What is low-voltage power distribution equipment?

Low-voltage power distribution equipment is used to efficiently and safely deliver electrical power to electrical equipment used in residences, commercial buildings or industrial facilities. Panelboards, switchboards and switchgear can all be considered low-voltage power distribution equipment. Often, this equipment can be considered service entrance equipment, where power enters a building through a main device (circuit breaker or fusible switch) located within the electrical assembly.

A panelboard is a component of an electrical distribution system that divides an electrical power feed into branch circuits while providing a protective fuse or circuit breaker for each circuit in a common enclosure. In essence, panelboards are used to protect against electrical overloads and short circuits while distributing electricity throughout a building or facility

For larger scale buildings or sites, a large single panel, frame, or assembly of panels can be used for mounting the overcurrent switches and protective devices, buses and other equipment. These floor-mounted, freestanding solutions are known as switchboards. Switchboards are most often accessible from the front, mounted on the floor and close to the wall.

Low-voltage switchgear provides centralized control and protection of low voltage power equipment and circuits in industrial, commercial and utility installations involving transformers, generators, motors and power feeder circuits. Unlike the other options reviewed, switchgear uniquely withstands short circuit currents for an extended period of time (30 electrical cycles). To achieve this, low-voltage switchgear features the following components: low voltage drawout power circuit breakers, circuit breaker compartments, primary and secondary power connections, secondary control compartments, structures, busbars (main and section) and customer termination areas.

If time or space is limited, busway solutions can be used in place of cable or conduit to distribute electrical power. This efficient alternative includes three core elements: copper or aluminum conductors (known as busbars) that carry electrical current; metal enclosures that house the busbars; and insulation—via either air or epoxy designs—to prevent faults by separating the busbars.

Basics in low voltage distribution equipment white paper