Electrical panels are the nerve center of every electrical system, responsible for the distribution and management of power in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. There are numerous types of panels designed to serve diverse purposes in varying environments, each with its own unique specifications and features.
Our comprehensive guide takes a look at the different options available, their distinct features, and the characteristics that make them suitable for different electrical needs. But first, let’s find out what the term means and how this device works.
What is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel goes by many names including breaker panel, panel board, and distribution board. It sits at the core of an electrical system, receiving power from the utility company and distributing it to the different circuits that power a property. You can control electricity access from this centralized point, shutting down power to different parts of the property for maintenance or during emergencies.
In addition to distributing current, it also serves a protective role since it houses circuit breakers or fuses for the different circuits. These detect electrical overloads and automatically shut power down to prevent damage to appliances and the potential risk of fire.
They consist of the main breaker which acts as a master switch controlling all circuits on the panel and circuit breakers for various circuits. It is also home to bus bars, which are metallic strips that distribute power from the main breaker to the different circuit breakers. Other components include neutral and ground bars.
The Different Types of Panels
Electrical panels are as many and varied as their unique applications. Take a look at some of the different types classified on the basis of several key factors:
By Use
Main Breaker Panel
This refers to the primary control point for a property’s electrical systems. It features a main circuit breaker capable of switching power on and off for all circuit breakers and systems on the property.
1. Subpanel
For large homes with garages, outbuildings, or additional structures, subpanels serve as branches of the main panel. They distribute power to specific areas of a property but remain under the control of the main breaker panel.
2. Main Lug Panel
This is a panel tasked with distributing power to different circuits in a building. It differs from the main breaker panel in that it does not have a main circuit breaker. Rather, it connects to a lug and draws its power from the main breaker panel.
3. Transfer Switch Panels
These are special panels designed to switch your power source from the main grid to an alternative source. They come in handy during power outages, when it is necessary to switch to a backup generator. These panels are ideal for such settings as hospitals for continuous power supply.
4. Load Centers/Fuse Boxes
Also known as fuse boxes or breaker boxes, load centers are light commercial or residential distribution boxes housing fuses or circuit breakers. They distribute current from the main breaker to different circuits in the building while providing overload protection using fuses or circuit breakers.
These types of panels are not popular in modern constructions and are more likely to be found in older buildings. Unlike modern panels, they have fuses in place of circuit breakers. In case of an overload, the fuse blows and requires replacement.
5. Three-Phase Panels
These panels specifically handle three-phase electrical power, common in industrial and commercial settings. They are ideal for these settings as they have the capacity to support large amounts of power. Moreover, they provide the balance needed for the different phases, reducing the potential risk of overloading any of them.
6. Power Control Center (PCC) Panels
Also popular in industrial settings, PCC panels are centralized panels responsible for controlling and monitoring the distribution of power in this demanding setting. They use circuit breakers, relays, and meters to achieve this, providing efficient management.
7. Motor Control Center (MCC) Panels
These are assemblies consisting of one or multiple enclosed systems using a single power bus. Their primary role is to control electric motors in industrial settings.
They have motor starters, relays, and variable frequency drives (VFDs) to start, stop, and regulate motor speeds. To protect the circuits against overloads, they use circuit breakers and fuses.
8. Automatic Power Factor Control (APFC) Panels
APFC panels are designed to improve the power factor of an electric system automatically by using capacitor banks and relays to remove or add capacitance. Their function is to improve energy efficiency by reducing the amount of reactive power.
9. By Size (Amperage):
This classification according to amperage capacity determines how much current a panel can safely distribute without overloading. It is based on the unique electrical demands of a building and it falls under the following sub-categories:
10. Residential Panels
- 100-Amp: These are common in older homes with minimal electrical demands and loads, perhaps where gas heating supplements the extensive use of electric power.
- 150-AMP: These are relatively common in modern homes, designed to keep up with increasing electrical demands. They are ideal for homes with standard electrical systems and appliances.
- 200-AMP: For new home constructions and major renovations, these are fast becoming the norm. They have the capacity to comfortably handle the demands of a HVAC system, an entertainment system, and large appliances.
- 400-AMPs: In many cases, setups that require this much power consist of a primary panel and several subpanels, or multiple panels. They are ideal for large homes with considerable demand for electricity to power multiple HVAC systems, electric vehicle chargers, a backyard hot tub, or a heated pool.
11. Industrial and Commercial Panels
- 200 to 4,000 amps: In commercial and industrial settings, typical panel sizes fall in this range, varying by specific power needs. These provide adequate capacity for extensive computing networks, large or multiple HVAC systems, extensive lighting, and industrial machinery.
12. Specialized Panel Sizes
- You can also opt for a specialized panel size to meet a specific need in any setting. For example, outdoor areas like a patio or pool might require a special panel with the right rating for the type of equipment it needs to power. Similarly, data center panels might vary significantly based on the power requirements and the size of backup power solutions.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electrical Panel
Here are some key factors to take into consideration before buying an electrical panel:
Compliance with Codes and Standards
Various codes and standards come into play when choosing a panel. These include National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) ratings, National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, and local building and electrical codes. Most of these regulations take into account matters of safety and determine the suitability of different panels for diverse environments.
Current and Future Demands
Take into account your current and future electrical demands when making your choice. Calculate the total power load of the appliances you intend to connect to the circuit.
Think about future expansions of additional rooms, appliances, or increased usage, all of which will have an impact on the performance of the panel. Choosing one that can accommodate future growth will save time and costs in the long run.
Number of Circuits
Make sure that the panel you choose has enough slots to accommodate all the circuits on your property. To be on the safe side, it would be best to choose one with expansion slots in case you require additional circuits in future.
Amperage Rating
For safety purposes, always consider the amperage of a panel as it determines the capacity it can safely handle. Make sure that your choice is slightly above the current power requirements of your property.
Location of Use
Panels designed for indoor use differ from outdoor panels since the latter have to be weather-proof and corrosion resistant among other features. Choose a suitable panel for the environment where you are going to use it, for compliance and safety purposes, and also for longevity.
As an example, NEMA 3R and 4X panels are ideal for outdoor use since the former offers protection against rain and snow, while the latter also has corrosion protection.
Breaker Types
There are different types of circuit breakers suitable for use with different panels. In residential settings, most users go for panels with standard breakers. However, for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are ideal. Living areas and bedrooms require Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) to reduce the risk of overheating and fire hazards from arc faults.
When selecting a panel, make sure it is designed to accommodate the type of breaker you require for your property.
Safety Features
Different panels offer varying safety features to suit unique settings and preferences. Most panels offer protection against short circuits and current overloads. More advanced units come with additional protection such as power surge protection and tamper-resistant features.
Brand and Quality
It is important to take into consideration the quality and reputation of the manufacturer. Choose reputable brands with a proven track record of reliability and durability.
Trusted names offer various support services and warranties along with their products. This comes in handy when issues arise.
Trust Essential Electric Supply for All Electric Parts
Whether you require a circuit breaker, motor starter or an electrical panel for a new construction or a replacement for your existing property, Essential Electric Supply is your trusted distributor of top-quality electric parts. We have one of the largest inventories in the US to fulfill all your residential, commercial and industrial needs in one place for easy and fast shipping.
As an assurance of quality, we provide a two-year gold standard warranty for all our items. Our prices are highly competitive and we have a friendly team of highly knowledgeable staff members to help you clarify any concerns. We strive to help you get the right part for your exact needs and preferences and deliver over the fastest turnaround time possible.
