Circuit breaker panels, also known as breaker boxes or distribution boards, come in several types depending on their design and application. One common type is the main breaker panel, which serves as the primary distribution point for electricity entering a building from the utility supply. It typically includes a main circuit breaker that controls power distribution to branch circuits throughout the building. Another type is the sub-panel, which is connected to the main panel and provides additional circuit breakers for specific areas or appliances within a building. Sub-panels help distribute electrical loads more effectively and can be located closer to areas requiring power.
Breaker panels can be classified into various types based on their design and configuration. One type is the single-phase panel, which is commonly used in residential and light commercial applications. It typically features single-pole and double-pole circuit breakers to protect 120V and 240V circuits respectively. Another type is the three-phase panel, used in industrial settings and large commercial buildings where higher voltage and three-phase power distribution is required. Three-phase panels accommodate three-phase circuit breakers and provide balanced power distribution across multiple phases.
Circuit breakers can be classified into three main types based on their operating mechanism and design: thermal-magnetic, magnetic, and hydraulic-magnetic. Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers are the most common type and combine thermal protection (for overcurrents) with magnetic protection (for short circuits). Magnetic circuit breakers respond quickly to short circuits, while thermal protection handles overloads over a longer period. Magnetic circuit breakers rely solely on magnetic principles to trip when a short circuit occurs. Hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers use a hydraulic mechanism to trip quickly in response to short circuits and provide precise protection against overcurrents.
There are several types of panel boards used in electrical distribution systems. One type is the distribution panel board, which serves as a centralized point for distributing power to various circuits within a building or facility. It houses circuit breakers or fuses that protect individual circuits from overloads and short circuits. Another type is the lighting panel board, specifically designed to distribute power to lighting circuits throughout a building. Lighting panel boards typically include circuit breakers or fuses rated for lighting loads and are essential for controlling and protecting lighting circuits effectively.
Panel boards can be categorized into main lug panels, main breaker panels, and sub-panels. Main lug panels do not have a main circuit breaker and are used as supplemental panels connected to a main breaker panel. They provide circuit protection for specific areas or equipment within a building. Main breaker panels, on the other hand, include a main circuit breaker that controls the distribution of power to all branch circuits connected to the panel. They serve as the primary distribution point for electrical power entering a building. Sub-panels are additional panels connected to a main panel or another sub-panel, used to expand the number of available circuits and distribute power to specific areas or appliances within a building.