Can someone explain to me the difference between a switchboard and a panelboard. I have seen both and understand the physical differences, but I have also seen both installed for the similar applications in different installations. Both are available with Mains rated from 400 to 1200 amps. I think that above 1200 you would have to go with a switchboard but in that range where both are available, 400 -1200 amps, what about a switchboard would make it prefereable to a panelboard which is less expensive in terms of both space and money?
Panelboard vs. switchboard
- Thread starter jesse
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ron
Senior Member
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- New York, 40.7514,-73.9925
Re: Panelboard vs. switchboard
You can have certain options on a switchboard than a panelboard. Rear accessable, free standing, some have cubicle rackout capabiltiies, insulated sections/cubicles depending on the mounting, etc.
You can have certain options on a switchboard than a panelboard. Rear accessable, free standing, some have cubicle rackout capabiltiies, insulated sections/cubicles depending on the mounting, etc.
Re: Panelboard vs. switchboard
Also, along with what Ron said because of the structure a swichboard can be much more complex.
Panelboards are wall mounted and switchboards sit on the floor. Switchboards commonly have a main breaker in one section or structure which feeds the rest of the switchboard with a set of horizontal bus. The switchboard commonly is made with panelboard chassis(group mounted breakers) so if you remove the cover it will look like a bunch of panelboards.
However, there are switchboards consisting of individualy mounted molded case breakers that are rear connected.
Panelboards use molded case circuit breakers where a switchboard can be made of molded case circuit breakers, and the much larger insulated case power breakers, and/or air circuit breakers both of which can be either fixed mounted or drawout, metering, close coupled with transformers, etc.
Also, along with what Ron said because of the structure a swichboard can be much more complex.
Panelboards are wall mounted and switchboards sit on the floor. Switchboards commonly have a main breaker in one section or structure which feeds the rest of the switchboard with a set of horizontal bus. The switchboard commonly is made with panelboard chassis(group mounted breakers) so if you remove the cover it will look like a bunch of panelboards.
However, there are switchboards consisting of individualy mounted molded case breakers that are rear connected.
Panelboards use molded case circuit breakers where a switchboard can be made of molded case circuit breakers, and the much larger insulated case power breakers, and/or air circuit breakers both of which can be either fixed mounted or drawout, metering, close coupled with transformers, etc.
Re: Panelboard vs. switchboard
Thanks, for the responses. So as far as whether to use panelboard construction vs. switchboard construction as far as design is concerned; unless you need one of the special capabilities described, such as insulated case breakers or metering, then it is OK to use a panelboard. Is that correct?
Thanks, for the responses. So as far as whether to use panelboard construction vs. switchboard construction as far as design is concerned; unless you need one of the special capabilities described, such as insulated case breakers or metering, then it is OK to use a panelboard. Is that correct?
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