Switchgear VS Switchboard: What is the Difference?

Electrical circuits often use the terms switchgear and switchboard.  Electrical contractors need to understand both terms in order to communicate well with their peers. There are many switchgear companies. Therefore, it is very important to understand these two terms correctly to choose the best switchgear company.

Switchboards and electrical switchgear are used to distribute power to other devices such as panels and circuit boards. However, switchboards and switchgear differ in terms of functionality. If you’re trying to find the ideal switchboard or switchgear manufacturer, it’s important to understand how they can help work together to strengthen your electrical system.

Electrical protection of circuit breakers is isolated in a clearly defined area of the switchgear in a distribution cabinet in order to ensure that separate protective devices are installed and separated in the switchgear. Generally, switchgear is found in high-voltage and medium-voltage panels; however, they can also be found in low-voltage panels.

Switchgear is used in motors, generators, and commercial switchgear systems. They serve as key components for controlling and powering loads while providing adequate protection for the equipment. It helps to identify fault conditions and cut power if necessary by isolating it from the circuit. You can find your ideal medium-voltage switchgear manufacturer if you know what you are looking for.

2. What is a switchboard?

A switchboard is a large single panel that can be mounted on the back or front or a combination of panels or structural frames of both: meters, overcurrent, bus, switches, and other protective equipment. Typically used in low voltage circuits less than or equal to 600 V. In addition to distributing power to various sources, they also transmit it to switchboards, control equipment, and individual loads.

In switchboards, safety devices can be installed in individual compartments or in groups. Few switchboards can incorporate group-mounted and/or individually-mounted equipment, including hv gis (high voltage gas insulated switchgear).

Knowing the difference between electrical switchgear and switchboards is a vital step. In electrical systems, switchboards and switchboards operate differently.

Both devices are 2200-volt dielectric circuits and are tested slightly differently. One of the main differences between switchgear and switchboards is standards and tests. Switchgear with low-voltage circuit breakers is based on ANSI C37.20.1 and NEMA SG-3 standards.

The high-voltage switchgear is a long-circuit structure with a power factor of 15% capacity and 30 cycles. On the other hand, the switchboard is a short-circuit structure with a power factor of 20% and 3 cycles. It is used in insulated case circuit breakers and molded case circuit breakers according to NEMA PB-2 and UL-891 standards.

Size becomes an important factor in determining the type of equipment to be installed in a particular situation, making one type of equipment superior to another. The switchboard takes up less space and works primarily in front access. They are ideal for small electrical systems.

However, switchgear is different because they gain front and rear access in the event of a cable break. They take up more space and are ideal for developing larger circuits.

Switchgear and switchboards differ in many ways, including their components, configurations, and constructions. The types of circuit breakers used in switchboards and switchgear differ in their F structure. The basic types of circuit breakers are open, semi-open, and sealed circuits, which are called power circuit breakers, insulated circuit breakers, and molded case circuit breakers, respectively.

1. Power circuit breaker:

PCBs are circuit breakers with ratings ranging from 800 amps to 5000 amps. They are developed and checked against various standards from ICCB to MCCB. They are connected in the switchgear in a draw-out design and allow the circuit breaker to become fully or partially standby when the switchgear is open.

A PCB is made up of many components, including pole assemblies, contacts, and interrupters, which are regularly restructured and studied for optimum performance.

2. Insulated case circuit breaker :

Insulated case circuit breakers are a distinction from molded case circuit breakers that perform and provide the functions available in power circuit breakers. Insulated case circuit breakers follow the same standards as MCCBs.

They apply the same standards and directions as MCCBs and typically range from 440 amps to 5000 amps. They provide replaceable parts such as contacts. Insulated case circuit breakers can be designed as a withdrawable or fixed design and can be used as a replacement in switchboards.

3. Molded case circuit breaker:

Molded case circuit breakers are used in low-voltage switchboards and switchboards. They are the most commonly used circuit breakers and range from 15 amps to 3000 amps. Molded case circuit breakers generally adopt a plug-in design or are bolted to the busbar. The structure of the circuit breaker is protected by an external molded case.

Repair or replace the circuit breaker if the circuit is faulty or faulty. In order to avoid any problems or breaker failure, MCCBs should only be added or removed from a switchboard when the switchboard is off.

4. Vacuum circuit breaker:

Vacuum circuit breakers are mainly used in medium-voltage switchgear applications. The remarkable feature of the vacuum circuit breaker is the arc extinguishing medium, that is, after the electric arc is continuously transmitted in the circuit, due to the vacuum’s dielectric strength, it will automatically extinguish.

4) Protective device

As far as protective devices and structures are available in circuits, switchboards may have individual compartments or protective devices installed in groups. In a switchboard in a separate compartment, circuit breakers are barrier-isolated and distributed behind their doors from other enclosed equipment. The switchboard is part of the only low-voltage power supply circuit listed in UL-1066 in accordance with the IEC614439 series of IEC standards.

Switchgear may be equipped with molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) and insulated case circuit breakers (ICCBs). According to IEC standards, low-voltage switchgear is manufactured in accordance with the IEC 61439 series. Switchgear with low-voltage capacity can be designed and studied according to American standards.

Since switchgear and switchboards are designed and tested according to different standards with multiple functions. This leads to its division into application considerations and performance.

1. Voltage difference

The current carrying capacity of a circuit breaker is limited. Switchboards can carry voltages below 600 volts, while switchgear can carry voltages up to 350 kilovolts or higher. The difference in voltage between the two structures results in changes in the application of switchgear and switchboards.

2. Space

Although both equipment and codes met industry requirements, the switchgear required front and rear access due to its size. In the clearance required by the NEC, the space required for the front clearance for pulling out the circuit breaker is considered. However, in the case of a rear switchboard, space considerations may be similar. However, for front-mounted switchboards, they may require minimal space considerations.

3. Application

Switchgear is recommended for telecommunications, manufacturing or processing facilities, data centers, airports, skyscrapers, switching sites, or conference centers. Medical facilities, light manufacturing, and laboratories benefit from high-end switchboards. Front-mounted switchboards are commonly used in commercial or infrastructure buildings, warehouses, or retail services.

1. Cost:  By determining the initial cost of the project, you can determine whether high-end switchgear or low-end switchboards are a good choice for you. The cost difference between the two can be as much as two to three times, with additional weight down due to issues like long-term liability and reliability, downtime, and maintainability.
2. Type of project: The project and its complexity also help in understanding and selecting the appropriate circuit breaker. Depending on the application, function, and protective devices, you can choose high-end switchboards, front-mounted switchboards, or switchgear.

The purpose of this article is to explain the difference between a switchboard and switchgear. These distinctions allow you to understand the most suitable circuit breaker and combine it with a custom switchgear or switchboard depending on the application and impact.