Low Voltage Switchboard: How Many Types Are There? – Electronic Power Design

A well-designed power distribution system is not magic, but rather the result of careful planning and engineering. Low voltage (LV) switchboards play a critical role in ensuring safe and efficient energy distribution, even though they are often overlooked. 

These switchboards are engineered to serve different functions: some are tailored for motor control and heavy machinery, while others are optimized for distributing power across smaller circuits. Together, they form the backbone of reliable electrical infrastructure.

Low voltage switchboards are used across various industries and are tailored to the unique needs of different industries, ensuring that each sector benefits from solutions designed for their specific requirements.

Understanding the various types of low voltage switchboards is essential for electrical engineers, contractors, and facility managers. 

By becoming familiar with the capabilities and applications of each type, stakeholders are better equipped to make informed decisions when designing new systems or modernizing existing infrastructure, ensuring efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability.

Contact our team to learn how we can help you meet your low voltage switchboard needs

Table of Contents:

How Many Types of Low Voltage Switchboards Are There?

Understanding Low Voltage Switchboards

Before exploring the different types of low voltage switchboards, it is important to first understand their purpose and function within an electrical distribution system. 

These switchboards are specifically designed to manage electrical power at voltages below 1,000 volts. 

These switchboards are designed to meet specific electrical requirements within industrial electrical systems, ensuring reliable power distribution and safety for complex industrial operations.

Their primary role is to safely distribute electricity to downstream circuits and equipment, while providing protection, control, and monitoring capabilities that ensure reliable operation across industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities.

These switchboards are designed to meet specific electrical requirements within industrial electrical systems, ensuring reliable power distribution and safety for complex industrial operations.

Types of Low Voltage Switchboards

The world of low voltage switchboards is diverse and complex, with each type designed to meet specific needs. For this article, we will explore the three most common types of low voltage switchboards:

types of swbds

Main Distribution Boards (MDBs)

Main distribution boards (MDBs) form the core of a facility’s electrical infrastructure. They channel power from a primary source, usually the utility connection, into multiple outgoing circuits that supply various loads throughout the building or site.

Main switchboards are designed to handle high rated current, which is essential for industrial applications where large-scale power distribution is required. Additionally, MDBs can accommodate future expansion or the integration of additional protective devices and accessories as facility needs grow. 

Because MDBs handle significantly higher current levels than other types of low voltage switchboards, they require a robust and reliable design. High-quality components, proper fault protection, and scalability features are essential to ensure safe power distribution and long-term system performance.

Sub Distribution Boards (SDBs)

Distribution boards (also known as breaker panels) are critical for safety. 

These switchboards distribute electrical power by dividing a main feed into smaller subsidiary circuits. Each circuit is equipped with its own protective device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, to ensure safety, reliability, and efficient load management across the system.

SDBs are commonly used to distribute power to lighting systems, ensuring reliable and safe operation in various settings.

Additionally, SDBs provide protection against overload currents, helping to prevent damage and maintain system safety.

Remote Power Panels (RPPs)

Remote Power Panels (RPPs) are designed to serve specific areas or equipment within a facility, making power distribution more organized and efficient. By dedicating each section to a particular application, RPPs simplify both load management and maintenance across different zones or systems.

In addition to RPPs, other specialized switchboards support unique operational needs. For example, Power Factor Correction Panels are particularly valuable in facilities with high reactive power loads, where improving energy efficiency and reducing utility penalties are critical.

Gaining a clear understanding of the different types of switchboards ensures you can choose the right solution for your application. From hospitals and data centers to industrial plants and construction sites, the correct switchboard is essential to achieving reliable performance, safety, and long-term efficiency.

Features of Different Low Voltage Switchboards

MDBs, SDBs, and RPPs have unique features that make them suitable for different applications. Low voltage switchboards are often used alongside low voltage switchgear to meet industry standards and specific requirements for electrical safety and performance. The quality of these features is crucial for reliable operation. Let us dive deeper into these key features:

Main Distribution Board Features

Main Distribution Boards (MDBs) form the central hub of an electrical system. They receive incoming power and divide it into multiple outgoing circuits, ensuring efficient and safe distribution. 

What sets MDBs apart from other switchboards is their ability to handle high load capacities while offering flexibility in circuit configuration. This makes them ideal for large facilities, industrial plants, and data centers where reliable power management is critical.

Sub Distribution Board Features

Sub Distribution Boards (SDBs) extend the functionality of MDBs by distributing electrical power to specific areas, equipment, or smaller loads within a facility. Equipped with protective devices such as circuit breakers and fuses, SDBs ensure safe operation while reducing the risk of overloads and short circuits. 

