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Panelboard Fundalemtals
Panelboards are used for safely distributing electricity throughout commercial and industrial facilities. A panelboard is a component of an electrical distribution system that divides an electrical power feed into branch circuits while providing a protective circuit breaker or fuse for each circuit in a common enclosure. A panelboard services to protect branch circuits from overloads and short circuits. Panelboards are designed to meet UL 67 and NEMA Standard PB1.
Different between switchboard and panelboard.
Switchboards and panelboards provide a similar functionality in a power distribution system. Panelboards are typically flush mounted or surface mounted and are limited to a maximum of 1,200 A incoming current (main). Switchboards are free-standing units that are front connected and, like panelboards, require only front access.
However, switchboards can allow for both front and rear access if desired. Switchboards can accommodate up to 6000 A bussing and overcurrent protective devices up to 5000 A. Where panelboards are designed to UL 67, switchboards are governed by UL 891.
Load Center vs Panelboards
A load Center provides similar functionality in a power distribution system as a switchboard and a panelboard. In North America, the electrical industry refers to smaller, lower cost panelboards sold primarily in residential applications as load centers. Panelboards are typically deeper than load centers and can accommodate both bolt-on circuit breakers as well as plug-in breakers, whereas a load center is limited to plug-in breakers.
Load centers are also limited to 240 V or less and typically are provided at 100 A or less, with a maximum current rating of up to 400 A.
Panelboards can be applied at up to 600V and with a maximum current rating of 1,200 A. Load centers are typically offered with no or minimal options where panelboards can be provided with various optional features including main and branch circuit energy monitoring, and integrated surge suppression devices.
What are Surge Protector Devices?
Voltage spikes and surges can find their way into your facility from an outside disturbance or can manifest itself from equipment within your facility. Surge protection devices (SPDs) protect sensitive downstream electronic devices from the damaging effects of voltage surges or spikes.
Panelboard-mounted SPDs can either be side-mounted or integrated design. Side-mounted units come pre-wired in a separate enclosure and are field-mounted and wired to the panel in the field.
Many Residential and commercial customers install this device to protect their sensitive equipment, like controls panels, refrigeration panels, and communication centers.