When do you guys make the decision on using a panelboard or a loadcenter? We always use panelboards for our industrial jobs, but commercial jobs I have a hard time making that decision. I just like the quality of the panelboard, but how much better is it? I am talking for 225A and less.
Panelboard or Loadcenter?
- Thread starter DAWGS
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
May I ask you to explain what you believe to be the difference between "panelboard" and "load center"? They are often used as though they meant the same thing.
charlietuna
Senior Member
Loadcenters are residential use design. Commercial loads can change from tenant to tenant, and operating a continuous load at of near full load creates a problem in loadcenters. My oppinion only.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Slang
Panelboard = 7.75" deep x 20" wide enclosure generally with bolt on breakers.
Loadcenter = 3.75" deep x 14.5" wide enclosure with push on breakers.
Panelboard = 7.75" deep x 20" wide enclosure generally with bolt on breakers.
Loadcenter = 3.75" deep x 14.5" wide enclosure with push on breakers.
PCN
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Most typical panelboards are 5.75" deep. Unless your talking an I-Line or something like that.
I agree "loadcenters" are generally considered residential grade, but I've see plenty used in light duty commercial applications.
Last edited:
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
Square D's QO and Cutler Hammer's CH plug-on breakers can be used in both loadcenters and panelboards, which usually makes the choice of the enclosure the primary deciding factor. I know many people that like the bigger box size of panelboards.
I am not aware of any other brands of breaker that is used in both loadcenters and panelboards, so for other manufacturers the breaker and its bus connection must also be considered.
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