Loadcenters vs. Panelboards

[steve66]

Are there any reasons not to install a loadcenter in a commercial occupancy? How about a hospital?

By a loadcenter I am thinking of a Square D type QO loadcenter. We would normally use a Square D type NQOD panelboard. The reason I want to use the loadcenter is its small size; 3.75" deep and 14.25" wide.

Steve

 

[lady sparks lover]

Re: Loadcenters vs. Panelboards

I see no reason not to. I've called for on plans, the installion of a 60 amp loadcenter in a commercial facility, and no one, not even the inspector had anything to say.

I believe a load center is a panel, but it's smaller and has less features then a lighting/appliance panel or power panel. So why not!

 

[jim dungar]

Re: Loadcenters vs. Panelboards

Loadcenter is only trade and manufacturer slang, just like "commercial" grade. Neither UL nor the NEC defines loadcenters as anything other than panelboards.

The difference between a loadcenter and a panelboard is similar to a Ford Ranger and an F150. Smaller cargo (wire fill) area, lower hauling (max current) rating, and fewer factory options. Both are fully capable of carrying a driver, a cup of coffee, and a lunch box everywhere.

The only restrictions to it's use are the job specifications and personal choice.

[ September 24, 2004, 10:04 AM: Message edited by: jim dungar ]

 

[templdl]

Re: Loadcenters vs. Panelboards

Load centers use plug-on breakers and are generally 3-1/2"-4" deep with knock-outs, and up to 400a 240v, 1 or 3ph, with branch breakers up to 125A.
Panelboards are anywhere from about 5-1/2"-over 10" deep, 20" to around 44" wide, 36"-90" high depending upon the breaker sizes they are sized for, use bolt-on breakers (plug-on may be an option with the smaller breakers but not normally specified), ratings up to 600v, and the ones that I'm familiar with have no knock-outs. Many more options and modifications are available for panelboards. The components of a panel are more versatile in the way that it is assembled in that chassis only and other parts can be supplied to OEM customers as well as being able to be used in switchboards.
Panelboards are constructed differently but that doesn't mean that a loadcenter is any less quality with regard to a simple application as it too must meet UL requirements just as the panelboard does but be cautious of any Federal Specifications to assure that the loadcenter complied with them.
Unless the specifications specifically state the use of a panelboard, bolt-on breakers, as any other options not available with the load center, the load center should be OK to use.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Loadcenters vs. Panelboards

Often I will use a column width panelboard as it has bolt on breakers, to use as a lighting panel for a 5 KW step down transformer. Then I can use a bolt on backfed main breaker. Typically its a sq d nqob, other mfgs make. The panelboard is a bit easier to wire and looks better than a loadcenter. But the loadcenter is far less money.

 

[cpal]

Re: Loadcenters vs. Panelboards

One concern with using loadcenters in commercial applications may be the bus bracing of the internal feeder-bus. Most load centers I am familiar with are for a residential market (22kA-interrupting rating Vs 65kA and larger for some panels). Generally a residential installation will have 5 to 10k available at the service point although there are installations in my area where dwellings have available fault current approaching 35-40kA.If your commercial premises has a high available fault current, and you are feeding the installation from large conductors you might violate 110.9 and 10.

there is a good chance that this is not an issue, but I'd check.

charlie

[ September 24, 2004, 04:45 PM: Message edited by: cpal ]