What’s the Difference Between a Switchgear, Switchboard & Panelboard?

A commercial electrical system is the backbone of any business, providing the vital power that keeps everything running smoothly.

In industrial and business settings, a reliable power supply is crucial to daily operations, equipment performance, security, and employee safety — especially during electrical outages. Depending on the size and complexity of your business, the main power supply may be managed by a switchgear, switchboard, or panelboard.

Here, we’ll explore the differences between these three critical components, covering the industries that benefit most from each, their maximum voltage capacities, and their installation requirements. By understanding how each functions, you can make an informed decision for your business.

What Are Switchboards & What Industries Benefit From Them?

Switchboards are electrical distribution systems that manage the flow of electricity across various circuits. They typically consist of switches, buses, fuses, frequency gauges, and other monitoring devices, all contained in a single unit or set. A ground-mounted unit, switchboards are primarily designed to power a range of low- to medium-amperage equipment over a large area or to multiple sources. They can accommodate electrical systems requiring 600 volts or less.

Switchboards are ideal for industries that need consistent power distribution, including data centers, educational campuses, and commercial office buildings. They’re typically housed in protective panels, ensuring safety and easy maintenance.

Salient offers switchboard products like:

• Parallelling switchboards: Salient’s paralleling switchboards and switchgear are built to UL891 and UL1558 standards and are versatile for multiple-generator use and motor-operated circuit breakers.
• Industrial/commercial switchboards: Our enclosed, free-standing switchboards have circuit breakers or customizable overcurrent protection.
• Generator-mounted breakers: These units meet factory and UL specifications and offer a variety of breaker options to enhance a generator’s performance.

What Are Panelboards?

Panelboards are similar to switchboards but are typically surface-mounted or flush-mounted to a wall. Unlike switchboards or switchgear, panelboards only require front access. They’re designed to handle lower amperage demands, with a maximum 1,200 A (amperes) rating. Panelboards work best in smaller commercial settings, including retail stores, healthcare clinics, restaurants, and warehouses, where there is no need for high-amperage equipment.

Salient offers tailored assembly and engineering support for custom control panels, merging OEM production with focused design solutions.

What Is Switchgear?

Switchgear is a single operating unit with components that supply and protect electrical circuits. It’s used in low-, medium-, and high-voltage settings, making it a versatile choice for industries that require around-the-clock power, such as rail facilities, manufacturing plants, military bases, and hospitals. When specially designed, switchgear can handle outputs of up to 6,000 A.

Switchgear offers safety mechanisms that detect electrical surges and interrupt circuits before an overload occurs. When operating at peak efficiency, it’s a robust overcurrent protective device that ensures the continuous operation of electrical systems in entire buildings.

Switchgear is typically made up of:

• Fuses: Fuses protect a circuit by melting when a current exceeds safe levels.
• Circuit breaker: A circuit breaker automatically cuts off an electrical current in the event of a surge.
• Lightning arrester: A lightning arrester diverts electrical surges caused by lightning strikes.
• Control panels: Switches, relays, and monitoring instruments live within a control panel.
• Relays: Relays are an early detection measure that triggers a circuit disconnection during irregular conditions.

Choose Salient for Custom Industrial Switchboards

Professional guidance makes choosing between a switchboard, panelboard, or switchgear system easier. Salient stands apart for our trusted, OSHA-certified approach to emergency power and control solutions. Our engineering team designs products for industries across the United States, applying specialized expertise to design custom switchboard products that meet the electrical needs of any business.

Salient combines engineering excellence with a solution-driven approach. As a leading provider of emergency power products, we ensure compliance with UL standards while supporting industries like data centers, healthcare, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). From custom switchboard designs to advanced industrial controls, our team works collaboratively to meet your facility’s unique needs.

Learn more about our emergency power and automation solutions, or speak to a Salient team member to take the first step toward powering your business.