Switchgear vs Switchboard

[MechE123]

I am a entry level engineer and recently read in an electrical spec that a vendor was to supply space heaters for a 480V secondary switchboard. I have heard the term switchgear but never switchboard. Can someone tell me if these terms are interchangable, or are they unique? If they are unique then what differentiates the two? I have verociously tried to research the internet, but most acticles assume you know these products intimately. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Jason

 

[mpparent]

Simply,

Switchgear is used for draw-out power breakers, typically using relays for breaker overcurrent protection, etc. Also, switchgear have shutters(to compartmentalize the live bus). Switchboards typically have fixed mount breakers, and no shutters.

Mike

 

[dpc]

Low voltage switchgear is built to ANSI C37 standards and uses low voltage power circuit breakers.

Switchboards are built to NEMA PB-2 and UL 891 and can use a variety of breaker and fuse conigurations, including molded case breakers, insulated case breakers, fused switches and low voltage power circuit breakers.

There are a lot of differences in the design and construction of the two. Switchboards are generally used in less critical applications, such as commercial and light industrial facilities. Switchgear is typically used in more critical applications such as power plants, refinery, etc.

GE or Cutler-Hammer should be able to give you additional info on the differences. They make both.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Reference:
1. IEEE Std 100-2000 "Dictionary"
Switchgear is a general term covering switching and interrupting devices and their combination with associated control, instrumentation, metering, protective and regulating devices, also assemblies of these devices with associated interconnections, accessories and supporting structures used primarily in connection with the generation, transmission, distribution, and conversion of electric power. See ANSI Std Series C37.
Switchboard is a large single panel, frame or assembly of panels, on which are mounted, on the face or back or both, switches, overcurrent and other protective devices, buses and usually instruments. Note: Switchboards are generally accessible from the rear as well as from the front and are not intended to be installed in cabinets.