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Panelboard vs Switchpanel

fiftyhertz
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
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  • 0
    Going back far enough, Panelboards were generally Form 2 construction and wall mounted. Switchboards were form 4 and floor standing. With changes to the standards (BSEN61439) things were muddied slightly with the option of calling an MCCB with terminal covers form 4 separation and the drive to reduce assembly sizes


    It's really down to expectations of the client, clearly a form 4 panelboard will be cheaper than a 'traditional' form 4 switchboard. But installation, future maintenance, upgrades etc are likely to be more challenging.


    The main point ot ensure is that the assembly fully meets all of the requirements of 61439-2, not just a few random clauses.
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  • 0
    Going back far enough, Panelboards were generally Form 2 construction and wall mounted. Switchboards were form 4 and floor standing. With changes to the standards (BSEN61439) things were muddied slightly with the option of calling an MCCB with terminal covers form 4 separation and the drive to reduce assembly sizes


    It's really down to expectations of the client, clearly a form 4 panelboard will be cheaper than a 'traditional' form 4 switchboard. But installation, future maintenance, upgrades etc are likely to be more challenging.


    The main point ot ensure is that the assembly fully meets all of the requirements of 61439-2, not just a few random clauses.
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