Definition

[Brandon Loyd]

When trying to call something by it's correct name. How would you define the difference between a Switchgear section, a Distribution board, and a Switchboard.

 

[sameguy]

To me switch gear will have numbering system ie. section 1 bucket/location A, distribution again named? MDP, switchboard named ckt.#
That what your looking for?

 

[Brandon Loyd]

Definitions again

Definitions again

For a salesman who may not know electrical, how would you describe what a piece of switchgear, switchboard, and distribution board looks like so they know what they are looking at? Assuming the customer has no labeling installed.

 

[jim dungar]

I think you need to clarify your question.
Are you looking for a "homework" type answer or some terms that are used in your locale?

For example if we only deal with physical size:
Distribution panelboards are normally wall hung and rarely exceed 12"d
Switchboards are normally free standing with typical depths of 24-48".
Switchgear requires front and rear access, on top of their common 96"depth.

 

[sameguy]

For a salesmen I would have to say, "follow me, you have no idea what to look for"!

 

[Brandon Loyd]

I guess I am looking for more of a homework answer, like your reply. I would tell the salesman that a Distribution board is like a large wall mounted panel less than 12" deep. A Switchboard is a stand alone section with multiple-multiple pole breakers installed, maybe attached to other sections, no more than 24" in depth. And a switchgear section will be the largest peices of equipment typically with a blank pull section, maybe a meter section, then a distribution section that resembles a switchboard.
Can you think of any other generic homework terms to simplify these explantions?

I think you need to clarify your question.
Are you looking for a "homework" type answer or some terms that are used in your locale?

For example if we only deal with physical size:
Distribution panelboards are normally wall hung and rarely exceed 12"d
Switchboards are normally free standing with typical depths of 24-48".
Switchgear requires front and rear access, on top of their common 96"depth.

 

[jim dungar]

I guess I am looking for more of a homework answer, like your reply. I would tell the salesman that a Distribution board is like a large wall mounted panel less than 12" deep. A Switchboard is a stand alone section with multiple-multiple pole breakers installed, maybe attached to other sections, no more than 24" in depth. And a switchgear section will be the largest peices of equipment typically with a blank pull section, maybe a meter section, then a distribution section that resembles a switchboard.
Can you think of any other generic homework terms to simplify these explantions?

Not too bad, but your switchboard description is too restrictive, and your switchgear one is too vague.

Switchboards are often 36"deep. But, basically they are nothing more than very large distribution panels. Most switchboards use the same overcurrent protective devices as panelboards do (i.e molded case breakers or fusible swtches), all though some can use power breakers.

Switchgear is massive equipment, very rarely is it less than 96" deep. By 'standards' it requires a rear cable entry compartment. Its protective devices are normally 'power' circuit breakers and there are rarely more than 4 devices per vertical section.

 

[dkidd]

You might like to look at the thread
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php/133401-Panelboards-vs-Switchboards