Switchboard vs Distribution Panel 1

[waldo321]

what's the difference between a switchboard and a distribution panel?

thanks.

Lee

 

[davidbeach]

Size and arrangement. Look at Switchboards and Panelboards in a manufacturer's catalog. Individual sections of switchboards are sometime referred to as panels, but probably not correctly.

 

[DanDel]

One of the old original differences was that a switchboard was the term used when the back was accessible, whereas it is a panel when it is mounted against the wall. This general difference is probably not accurate anymore, though.

 

[tommom]

Another way to look at it is a switchboard is floor-mounted, while a panelboard is wall-mounted (although very large ones might reach the floor). One other criteria that we use is up to 1200 amps - panelboard - 1600 amp and above is a switchboard.

 

[waldo321]

yes - confusing.

my next question will be what's the difference between a switchgear and a switchboard? That is sure to start a fight.

 

[jraef]

Been discussed ad nauseum in the Switchgear forum, this is the most recent:
thread279-155576

 

[EEJaime]

The terms switchboard and distribution panel are basically interchangeable today. At one point we used "switchboard" when it contained a series of fusible switches feeding loads and "distribution panel" when it contained circuit breakers. "Switchgear" is a general term which includes both of these as well as say, panelboards, motor control centers, unitized substations, etc....

 

[alehman]

Jamie,
As for switchgear, take a look a jraef's link. Switchgear has a very specific UL and ANSI definition and should not be confused with switchboards or panelboards.

 

[thebutler007]

Switchboards have different construction requirements that a distribution panelboard....Any panelboard can be called a "distribution panelboard if it has less than 10% of its OCP's serving 120 volt loads. In addition a switchboard can have both vertical and horizontal bussing. vertical bussing. the switchboard bussing ampacity can be tapered based on its designed load and other criteria