Panelboard or Loadcenter

[tom baker]

I recieved the following email and I hope the orginator will come here for all the answers:

Hello Tom;
My name is Hector and I'm from Laredo,Tx
I am a Master Electrician and I have a bachelor's degree in Electrical engineering from Mexico since 1980.
My question is....Is it prohibited to use Load Centers in commercial sites instead of panelboards?
I have installed a 600 Amps Service Entrance (Main) in 480/277 volts;Next to main disconnect, we have a busduct to connect 8 new services for commercial suites (future loads).Then, next to busduct we have installed a meter house with a panelboard (bolt on breakers).That panelboard feed a 45 Kva transformer to low voltage from 480/277 to 208/120 volts and next to transformer we installed a 125 amps Load Center (snap in breakers) for 120 volts lighting loads only.
I looked for any Info in the CODE book but I did not find anything referent to this.The Electrical local inspectors tell me that I need to replace the load center for a panelboard because the electrical CODE does not permit load centers on commercial buildings like in this case.They said only panelboards are permitted. Also, the sub panels to be installed in a future inside of the building (suites) will be panelboards. Is this ordinance correct by the local inspectors? And what makes the diference between them? (apart from costs),when can I use panelboards and when can I use Load Centers?.
Note: My question is for lighting and duplex receptacle loads only, with a feeder breaker box not bigger than 200 amps in commercial centers, three or single phase: Not Accu's or Ahu's or motors loads included on these questions.
I appreciate your comments to my questions.

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Panelboard or Loadcenter

I do not believe there is a technical difference between the term loadcenter or panelboard. The code does not distinguish "loadcenter". I also don't believe UL lists any particular equipment as "loadcenter", every and all distribution boards used for the control of light and power circuits are classified as panelboards or switchboards.

I believe the term "loadcenter" is actually a trade nale established by the Square D company for the use of brand naming. It has no real classification.

The only other issue that may be at hand is approval of the AHJ. If the AHJ does not feel the materials or equipment used is suitable for the conditions of use, I suppose they could request it not be used. I feel this could easily be abused.

 

[jim dungar]

Re: Panelboard or Loadcenter

Bryan, you can be more definitive.

There is no NEC nor UL difference between a loadcenter and a panelboard.

Residential loadcenters are less expensive to make because they have are designed to have fewer options then panelboards.

When I started in the industrial market place, loadcenters were very large and very expensive.

 

[bigjohn67]

Re: Panelboard or Loadcenter

Load centers are factory built with no options.
Panel Boards are built to engineer specs such as the AIC rating.

Panel Boards are usually bigger in size.
We more commonly use Square D load centers even in commercial applications if the load is under 200 amps and the AIC rating is 10,000 or below.

 

[electricaldoc]

Re: Panelboard or Loadcenter

I happen to be studying this very subject in an electrical class, and here is what the book says.
?The term panelbaord, and load center are all used, and for all practical purposes mean the same thing. The NEC and the UL Standards use term Panelboards. Neither the NEC nor the UL Standards contain the word load centers. A load center is relay a panelboard with less gutter (wiring) space, and less depth and width, and generally does not have features such as integral relays, remote controlled circuit breakers, load ?shedding devices.?
?Load center generally are for use in a shallow wall (2X4 studs) such as found in residential and light commercial construction.?

No where does it state they can not be used in industrial applications.

Hope this can help
Dan

 

[charlie]

Re: Panelboard or Loadcenter

Dan, I assume you are new to the trade and since this is your first post, let me say welcome.

First, I agree with your post and IMO it is accurate. In addition to that though, be aware that when you are reading a book or an article, you are reading one person's opinion. This applies to the NEC Handbook as well. The only thing that matters are the words in the text of the Code. Also IMO, the UL White book is the rest of the Code.

I am making this statement because I know several authors, including our host, (some are better than others) and do not agree with everything they write. In addition to the other things I do, I also review books for a publisher (I will withhold the name because I don't want to advertise a particular product).

I am making the assumption that you are young so I am suggesting that you take whatever people say with a grain of salt. Be always questioning, especially an article where someone is grinding their axe, and when you are out of school you will have the groundwork laid for a lifetime of education.

 

[lady sparks lover]

Re: Panelboard or Loadcenter

That's interesting...

I have always thought as a load center as a panel, I just call it a load center panel, and usually they are single phase and have less branch breakers, from what I have seen in the cataglogs.

I would have to agree that it's a name for a panel with less features.

Correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[electricman2]

Re: Panelboard or Loadcenter

The NEC does not define loadcenter however here is definition of panelboard:

Panelboard. A single panel or group of panel units designed for assembly in the form of a single panel including buses and automatic overcurrent devices and equipped with or without switches for the control of light, heat, or power circuits designed to be placed in or against a wall, partition, or other support; and accessible only from the front.

After reading this, Im not sure if it clears anything up or not.