How to Connect a Power Distribution Box (8-Step Guide)
Content
- How to connect a power distribution unit
- Step 3: Set Wire Codes
- Benefits of using PDB
- Disadvantages of PDB
In this article, I will teach you how to connect a power distribution unit (PDB) to distribute electricity from a single source to multiple pieces of equipment in your branch circuit.
As a certified electrician, I prefer to use PDBs to distribute electricity from your single source to multiple devices using multiple wires. If you use PDB, you will spend less money on wires and less time on connections. In addition, the process is very simple, no special skills are needed to complete the job.
Generally, to connect the PDU to your single input source, you need to:
- Connect battery to charger
- Refer to the wiring template (provided in this guide)
- Set wire codes for black, red, blue, and white wires.
- Connect the PDB fuse to the positive wire and terminal 30 on the relay.
- Complete the connection of the relay to the PDB, chassis and bus.
- Connect the LED bulb to the chassis that is connected to the negative battery post.
I'll tell you more below.
How to connect a power distribution unit
What do you need
- Charged battery
- Connecting wires - black, red, white and blue wires
- Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
- Relay
- bus bar
- Switch
- Chassis
- LED lamp
- PDB connection
The following step-by-step guide will help you understand how easy it is to connect a power distribution box.
Step 1. Connect the battery to the charger.
Use the charger to replenish the battery. Then you can collect all the necessary tools and materials while charging the battery.
Step 2: Template or Wiring Diagram
I recommend using the PDB wiring template. You can use the online version. However, you may not have access to the exact diagram to connect all PDB components correctly. So take a look at the one below:
Step 3: Set Wire Codes
Adapting the normal wired code to your PDB is helpful and necessary to limit potential confusion and distress.
- The red wires should indicate live or positive connections (pin 30 on the relay).
- The black wires must be connected to ground (terminal 85 on the relay).
- The blue wire means no power (pin 87 on the relay).
- The white wire turns on the negative trigger (pin 86 on the relay).
Step 4: Connect the PDB and the built-in fuse (if you are not using a fusible PDB)
First, use a wire stripper to remove the red wire's insulating coating about 1 inch deep to get enough conductive surface for the connection.
You can still ignite the insulating sheath with a match if you don't have a wire stripper. Wait for the insulating coating to cool (only a few seconds, otherwise you won't be able to remove it), then peel it off with your fingers. Remove the insulation from both ends of the red wire.
Now attach the red wire to the crocodile clip and connect it to the positive battery terminal. Connect the other end of the positive wire to the PDU. The power distribution unit is connected to the built-in fuse.
The fuse in the PDB protects each piece of equipment. In the event of an electrical failure, the PDB will blow a fuse before any equipment ignites.
Step 5: Connect the relay
Now strip the insulation off the other positive wire as before. Attach the built-in fuse to the PDB and screw it to the relay station.
At the relay station, connect the relay terminals as follows:
Flip the relay over to reveal the numbered terminals at the bottom.
Terminal or pin 30
Connect the positive wire from the PDB to this terminal. It will connect power from the PDB through the fuse and into the relay.
Terminal/terminal 87 (power off)
Connect the blue wire and strip the insulation to get enough conductive surface for the connection. The blue line will indicate the output of energy. The blue wire should be placed directly on the line of the kick start nut.
Negative trigger - pin 86
When performing a negative trigger, make sure that pin 86 is connected to the PDU via the white cable. To do this, strip the white wire from both ends, connect it to pin 86 on the relay box, and then connect it to the power distribution box. This way you can turn the LED on and off (next step).
Ground or black wire connection - pin 85
Take the black wire, peel off the insulation and connect one end to pin or terminal 85 on the relay box. Attach the other end to the bar as shown below:
Next, we thread the pin 85 of the connection from the bus to the trigger, then we connect the chassis to the negative terminal of the battery.
Step 6: Complete Chassis or Ground Connections
As mentioned above, the chassis is connected to the negative terminal of the battery. Connect the black wire from the PDU to the chassis.
Step 7: Connect the LED Bulb
The LED lamp will help establish the power flow through the PDB connection system.
So run the black wire from the chassis to the appropriate terminal on the LED bulb. Then find the terminal where the blue wire is on the bus. Connect the red cable to this terminal and route it to the corresponding terminal on the LED lamp. That's all, you have connected the PDB.
Step 8: Check Negative Trigger PDB Connection
Testing is the easiest part. Turn the switch on and off and observe the behavior of the LED lamp.
If the LED turns on and off accordingly, your connection to the PDB has been established successfully.
Benefits of using PDB
Below are some of the benefits of working with PDB:
Easy installation process
Connecting a PDB is not difficult if you have the right template or wiring diagram.
It's cheap and saves time
The PDB connection requires fewer wires than other connectors. Connecting multiple wires is easy and saves time.
Disadvantages of PDB
Loose wires
Experiments show that even the most reliable connection can lose traction with the block due to pushing forces or vibrations. This can lead to serious problems. So make sure you test all connections before implementing PDB. In this way, you will find out whether the connections can withstand vibration loads in various operating conditions. (1)
Limited internal use
Power distribution units do not have protective covers. They are not protected from external influences and are not suitable for many interiors. So always be sure of your internal applications before considering a PDU.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- Is it possible to connect the red and black wires together
- Red wire positive or negative
- How to connect several lamps to one cord
Recommendations
(1) vibrational forces - https://www.britannica.com/science/vibration
(2) environment - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment
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