Location of electrical distribution boxes in Tunisia

Electrical distribution boxes in Tunisia are typically located at substations, along streets, inside residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, and near transformers within medium and low-voltage networks.

General Placement

Electrical distribution boxes, also known as electrical panels or switchboards, are installed to manage and distribute electricity safely from the main supply to end users. In Tunisia, these boxes are commonly found in:

• Residential areas: Inside homes or on exterior walls, often flush-mounted or surface-mounted for easy access and safety .
• Commercial and industrial buildings: In dedicated electrical rooms or near machinery, warehouses, and workshops, often using prefabricated busbar systems or modular switchboards for flexibility and high power handling .
• Public infrastructure: Near street transformers, utility poles, or underground vaults to serve multiple buildings or street lighting .
• Substations: Medium-voltage (15 kV) and high-voltage (33 kV) substations in cities like Gabes are equipped with feeder breakers, reclosers, and protective relays, which connect to distribution boxes that feed local networks .

Types of Distribution Boxes

• Low-voltage boxes: Handle voltages typically up to 400 V, used in homes, offices, and small industrial sites. They include circuit breakers, differential switches, and modular components .
• Medium-voltage boxes: Found in substations and industrial areas, handling 15 kV or 33 kV networks. These are often connected to transformers and include protective relays and feeder breakers .
• Prefabricated busbar systems: Used in factories and large commercial buildings for flexible power distribution, allowing easy relocation of machines or outlets .

Integration with the Network

Tunisia's electrical distribution network is structured with high-voltage transmission lines (90–400 kV) feeding substations, which then supply medium-voltage feeders (15–33 kV). These feeders connect to distribution transformers, which step down voltage to low-voltage levels for end users. Distribution boxes are installed at each stage to control, protect, and monitor the flow of electricity .

Accessibility and Safety

Distribution boxes are designed for easy access for maintenance while ensuring safety. Residential boxes are often inside buildings, while industrial and street-level boxes are secured and sometimes enclosed to prevent unauthorized access . Modern installations in Tunisia follow international standards (IEC 61439-2) for safety and reliability . In summary, electrical distribution boxes in Tunisia are strategically located across residential, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure, integrated into medium and low-voltage networks, and designed to ensure safe, reliable, and flexible electricity distribution.