Panelboards vs Switchboards: How to Choose

Selecting the most appropriate electrical power distribution equipment is crucial when planning any new construction or renovation project involving significant loads. Two of the main options to consider are panelboards and switchboards – but what exactly distinguishes these technologies?

In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll examine key differences, applications, advantages and limitations of each approach to help inform the right choice for your facility.

Defining Panelboards and Switchboards

First, let’s clearly define what panelboards and switchboards are at a basic level before diving into comparative details.

What is Panelboard?

Panelboards, often called breaker panels or distribution boards, provide access to protective circuit breakers for downstream equipment while also facilitating reliable power distribution from the supply source. Enclosed panelboards feature a metal cabinet housing multiple smaller branch circuit breakers controlling loads under 600 amps.

Key components include:

• Protective circuit breakers or fuses
• Bus bars for current flow
• Lugs, neutral bar, ground bar
• Outer metal enclosure

Electrical panel boards range from basic branch circuits that distribute power to lights, outlets, appliances, machinery, and other loads. Breaker panels for residential and light commercial use to large-capacity PDUs (power distribution units) designed for data centers and industrial facilities.

What is Switchboard?

Switchboards also route and protect electrical power feeds, but at much higher capacities than panelboards^[1]. They feature protective devices above 600A along with more complex voltage monitoring, metering, and control equipment.

Typical switchboard components include:

• High-capacity circuit breakers
• Volt and amp meters
• Ground fault monitoring
• Alarms
• Bigger bus bars

Switchboards come in fixed or draw-out designs that enable easier inspection and breaker replacements. They also utilize heavier-duty feeder cables to handle more power. Common switchboard applications include malls, hospitals, factories, and large buildings.

Switchboard vs Panelboard – Key Differences

Now that we’ve defined both technologies, let’s explore some of the main differences between panelboards and switchboards to note:

Power Ratings

As mentioned already, the biggest difference is in capacity and ratings. Panelboards handle electrical loads less than 600 amps, while switchboards are above that threshold and can distribute thousands of amps in larger facilities.

Design & Complexity

Switchboards also feature more sophisticated voltage monitoring, metering equipment, and built-in safety mechanisms than basic panelboards. This enables more advanced power control capabilities for large-scale applications.

Safety

Related to complexity, switchboards offer additional safety benefits like ground fault monitoring, integrated alarms, and maintenance disconnects. Breakers also utilize heavier-duty components given higher short-circuit current levels.

Cost

Not surprisingly, advanced switchgear comes at a price – often 4-5 times the cost of panelboards with similar capacity. Complex switchboards take more time and expertise to install and inspect. Durability also requires robust enclosures and insulation.

Ease of Use

Panelboards win when it comes to usability and convenience for everyday users and technicians. Breakers utilize familiar toggle switches and are easily accessible behind the exterior door. Switchboards take more skill to operate and maneuver around high-capacity feeds.

Applications and Selection

Now that we’ve explored the key differences let’s discuss typical applications and recommendations for selecting between panelboards and switchboards.

1. Panelboard Uses

Panelboards shine for distributing power in residential, commercial, and light industrial facilities. Typical applications include:

• Houses and apartment units
• Small offices
• Retail stores
• Schools
• Small manufacturing plants
• Commercial kitchens

Essentially, any facility with power requirements below 600 amps per circuit can be easily served by off-the-shelf or customized panelboards. They offer safe, reliable, convenient power control in a cost-effective package.

2. Switchboard Applications

For large facilities with higher capacity demands, switchboards are the go-to choice. Typical switchgear applications include:

• High-rise buildings
• Data centers
• Hospitals
• Stadiums/entertainment venues
• Heavy factories
• Infrastructure
• College campuses

3. Power Levels

The first major factor is assessing your facility’s electrical distribution capacity needs. What kind of load densities or motor sizes need to be supported? Panelboards suffice for capacities below 600A, while large switchboards can handle thousands of amps.

4. Safety & Monitoring

Evaluate what degree of safety mechanisms, alarms, voltage monitoring, and metering your application requires. Advanced switchgear builds in ground fault detection, maintenance disconnects, volt/amp reporting, and other features panelboards lack.

5. Space Constraints

The amount of space available for new gear is also key. Panelboards compactly fit more breaker capacity in a smaller area versus complex switchboard lineups. However, customized switchboards can be neatly tailored to your space limitations as well.

6. Growth Flexibility

Carefully estimating potential facility/power demand growth will determine how much extra capacity your distribution equipment should support. Scalable switchboards allow the gradually adding of breakers or sections. Panelboards max out quicker at 600A.

7. Budget Limitations

And, of course, cost is nearly always a driving factor. Keep expenditures balanced against capacity needs and safety requirements. Panelboards deliver the most economic solution for applications under 600A. Larger switchboards offer longer-term scalability and durability to balance higher initial price tags.

Conclusion

When planning your project, assessing your power demands and capabilities is key to selecting between panelboards versus switchboards. Consider power levels, safety needs, future growth, and cost constraints. And don’t hesitate to consult electrical engineering experts if needed – getting this decision right from the start prevents many issues down the road!

For specialized guidance on all your panelboard, switchboard, and electrical distribution needs, connect with us at TOSUNlux. Our team brings decades of experience tailoring solutions for small shops and massive facilities alike across every industry.