Switchboard vs RMU

[veritas]

Is it correct to say that an RMU is a special kind of switchboard? The way I see it switchboard generally refers to a collection of circuit breakers/isolators, each breaker in its own panel (or kiosk). There may be many panels in a switchboard (> 10 is not uncommon).

On the other hand an RMU typically has an incomer and outgoing feeder panel (which one is which I suppose depends on the direction of powerflow) and one or two load panels. So is this not just a special kind of switchboard?

 

[dpc]

Being from the US, I can't answer your question. But terminology like this can have a wide range of meanings, depending on your location in the word. "RMU" is generally not a concept that is used in the US at all. The term "switchboard" probably has 50 different meanings in the US alone, depending on the location and type of industry.

Terms like these become more meaningful if referenced to a specific standard. Otherwise, your are asking for trouble if you assume the other person's idea of what a "switchboard" is matches yours.

But I have to go watch football now....

 

[veritas]

I am in Australia which is an IEC one.

 

[veritas]

BTW, what do you mean by football? Depending where you are in the world it can have a wide range of meanings!

 

[mgtrp]

When I worked in an ABB RMU-manufacturing facility, we certainly referred to it as switchgear, although never a switchboard. Then again, I'm not sure that I've ever referred to a line-up of medium-voltage circuit breaker as a switchboard either, only switchgear. I'm afraid I can't point you to any standards on this.