Electrical Industry Article

Switchboards are critical to the dependability of any electrical power installation because they represent that pivotal point at which incoming power supply is divided into separate circuits, controlled and protected by fuses and switchgear, metered, and then divided into a number of functional units for its given applications. In general, switchboards distribute power to transformers, panelboards, control equipment, and to system loads.

The amount of power going into a switchboard must always equal the amount of power going out to the loads, so the type of switchboard must be chosen for its specific application(s).One of the more common structures for an electric switchboard is a series of interconnected electrical panels. Each of the panels has a series of switches that make it possible to control the flow of electricity. Using those switches, users can adjust the voltage transmitted to connected devices, ensuring safety for operators and protection of the various devices and machinery being fed with electricity.

Modern switchboards are metal enclosed and of dead front construction, meaning there are no energized parts accessible when the covers and panels are closed.  The metal enclosure of the switchboard is bonded to earth ground for protection of personnel. That dependability and attention to protecting personnel have been the hallmark of modern switchboards. We can expect innovation to continue along those lines in the future.