Macunte, Junaiden E.
Brion , Ronald P.
Agan, Sean Patrick B.
ELECTRICAL SWITCHBOARD
An electrical switchboard is a device that
directs electricity from one or more sources
of supply to several smaller regions of
usage. It is an assembly of one or more
panels, each of which contains switches that
allow electricity to be redirected..
The Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) define
switchboard as “a large single panel, frame,
or assembly of panels on which are mounted
on the face, back, or both, switches,
overcurrent and other protective devices,
buses, and usually instruments”.
COMPONENTS
Inside a switchboard there will be one or
more busbars. These are flat strips of copper
or aluminum, to which the switchgear is
connected. Busbars carry
large currents through the switchboard, and
are supported by insulators. Bare busbars are
common, but many types are now
manufactured with an insulating cover on
the bars, leaving only connection points
exposed.
The operator is protected
from electrocution by safety switches
and fuses.
ENCLOSURE
Modern industrial switchboards are metal
enclosed and of "dead front" construction;
no energized parts are accessible when the
covers and panels are closed. Previously,
open switchboards were made with switches
and other devices were mounted on panels
made of slate, granite, or ebony asbestos
board. The metal enclosure of the
switchboard is bonded to earth ground for
protection of personnel. Large switchboards
may be free-standing floor-mounted
enclosures with provision for incoming
connections at either the top or bottom of the
enclosure.

The Role of an Electric Switchboard in Power
Flow
Electrical power systems work as power is
sent from the utility provider which then in
line moves through an electric switchboard.
That switchboards then relays the electricity
throughout a number of circuits. The power
is then moved to feeders and then distributed
to locations throughout the reach of the
power grid.
The main purpose of the board is to control
the flow of power. It divides the main
current supplied to it into several smaller
chunks and distributes it to the devices.
Types of Electric switchboards
There are several types of
electric switchboards based on current
rating, construction type, interrupt rating,
operating type, voltage type, insulation
medium, and others. Inner part of the board
contains several busbars, strips of aluminum
and copper to which switches are connected.
Kinds of distribution switchboards
Distribution of the Electrical
Switchboards for particular applications (for
example: industrial procedures, heating
lifts,) can be situated:
 Next to the main LV switchboard
 Near where the application is
concerned
Sub distribution and the final distribution
switchboards are, by and large, distributed
all throughout the site.
Conventional distribution switchboards
Fuse gear, switchgear, and many more are,
on the whole, situated on the chassis at the
rear of the enclosed space. Control devices
and indications (pushbuttons, lamps, meters,
and so on) are built up on the frontal face of
the switchboard.
Numerous Benefits
The usage of functional distribution
switchboards has extended to all the levels
of LV electrical distribution, from the main
LV switchboard or MLVS to final
distribution switchboards, providing various
benefits:
 Distribution of electrical
switchboard design is fast because it
simply involves adding functional
modules
 Manufactured components can be
built up faster
The electrical switchboards are very
beneficial when properly used.
SWITCHBOARD INSTALLATION &
OPERATION GENERAL
1. SHIPMENT
The switchboard is assembled, wired,
adjusted, and given complete tests at the
factory,
after which it is inspected and packed for
shipment.
STORAGE BEFORE INSTALLATION
Switchboard equipment, should be kept in a
dry, clean place. Conditions such as
dampness caused by rain or change in
temperature, cement dust, etc., should be
carefully guarded against. Covering the
equipment with a temporary shelter or
tarpaulin
is frequently necessary both during storage
and installation.
2. INSTALLATION
Equal care in installation should be used.
SUPPLEMENT
Switchboards, which are generally rated
2500A or less, 36 to 48 inch deep, and do
not
contain breakers of the drawout design, do
not require imbedded channels . If installed
on a firm level foundation the switchboards
can be mounted and bolted directly to the
concrete.
WIRING
All incoming and outgoing control
connections should be made in accordance
with the
switchboard schematic and wiring diagrams.
After wiring is completed, all connections
should be carefully checked against the
diagrams to insure that all connections are
correct and proper.
DIELECTRIC TEST
The following dielectric test shall be made
to determine the adequacy of insulation.
GROUNDING
Each switchboard assembly may be
provided with a ground bus extending the
full length
of the complete assembly. The ground bus
should be connected to the station ground
with as direct a connection
as possible and should not be run in metal
conduit. The grounding conductor should be
capable of carrying the maximum line-to-
ground current for the duration of the fault.
GROUND FAULT PROTECTION
Grounded systems where the voltage
exceeds 150V to ground and has a capacity
of
1000 A or more shall have ground fault
relay protection in accordance with the
Philippine
Electric Code.
GUIDE TO SWITCHBOARD
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE BENEFITS AND
FACILITIES
Maintenance Records
A maintenance file should be established
which should include the following:
1. A record of all installed switchboards and
their maintenance schedule;
2. Nameplate data of all the equipment and
its major components, instruction books,
renewal parts lists, bulletins and drawings;
3. A list of all items which have to be
inspected and what adjustments are to be
checked;
4. A record of past inspections and test
results.
Maintenance Tests
Maintenance tests are applicable as
indicated:
1. Insulation resistance tests of the
switchboards’ breakers and bus can be
useful in
determining the condition of the insulation if
they are performed regularly.
2. High potential tests are not required and
are not recommended except in special
circumstances, such as after repairs or
modifications to the equipment that included
the primary circuit (bus assemblies).
3. After the switchboard has been serviced
and adjusted, its operation should be
checked before it is returned to service.
Maintenance Equipment
Adequate maintenance equipment should
include:
1. Spare parts for at least those parts of the
switchboard that are vital to operation.
2. A well-equipped shop with the following:
a) A test cabinet or inspection rack for
power circuit breakers;
b) A source of control power for checking
the operation of electrically-operated
breakers;
c) A selection of test instruments –
multimeters, clamp-on ammeters, instrument
transformers;
d) Lifting means for handling large breakers;
e) An insulation resistance tester (Megger™
or equivalent).
Safety Considerations
Only authorized and properly trained
personnel should be permitted to operate or
handle
any part of the switchboard. Maintenance
employees must follow all recognized safety
practices. Keep in mind that power circuit
breakers are also capable of storing
mechanical energy in the form of contact
closing springs. Make sure breakers are
open and springs are
properly discharged and/or blocked before
working on the mechanism. Always refer to
the breaker’s maintenance manual for
specific safety considerations.