Types of Industrial Electrical Panels | Complete Guide
Types of Industrial Electrical Panels
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Types of Industrial Electrical Panels
.Before reviewing the types of industrial electrical panels, it is better to first mention what an electrical panel is
What is an Electrical Panel?
Before reviewing the different types of industrial electrical panels, it is important to first understand what an electrical panel actually is.
An electrical panel is typically a metallic enclosure (though not all panels are made of metal; they can also be manufactured from other materials) that houses various equipment for controlling and managing electricity. In fact, the electrical panel ensures the proper interconnection of these devices within a safe environment, away from harmful external factors.
Some of the main equipment installed inside an electrical panel includes:
- Switches
- Displays
- Handles
These components are installed in organized, insulated rows. Insulation allows operators to easily replace, repair, and control equipment. In addition to protecting its internal devices from environmental damage, the panel also prevents potential electric shocks to individuals.
It is also worth noting that some electronic panels come with unique features, such as:
- Proper ventilation for temperature reduction
- Protection against radio frequency interference
- Protection against electrostatic discharge
Applications of Industrial Electrical Panels
Industrial panels are widely used to supply electricity to different equipment and facilities, such as:
- Motors
- Pumps
- Buildings (residential, commercial, office, and industrial)
Types of Industrial Electrical Panels
In general, industrial electrical panels can be classified into three main categories, each with its own subcategories:
1.Based on Voltage Level:
- Low Voltage (LV) Industrial Electrical Panel
- Medium Voltage (MV) Industrial Electrical Panel
- High Voltage (HV) Industrial Electrical Panel
2.Based on Structure:
- Metal Enclosed Panels
- Metal Clad Panels
- Compartment Type Panels
- Withdrawable Panels
- Rack Panels
- Swing Panels
3. Based on Installation Location:
- Outdoor Panels
- Indoor Panels
Below, we will discuss each of these classifications in more detail.
1. Classification by Voltage
Types of electrical panels based on voltage are divided into three categories, which we have explained and reviewed below.
Low Voltage (LV) Industrial Electrical Panel:
Features of LV Panels:
- Mostly used in residential units or small industries for power distribution
- Voltage level is 400V
Main components include:
- Circuit breakers
- Switches
- Off-load isolators
- HRC fuses
- Earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCB)
- Miniature circuit breakers (MCB)
- Molded case circuit breakers (MCCB)
Applications of LV Panels:
- Industrial distribution boards
- PLC panels
- Capacitor bank panels
Medium Voltage (MV) Industrial Electrical Panel:
Medium voltage panels (1kV to 36kV) are among the most critical equipment in electrical systems, designed for the distribution, control, and protection of power. Due to their high safety and reliability, they are widely used in power plants, heavy industries, infrastructure projects, and large buildings.
Key Components of MV Panels:
1. Circuit Breakers: for switching and fault protection
2. Busbars : the main path for power distribution, usually made of copper or aluminum
3. Current and Voltage Transformers (CT & PT): for accurate measurement and monitoring
4. Protective Relays : to detect faults and command circuit breakers
5. Cables: for safe current transfer between components
6. Earthing System : to discharge excess current safely
7. Monitoring & Control Systems: including sensors, displays, and controllers
Applications of MV Panels:
- Power distribution networks
- Heavy industrial plants
- Large buildings (towers, malls, hospitals)
- Power plants
Advantages:
- Enhanced safety with advanced relays
- Precise monitoring of power consumption
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Flexibility in project design and expansion
Key Selection Criteria:
- Suitable capacity for project needs
- Use of high-quality, standard equipment
- Compliance with national and international standards
- Reliable after-sales support
High Voltage (HV) Industrial Electrical Panel:
High voltage panels are used for power systems above 36kV. Their classification and applications vary greatly depending on design, functionality, and installation requirements.
Other Panel Classifications
Apart from voltage, electrical panels can also be categorized based on other factors:
1. By Functionality:
- Motor control panels
- PLC panels
- Capacitor bank panels
- Distribution panels
2. By Installation Location:
- Outdoor panels
- Indoor panels
3. By Form Factor:
- Floor-standing or wall-mounted
4. By Overall Structure:
- Fully enclosed panels
- Column-separated panels
- Withdrawable panels
Conclusion:
As we discussed, industrial electrical panels come in various types and serve different purposes depending on voltage level, structure, and installation environment. Each classification itself is a broad subject that requires more detailed explanation beyond the scope of this article.
