Four Common Differences between a Switchgear and Switchboard

If you’re installing a new electric system at your home or office, you must have across at least one of these words- switchboard or switchgear. These two are important components of an electrical system and are often used interchangeably. These components have important roles to play in managing how the power flows and devices work and ensure protection; they differ in terms of their functionalities. 

Due to the different functions and needs, they are used for different installations and at different stages of an electrical network. Whether you should use a switchboard or switchgear depends largely on certain factors like the power system’s design and requirements. 

Let’s look at some basic differences between Switchgear and Switchboard

What is Switchboard?

The switchboard is a long panel/assembly of panels on which you’ll find elements like buses, switches, and other control devices may be mounted. It is designed to redirect the electric current flow from one or multiple sources, to several different sections or loads. Hence, its main function is to distribute power to different loads, control devices and panel boards. 

Once this current gets distributed according to the different requirements, they are then distributed according to the load, i.e. lighting loads, sockets etc. Switchboards for home also have metering, which helps one understand the amount of power used by individual circuits. 

What is Switchgear? 

The switchgear is a collection of switching devices required for low, medium or high voltage electrical circuits. It consists of various protection components such as fuses, circuit breakers, isolators, disconnect switches, and relays.

They help in switching on and off the transformers, motors or generators, and power networks in homes, corporate spaces, and industrial distribution systems. 

The Differences between Switchgear and Switchboard

Differences in Hardware Components

Switchgear consists of switching devices that are required for electrical circuits of low to high-voltage electrical circuits. It consists of parts like fuses, circuits breakers, isolators and disconnected devices that help control the flow of electricity. 

A switchboard is a series of panels where switches, buses and other protective electrical devices are mounted on. 

Various Uses

The switchgear’s main function is to switch on and off the powering transformers, motors, generators, and power networks for various uses. It helps at all spaces- household or commercial.

A switchboard is used to distribute power to multiple sources and transmit it to individual loads, transformers, panel boards and control equipment.

Voltage Differences

Switchgear systems have generally high voltage capacities, i.e., up to 350 VK. But switchboards, on the other hand, are designed to handle only up to 600 volts. 

Safety Features

Switchgear is known for its automatic features and also has the option of manual control during emergency cases. Whether you’re placing it in households or commercials, your switchgear will be placed either in indoor or outdoor settings with metallic casings and cabinets. 

Switchboards also have metal or wooden cases with a meter that shows the amount of power consumed by individual circuits.

Now that you know the differences and uses of both switchgear and switchboards, you can shop freely and understand better when your professional electrician explains you. Check out IndoAsian for more high-quality, durable and safe electrical components.