Posted by Electrical panels, also known as distribution boards or breaker boxes, are crucial components of any electrical system. They serve as central distribution points for electricity, where incoming power is divided and distributed to various circuits within a building. Electrical panels come in various types, each designed to suit specific applications, capacity requirements, and safety standards. Electrical panel manufacturer provides these in a wide variety of ranges and sizes according to the customer’s needs.
In this comprehensive explanation, we will explore the different types of electrical panels, their functionalities, and their common use cases.
The Types of Electrical Panels
Electrical panel are beneficial for various industries and can be available in different types. Some of the types of electrical panels include:
1. Main Service Panels
The main service panel is the main distribution point for power entering a building from the utility company. It typically contains a main disconnect breaker that controls the entire electrical supply to the building. Main service panels can be either overhead or underground depending on the location and installation requirements.
2. Main Lug Panels
The main service panel supplies power to the main lug panels, which lack a main disconnect breaker and are used as subpanels. They are frequently built in places that require extra circuits, including garages, workshops, or certain regions of a structure.
3. Subpanels
Subpanels are secondary electrical panels that receive power from the main service panel or main lug panel. They are used to distribute electricity to specific areas or circuits in a building, allowing for a more organized and manageable wiring setup.
4. Circuit Breaker Panels
Circuit breaker panels are the most common type of electrical panels used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They consist of circuit breakers that protect individual circuits from overloads and short circuits. When excessive current flows through a circuit, the breaker “trips,” interrupting the power flow and preventing damage.
5. Fuse Boxes
Although less common today, fuse boxes were once widely used as electrical panels. Instead of circuit breakers, they contain fuses that serve the same protective purpose. When a fuse blows due to an overload, it needs to be replaced. Fuse boxes are now mostly found in older homes and buildings.
6. GFCI Panels (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Panels)
GFCI panels provide protection against ground faults by detecting imbalances in electrical currents. They are often used in areas where water and electricity are in close proximity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor outlets.
7. AFCI Panels (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Panels)
AFCI panels are designed to detect and prevent electrical arcs that could cause fires. They are essential in safeguarding against arcing faults that can occur in electrical circuits due to damaged wires or loose connections.
8. Meter Combos (Meter-Main Combo Panels)
Meter combo panels integrate the electric utility meter and the main service disconnect breaker into a single unit. They are commonly used in residential applications where space and aesthetics are important considerations.
9. Safety Switch Panels
Safety switch panels contain heavy-duty switches that provide a means of disconnecting power to specific equipment or sections of a building during maintenance or emergencies. They are mainly used in industrial and commercial locations to provide you protection towards electric shock.
10. Transfer Switch Panels
Transfer switch panels are essential for backup power systems like generators. They allow for the seamless transfer of power between the utility supply and the backup generator during power outages.
11. Panelboards
Panelboards are large electrical distribution boards used in commercial and industrial applications. They can contain multiple circuit breakers, helping manage and control electricity distribution to various areas within a building.
12. NEMA Enclosures
NEMA enclosures are specialized electrical panels designed to meet specific National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards for protection against environmental factors such as water, dust, corrosion, and even hazardous substances.
13. Industrial Control Panels
Industrial control panels house control components such as switches, relays, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). They are used in industrial automation and control systems for manufacturing processes.
14. HVAC Control Panels
HVAC control panels are tailored for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They regulate and monitor the environmental conditions within buildings for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
15. Motor Control Centers (MCCs)
Motor control centers are large panels used in industrial settings to control and protect multiple electric motors. They centralize motor starters and motor control devices, simplifying maintenance and troubleshooting.
16. Custom Panels
In addition to standard panel types, custom panels are built to meet specific project requirements. These panels are often designed and assembled by specialized electrical engineers to address unique needs and challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electrical panels come in various types and configurations, each catering to different applications and safety standards. Understanding the specific purpose and functionality of each panel type is essential for creating safe and efficient electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. As technology advances, new panel types and innovations continue to emerge, enhancing the overall reliability and performance of electrical distribution systems.