What is the Difference Between a Switchboard and an Electrical Panel?

Confused about the difference between a switchboard and an electrical panel board? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation, a professional overseeing a build, or just curious about electrical distribution systems, understanding the differences between these two systems is good knowledge to have.

What is a Switchboard?

A switchboard is a large electrical distribution system typically found in homes, commercial, or industrial buildings. It’s the central hub that receives electricity from the main power source and distributes it to various circuits throughout the building. Switchboards manage impressive currents of up to 5,000 amps and voltages of up to 15,000 volts, often including features like circuit breakers, switches, and protective devices to ensure the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems.

There are three main types of switchboards:

1. General purpose switchboards are reliable, cost-effective solutions commonly used to power offices, retail stores, and support non-specialised equipment or auxiliary systems.
2. Modular switchboards offer a scalable solution for power management, making them ideal for applications where adaptability and future expansion are important.
3. Mechanical services switchboards are most effective in places where downtime in power and control systems could cause inconvenience, safety risks, or operational issues, such as:
   • Air conditioning systems
   • Water heating equipment
   • Building alarm interfaces
   • Emergency power systems

What is an Electrical Panel Board?

An electrical panel board, also known as a breaker box or fuse box, is a smaller distribution point commonly found in residential and small commercial buildings. It receives power from the utility company and distributes it to different circuits within the building. Electrical panel boards handle more modest loads of up to 1,200 amps, and contain circuit breakers or fuses to protect the circuits from overloads or short circuits.

There are three common types of electrical panel boards:

1. Main electrical panels house the main breaker, which can shut off power to the entire building. They are commonly found in most buildings, including homes, offices, and small commercial spaces.
2. Subpanels are secondary distribution points that receive power from the main panel and redistribute it to specific areas or systems within the building.
3. Fuse boxes are an older type of electrical panel that use replaceable fuses instead of circuit breakers to protect circuits. Fuses are designed to melt when a circuit is overloaded, cutting off power and preventing damage.

Key Differences Between Switchboards and Electrical Panel Boards

Size and Capacity

• Switchboards: These are larger and can handle much higher electrical loads. They’re designed for buildings with complex electrical needs, such as factories, hospitals, or large office buildings. The need to have sufficient space for multiple busbars, circuit breakers, fuses, and control equipment.
• Electrical Panel Boards: Smaller and designed for lower electrical demands, typically suitable for homes and small businesses. They are compact and are often wall-mounted in easily accessible locations, such as basements, garages, or utility rooms.

Customisation

• Switchboards: Often custom-designed to meet the specific electrical requirements of a building. Many modern switchboards use modular design, allowing for flexibility in expansion and reconfiguration. Switchboards can be customised to include smart features such as remote monitoring, automation controls, and integration with building management systems for real-time tracking and remote operation.
• Electrical Panel Boards: Generally come in standard sizes and configurations, but can also be customised to meet specific needs. Subpanels can be added to distribute power to different parts of the building or facility without overloading the main panel. They can also be customised to integrate energy-efficient components, such as smart meters that track electricity usage.

Installation Requirements

• Switchboards: Require more space and often need a dedicated electrical room. Installation is complex and typically requires a team of skilled electricians. Switchboards must be installed in a location that ensures easy accessibility for authorised personnel and must not be obstructed by furniture or equipment. They must also be installed in environments that meet specific temperature and humidity conditions.
• Electrical Panel Boards: Can be installed in smaller spaces, often in basements or utility rooms. Installation is simpler but still requires a licensed electrician. Electrical panel boards should be installed in an easily accessible location that is dry and free of corrosive elements. A well-ventilated area is preferable to prevent overheating.

Safety Considerations

• Switchboards: Due to higher voltages, they require more safety precautions and should only be accessed by qualified personnel. Switchboards are typically used in larger, more complex electrical systems. As such, they require careful planning, installation, and maintenance to prevent accidents.
• Electrical Panel Boards: While still potentially dangerous, they’re designed to be more accessible for basic tasks like resetting breakers. Even though electrical panels generally deal with lower voltages and currents, electrical shock remains a risk. Proper insulation of live parts, along with disconnecting power before servicing the panel, is crucial.

Cost Comparison

• Switchboards: Generally more expensive due to their size, complexity, and customisation. In industrial and commercial settings, the initial investment may also include additional costs for installation. The long-term operational costs of switchboards can be offset by their efficiency and flexibility. However, maintenance costs can be higher due to the more complex components and regular servicing requirements. The cost of energy consumption can also be higher in industrial settings, especially if the electrical system is powering high-capacity machinery.
• Electrical Panel Boards: More affordable and suitable for residential and small commercial applications due to their simpler design and lower capacity. Electrical panels have lower operational costs over time, particularly in smaller systems with standard electrical requirements. They are typically more energy-efficient as they are designed for smaller loads and less complex systems. Maintenance is less costly and more straightforward, and they generally require fewer repairs.

Which to Choose?

Choosing between a switchboard and an electrical panel board depends on your specific needs:

• Switchboard: Use a switchboard when you’re dealing with a large building or facility with complex electrical requirements, high power demands, or the need for extensive customisation. They are also suitable for locations where future expansion of the electrical system may be necessary, as their modular nature allows for easy upgrades.
• Electrical Panel Board: Electrical panels are more compact and suited to environments where simplicity, affordability, and reliability are key. They are ideal for homes, small businesses, or any setting with standard electrical needs that don’t require high-capacity power distribution.

Always prioritise safety when dealing with a switchboard or an electrical panel board. Significant electrical work should always be performed by licensed electricians to ensure compliance with local codes and regulations.

If you need a switchboard or electrical panel board installed, repaired, or require ongoing maintenance for your residential, commercial or industrial applications, Thompson Power can help with electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance.

Thompson Power stays up to date with the latest technologies and products to provide you with innovative yet practical electrical solutions to suit your specific needs.re untested, or if it’s time to upgrade your switchboard, we can help. We are also equipped to upgrade older switchboards with components made from asbestos, making your home even safer.

Contact us for a quote and to book an appointment!

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