Their modular design makes them an efficient and practical choice for both residential and commercial applications.

Remote Power Panel Features

Remote Power Panels (RPPs) are designed with distinctive characteristics that make them stand out from other types of switchboards. They are typically modular and highly adaptable, allowing for easy adjustments, streamlined maintenance, and enhanced safety by minimizing direct exposure to live components. 

The greatest advantage of RPPs is their versatility, as they can be customized to meet specific power distribution requirements across different zones, systems, or pieces of equipment within a facility. This flexibility makes RPPs especially valuable in data centers, healthcare facilities, and other environments where reliability and scalability are critical.

Applications for Low Voltage Switchboards

Low voltage switchboards are essential for ensuring efficient and reliable power distribution across industries. Facilities such as hospitals and data centers have highly specific power requirements that demand carefully designed switchboard solutions. By tailoring the right combination of switchboards, these facilities can achieve uninterrupted performance, improved safety, and long-term reliability.

Much like traffic lights at a busy intersection, low voltage switchboards manage and regulate the flow of electrical power within a facility, ensuring safe and efficient operation while preventing faults.

Hospitals

Hospitals rely more heavily on consistent electrical supply than almost any other type of facility. A sudden power loss can jeopardize patient safety, interrupt critical medical procedures, and impair the operation of life-saving equipment. 

To safeguard healthcare delivery, hospitals require advanced low voltage switchboards designed to provide continuous, secure, and stable power under all conditions.

Data Centers

Data centers are among the most energy-intensive facilities, with massive daily power demands to support servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. Efficient power management is critical to ensuring uninterrupted operations and minimizing costly downtime. 

Low voltage switchboards play a pivotal role by distributing electricity reliably across multiple systems, safeguarding sensitive equipment, and enabling scalable expansion as demand grows. In addition, optimized switchboard configurations contribute to improved energy efficiency, helping data centers lower operational costs while supporting sustainability goals.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles has created unprecedented demand for reliable and scalable charging infrastructure. At the core of these systems are low voltage switchboards, which manage and distribute power across fast chargers, Level 2 stations, and other critical charging equipment. 

By ensuring balanced load distribution and providing fault protection, LV switchboards enable seamless, safe, and efficient charging operations. Their adaptability also supports the expansion of charging networks, making them an essential component in meeting the growing energy demands of the EV ecosystem.

ev charging

Energy Efficiency and Management in Low Voltage Switchboards

Energy efficiency is at the forefront of modern electrical engineering, and low voltage switchboards play a pivotal role in achieving it. As essential components of any electrical system, these switchboards are designed not only to manage power supply and distribution but also to optimize the overall efficiency and safety of operations.

Low voltage switchboards are engineered to ensure that power is distributed efficiently throughout a facility, minimizing energy loss and supporting the reliable operation of various components and devices. By integrating advanced monitoring systems and automation, these switchboards can detect and respond to changes in load demand, helping to prevent unnecessary energy consumption and reducing operational costs.

One of the key benefits of energy-efficient low voltage switchboards is their ability to mitigate risks associated with insulation faults, over circuit currents, and short circuit currents. Modern switchboards are equipped with protective devices and safety measures that quickly isolate faults, preventing damage to equipment and reducing the risk of downtime. This proactive approach not only safeguards the electrical system but also enhances the longevity and reliability of all connected equipment.

Incorporating energy management features into low voltage switchboards allows facilities to track energy usage, identify inefficiencies, and implement corrective actions. This level of control is especially valuable in industries where energy costs are significant and operational reliability is critical. By improving efficiency and reducing waste, low voltage switchboards contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective power distribution system.

Ultimately, investing in energy-efficient low voltage switchboards is a smart strategy for any organization looking to improve efficiency, maintain safety, and ensure the reliable operation of their electrical systems. Whether in manufacturing, data centers, or commercial buildings, these switchboards are key to meeting the evolving energy and safety requirements of modern industry.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Low Voltage Switchboards

Like all critical electrical infrastructure, low voltage switchboards require consistent maintenance to operate at peak performance. Routine monitoring of system parameters is essential for identifying early signs of wear, inefficiency, or faults. Neglecting proper upkeep can lead to power disruptions, reduced efficiency, and even major safety hazards.

Preventative Maintenance: A Proactive Approach

Adopting a preventive maintenance strategy ensures switchboards remain reliable and safe over the long term. This includes scheduled inspections of components, cleaning dust and debris that could impair performance, and conducting thermal imaging tests to identify hotspots before they escalate into failures. 

