Switchboard vs. Switchgear

[anbm]

what's the difference between switchboard and switchgear besides voltage rating and housing material? Thanks!

 

[mdshunk]

A switchboard is a specific type of switchgear.

 

[jim dungar]

what's the difference between switchboard and switchgear besides voltage rating and housing material? Thanks!

Switchgear is usually drawout type circuit breaker which means it is very very large compared to a switchboard. Switchgear is built to different UL/ANSI standards.

Switchboards are often use the same type of breakers that are found in "panelboards". They are often only 24-36" deep.

There are many other differences. If you are dealing with reduced down time and routine maintainability requirements (i.e. service entrance equipment for a hospital) then switchgear may be the right way to go. If you are concerned with installed costs and infrequent maintenance (i.e. an office building) then switchboards may be sufficient.

 

[tkb]

Sometimes "Switchgear" is a term used to mean any freestanding switchboard or switchgear. It's one of those words that gets used a lot in the wrong place.

Jim's description is correct though.

 

[QES]

Switchboard VS. Switchgear = one of the same? :smile:

 

[bbaumer]

Here's a decent short article on the subject:

http://www.csemag.com/article/CA6317770.html

 

[brian john]

Switchboard VS. Switchgear = one of the same? :smile:

Not technically, but YES in standard terminology of the average electrician.

 

[anbm]

Thanks all.