What is an Electrical Panel? Types, Selection and Standards — Technical Guide
Electrical panel:
ContentsAn electrical panel is a metal-enclosed system containing circuit breakers, disconnectors, fuses, busbars, and measuring devices that ensures the safe distribution, control, and protection of electrical energy. It forms the heart of electrical distribution in every facility, from industrial plants and hospitals to infrastructure projects and power plants.
What is the purpose of an electrical panel?
An electrical panel has three main functions: to receive energy from the main source and distribute it to the consumption points, to protect the circuit against faults such as overcurrent and short circuits, and to monitor and control the status of the system. A properly designed panel directly affects both safety and the uninterrupted operation of the facility.
Types of Electrical Panels
Switchboards are classified according to their voltage level and function:
- Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear: Used for distribution below 1000 V. Main distribution switchgear, sub-distribution switchgear, and compensation switchgear fall into this group.
- Medium Voltage (MV) Switchgear: Generally operates between 1 kV and 36 kV; metal-clad switchgear and ring-mounted circuit breaker (RMU) switchgear are the most common types.
- Motor Control Centers (MCCs): These are control panels where numerous motors are centrally controlled.
- Compensation Panels: Increase energy efficiency through reactive power compensation.
Criteria to Consider When Choosing an Electrical Panel
When selecting a switchboard, the following technical parameters should be evaluated: rated voltage and rated current, short-circuit withstand current (Icw), protection class (IP code), form factor classification, and applicable standard. An incorrectly selected switchboard creates both safety risks and increased maintenance costs.
Relevant Standards
The primary reference for low-voltage switchgear is the IEC 61439 series; for medium-voltage switchgear, the IEC 62271 standard is used. Switchgear that has undergone type testing according to these standards provides independent proof of design and manufacturing quality.
At Devpan, we offer project-specific solutions in our low-voltage switchgear and medium-voltage switchgear product groups, in compliance with international standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electrical panel?
An electrical panel is a metal-enclosed system containing circuit breakers, fuses, busbars, and measuring devices that safely distributes, protects, and controls electrical energy.
What is the difference between a low-voltage and a medium-voltage switchboard?
Low-voltage switchgear is used for distribution below 1000 V, while medium-voltage switchgear is generally designed for power distribution between 1 kV and 36 kV.
What should be considered when choosing an electrical panel?
Rated voltage and current, short-circuit withstand capability, IP protection class, form factor classification, and compliance with relevant standards such as IEC 61439 must be considered.
Key takeaways: electrical panel
- What is the purpose of an electrical panel — An electrical panel has three main functions: to receive energy from the main source and distribute it to the consumption points, to protect the circuit against faults such as…
- Types of Electrical Panels — Switchboards are classified according to their voltage level and function:
- Criteria to Consider When Choosing an Electrical Panel — When selecting a switchboard, the following technical parameters should be evaluated: rated voltage and rated current, short-circuit withstand current (Icw), protection class (IP…
- Relevant Standards — The primary reference for low-voltage switchgear is the IEC 61439 series; for medium-voltage switchgear, the IEC 62271 standard is used.
- Standard source — IEC publication catalogue: iec.ch.
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