Commercial Distribution Panel Layout

[Jon456]

In the past, I've laid-out my panel breakers in a way that grouped circuits logically (while maintaining load balancing). But those were all relatively small sub-panels. My work with larger distribution panels have, up until now, been adding, removing, or making a few changes to an existing panel.

I am now working on a larger panel and starting with a "blank slate." That got me wondering if there are any recommended practices for the grouping of breakers. For example, I read that one guy puts all the multi-pole breakers on one side and all the single-pole breakers on the other.

I was thinking about putting all the dedicated circuits on one side and all the general purpose lighting & receptacle circuits on the other. This panel is serving a single relatively small commercial space, so no need for grouping by rooms. But I am grouping to logically keep some work zones and equipment functions together.

Besides keeping the panel balanced, how do you layout/group your breakers?

 

[Cow]

Heavy loads near the main breaker/lugs, if possible.

Other than that, whatever makes sense when you walk up to the panel and need to work on it or find a breaker. I like to group areas of the building next to each other, lights, receps, etc.

 

[infinity]

I wouldn't worry about it. Since it's a small space chances are if you randomly assign the circuits they will be pretty balanced. If you had large loads then I can see being cognizant of having large OCPD's opposite each other on the same stabs in the panel. I see some guys do as Cow suggested with the larger loads on top but electrically there is really no reason to worry about that either.

 

[LarryFine]

For example, I read that one guy puts all the multi-pole breakers on one side and all the single-pole breakers on the other.

That's me.

Besides keeping the panel balanced, how do you layout/group your breakers?

I would place any 3p breakers top left, highest to lowest, followed by 2p breakers, highest to lowest, and 12p breakers down the other side, highest to lowest.

Or, if there are more 3p breakers, I would do the same, highest to lowest on the lefty, and 2p and then 1p on the right. Whichever way looks more balanced.


In any case, I try to logically separate the utility and mechanical circuits (HVAC, water heater, other major loads, etc.) from the lighting and receptacle circuits.

Now, as for sorting by circuit use, I would start with the night-light/exit light circuit, followed by the light circuit where the panel is, and work away from there.

Then I would wire specific-use receptacle circuits, followed by general-purpose receptacle circuits, then the miscellaneous circuits for whatever is left over.