What is the primary purpose of a switchboard?

The primary purpose of a switchboard is to house switches and protective devices. A switchboard is a critical component in electrical distribution systems, as it provides a centralized location where electrical circuits can be controlled and managed. By housing switches, circuit breakers, and other protective devices, the switchboard ensures safe operation and allows for the regulation of electrical flow to various circuits within a facility.

This setup is essential because it facilitates the manual or automatic control of electrical supply, enabling operators to disconnect or isolate specific circuits for maintenance, troubleshooting, or emergency situations. By doing so, it enhances the safety and reliability of an electrical system.

Other options, while they represent aspects related to electrical systems, do not accurately define the primary role of a switchboard. For instance, monitoring electrical usage is typically managed by dedicated metering equipment rather than directly by the switchboard itself. While switchboards may connect multiple circuits together, this function is secondary to their role in housing switches and protective devices. Serving as a power source is not accurate, as switchboards distribute power rather than generate or provide it directly.