Panelboard vs Switchpanel

Hi all,


As the title, I’m just wondering in the absence of a client spec when you would spec a switchpanel over a panelboard. Looking at the Schneider website they appear to do a panelboard rated up to 1600A @ 50ka breaking capacity 


1600A x 400 x 1.732 = 1108 KVA.

Thus making it suitable for the majority of installations requiring a 1MVA tx


My thinking currently is that I’m assuming you would use a switchpanel when:

- Outgoing supply rated above 630A

- A sensitive installation where if works need to be done the whole board doesn’t need to be turned off (form 4 etc)

- Multiple 400A/630A coming off making terminations impractical

- maybe when an ACB is required (but I suppose this could be a separate enclosure)


if I’ve missed anything please share, or if there’s a rule of thumb.


whilst we’re on the topic, is there a rule of thumb for sizing the LV room?


thanks in advance