An electrical panel may seem like a simple element in a home. It is usually located near the entrance or in a hallway, ready to respond when a circuit breaker trips, a fault occurs or the power needs to be switched off. However, for many people, identifying what has happened, reaching the panel or knowing which part of the home has lost power is not so straightforward.
This everyday situation gave rise to the project developed by IES Gerardo Molina, in Torre-Pacheco, awarded the first of the two third prizes in the 5th edition of the VET Knowledge Transfer Awards, promoted by FPEmpresa and Grupo Esprinet. Developed within the Higher VET programme in Electrotechnical and Automated Systems, the initiative aims to create an inclusive electrical panel, designed especially for women with visual impairments or reduced mobility.
The project addresses a very specific need. In the presentation video, the team illustrates it through an easy-to-imagine situation: “It is difficult for me because the panel is designed to be seen. If a circuit breaker trips, I do not know which one it is or which part of the house has lost power.” This is compounded by a physical barrier: “If something happens, I cannot reach the panel properly because it is too high.”
Based on this assessment, the students reached a clear conclusion: domestic electrical panels are not always designed to be accessible. This lack of accessibility can create insecurity in situations where acting quickly and understanding what is happening are essential.
When accessibility also means safety
The solution developed by IES Gerardo Molina incorporates several measures to make the electrical panel safer and easier to use independently. One of the main features is the integration of Braille labelling, allowing each circuit to be identified by touch. This is complemented by large, high-contrast initials designed to improve readability and visual accessibility.
The team also considered the installation height of the panel, particularly in homes where a wheelchair user may live. To do so, they consulted their teacher, María Luisa Martín, with the aim of adapting the proposal to real accessibility and usability criteria.
However, the project goes beyond the physical identification of circuits. The students incorporated a set of smart solutions that make it possible to receive alerts and manage the home more efficiently. These include a day/night sensor that detects whether a light has been left on during the day and sends a notification through Telegram, allowing it to be switched off.
A smart smoke detector has also been integrated into the same alert system. In this way, the electrical panel not only makes the installation easier to use on a daily basis, but also adds an extra layer of safety in the event of possible incidents at home.
Technology applied to independence
To manage these functions, the project uses a Raspberry Pi connected to the home Wi-Fi network, running Linux and Node-RED software. This system centralises alerts and sends notifications to a mobile phone whenever an incident occurs.
One of the most relevant features is the alert triggered when a circuit breaker switches off. The system does not simply warn the user that a fault has occurred, but identifies exactly which circuit has been affected. In the project video, the team shows an example of the type of notification the user would receive: “Circuit fault alert: sockets.”
In addition, to ensure that everything is switched off when leaving the house, the students implemented an NFC system. By holding an unlocked mobile phone near the device, all lighting and certain sockets are switched off, combining convenience, energy savings and safety.
The project is aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 5, through its contribution to gender equality with particular attention to women with disabilities; SDG 7, through its contribution to energy savings; and other goals related to reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, responsible consumption and climate action.
The value of the proposal lies precisely in this combination of elements: accessibility, energy, safety, independence and applied technology. It is not simply about adapting an electrical panel, but about rethinking an everyday household element from the perspective of people who face barriers in using it.
The team sums up the spirit of the project in one sentence: “We are confident that our project can help many women gain independence and safety, because designing for everyone is not an extra: it means safety, equality and peace of mind.”
