Never Underestimate Panel Boards

Panel boards are the power supply hub for electrical distribution in buildings and should be well maintained. They help divide the main power supply leading to the building from utilities into various circuits that deliver power to different areas of a facility.

It’s easy to get confused when identifying this equipment since panels have a host of other names they go by, yet they are all the same. Some of the following names may be familiar to you:

• Circuit breaker panel
• Distribution board
• Breaker panel/box
• DB board/box

As an essential component to any building, panel boards protect circuits from overloading or shorting out. To avoid electrical problems and costly repairs, its important to develop an electrical preventive maintenance program for all areas of an electrical system. Regularly scheduled maintenance on electrical components can help prevent costly problems.

Consider what types of equipment you are using within your business before implementing a maintenance checklist for your panel board. Consider the following:

• Special facilities such as entertainment venues, healthcare or educational facilities may require more detailed maintenance plans.
• Environmental conditions such as weather patterns that can impact power.
• Age of equipment and/or new building design or expansion may prompt change in electrical system loads over time.
• Older equipment may not be able to handle the stress of today’s requirements for higher loads and bring the possibility of failure.

For additional information, refer to National Electrical Code® Article 408, Switchboards and Panelboards. Better yet, just give us a call. We’re here to help in any way as you begin an electrical maintenance program, building remodel or new construction project.