and purpose of the installation. Residential boards are usually compact, 1- or 3-phase systems with a main switch and a limited number of circuits. Commercial and industrial boards can be significantly larger, with multiple sections, modular components, and higher current ratings. Enclosures may be metal or plastic and are designed for easy access while protecting the internal components from dust and moisture.

Standards and safety considerations emphasize professional installation and ongoing compliance with local electrical codes. In Europe, low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies conform to standards such as EN 61439, and national regulations (for example, Finnish standards such as SFS 6000) apply. Regular inspection and proper labeling are recommended, and work on a jakokeskus should be performed by a licensed electrician.