By addressing potential issues early, facilities can minimize downtime, extend equipment lifespan, and maintain compliance with safety standards.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When operational problems occur in low voltage switchboards, a structured troubleshooting approach can help identify the root cause. Overheating is one of the most frequent issues, often resulting from excessive loads, inadequate ventilation, or a buildup of dust and debris. Regular inspections and timely corrective measures are key to preventing these risks from escalating into costly failures.

Safety First

Safety must always come first when maintaining or troubleshooting switchboards. Proper use of personal protective equipment, such as insulated gloves and arc-rated clothing, is essential. Maintenance activities should follow established electrical safety standards to minimize the risk of accidents. 

Importantly, all repair and diagnostic work should be carried out by qualified professionals with the appropriate training and certifications, ensuring both personnel safety and system reliability.

Safety Considerations for Low Voltage Switchboards

When working with low voltage switchboards, safety is not important—it’s vital. Compliance with safety standards such as UL 891, established by Underwriters Laboratories, is essential for ensuring the safe operation of low voltage switchboards.

Here are some safety considerations you should keep in mind as you explore the world of low voltage switchboards:

Proper Installation and Maintenance

The reliability of any electrical system begins with proper installation and routine maintenance. Careful attention during these stages not only ensures optimal performance but also reduces the risk of malfunctions that can result in costly downtime, electrical fires, or safety hazards. Regulatory authorities, including OSHA, emphasize strict compliance with installation and maintenance standards to safeguard both personnel and equipment. Adhering to these best practices is essential for creating safe, efficient, and long-lasting electrical infrastructures.

Adequate Protection Against Overcurrent

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Switchboards must include reliable overcurrent protection mechanisms such as circuit breakers or fuses. These devices act as the first line of defense against short circuits and overloads, safeguarding both equipment and personnel while ensuring the system operates safely over the long term.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When working around electrical systems, personal safety is paramount. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including insulated gloves, face shields, and flame-resistant clothing, helps mitigate the risks of electric shock, arc flash, and burns.

Guidelines provided by organizations such as the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) emphasize PPE as a core element of electrical safety, ensuring that workers remain protected while performing installation, maintenance, or troubleshooting tasks.

Selecting the Right Low Voltage Switchboard

Picking the right switchboard is no small task. To make the right decision, you must consider factors such as your specific power needs, application, and environment. It is also important to select a switchboard that can accommodate future expansion and changing operational needs.

Understanding Your Power Needs

Selecting the right switchboard begins with a clear understanding of your facility’s power needs. For example, manufacturing plants may benefit from remote power panels (RPPs) that can deliver electricity to individual pieces of heavy equipment, while large office complexes often require multiple distribution boards to provide balanced power across different zones. 

Evaluating these requirements ensures that the chosen switchboard design can handle present demands while leaving room for future growth.

Consider Your Environment

The operating environment is equally critical when choosing switchboards. Harsh industrial settings, outdoor installations, or facilities exposed to moisture and dust require robust enclosures with higher NEMA or IP ratings. 

In contrast, controlled indoor environments may allow for more cost-effective solutions. Selecting a switchboard that aligns with environmental conditions reduces the likelihood of premature wear, frequent maintenance, and costly replacements, ultimately improving both reliability and total cost of ownership.

Here are some additional environmental factors you should consider:

  • If you are running an operation in an area with extreme temperature or moisture levels (like mining sites or chemical plants), then ingress protection (IP) rated boards can help you stay safe and functional even in extreme conditions.
  • Commercial buildings like hospitals and offices with more controlled environments may be able to use a standard switchboard instead of a specialized IP-rated board.
  • In situations where space is tight (like retail spaces or smaller office buildings), compact distribution boards can be an invaluable asset for saving space without compromising functionality.

Low Voltage Switchboard FAQs

The Role of the Low Voltage Switchboard

Low voltage switchboards play a pivotal role in today’s electrical systems, offering more than simple power distribution. Each type serves a distinct purpose, ensuring the safe and reliable flow of electricity across a facility.

Main Distribution Boards (MDBs) supply power from the primary source, Sub Distribution Boards (SDBs) distribute that power to smaller circuits or facility areas, and Remote Power Panels (RPPs) deliver energy to equipment or zones with specific requirements.

Regular maintenance is essential—not optional. It safeguards equipment, prevents costly failures, and reduces safety risks.

Selecting the right low voltage switchboard comes down to aligning your facility’s needs with the right functionality. 

With a clear understanding of their roles, you can make confident, effective decisions when designing or upgrading your power systems.