Switchgear vs Switchboard: What is the Difference and Why It Matters

Switchgear vs Switchboard: What is the Difference and Why It Matters

The Core Difference

The simplest way to think about it is:

Switchgear is designed to handle and interrupt fault currents. It contains devices that can break short-circuit currents — typically air circuit breakers (ACBs), moulded case circuit breakers (MCCBs), or fused switches.

Switchboard is designed for normal load switching and distribution. It typically contains bolted-pressure contact switches, fusible switches, or lower-rated MCCBs — but it cannot interrupt fault currents on its own. Protection is provided by upstream devices.

Low Voltage Switchgear (IEC 61439-1 and -2)

Low voltage switchgear assemblies are designed and tested to IEC 61439-2. Key characteristics include:

• Fault current handling: Switchgear is verified by type testing to withstand and break short-circuit currents up to 80kA for 1 second (in the case of our MNS series)
• Draw-out capability: Most LV switchgear offers withdrawable units — you can remove a circuit breaker for maintenance without de-energizing the entire assembly
• Separation of compartments: Busbar, functional unit, and cable compartments are physically separated — this limits arc fault propagation and improves safety
• Typical applications: Power plant auxiliary distribution, industrial MCCs, critical process power supply

Common LV switchgear types: MNS (up to 6300A), GCS (up to 5000A), GCK (up to 3150A), GGD (up to 3150A).

Low Voltage Switchboard (IEC 61439-1)

Low voltage switchboards are designed and tested to IEC 61439-1 and -2 (lower forms of internal separation). Key characteristics include:

• Lower fault current capability — typically 10kA to 50kA
• Fixed mounting — most switchboards are fixed type with no draw-out capability
• Simpler construction — fewer internal partitions, less interlocking
• Lower cost — typically 30-50% less than equivalent-rated switchgear
• Typical applications: Lighting distribution, building services, small commercial installations

Side-by-Side Comparison

Why the Distinction Matters in Practice

For consultants and specifiers: If you write “LV switchboard” in your specification but your project requires 65kA short-circuit withstand and draw-out units, the supplier who quotes you a standard switchboard will not meet your technical requirements — and change orders will follow.

For buyers: If you are sourcing for a water treatment plant or a commercial building with available fault current below 25kA, a well-designed switchboard will meet your needs at a significantly lower cost.

For project managers: Make sure the equipment schedule clearly states whether switchgear or switchboard is required. We have seen projects delayed by 3-4 weeks because the wrong equipment arrived on site.

A Practical Rule of Thumb

Here is how I explain it to clients who are not electrical engineers:

• If your main breaker is rated above 1600A, you need switchgear
• If your fault current is above 25kA, you need switchgear
• If you need draw-out units for maintenance flexibility, you need switchgear
• If none of the above applies, a switchboard will do the job perfectly well and save you money

Not sure what you need? Send us your single-line diagram and we will advise.