Types of Electrical Panels

Electrical panels are the backbone of any building’s power system, distributing electricity safely to circuits and protecting against overloads. But with so many types of electrical panels available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re wiring a home, upgrading a commercial space, or outfitting an industrial facility, understanding the differences between panel types is key. Below, we break down the most common options, their unique benefits, and which scenarios they’re best suited for—plus a note on compatibility with reliable circuit breakers like those from CNC Electric.

1. Main Breaker Panel

What it is: The central hub of a building’s electrical system, containing a main breaker that shuts off all power to the property. It typically includes multiple branch circuit breakers (MCBs, RCBOs) for individual circuits (lights, outlets, appliances).

Advantages:

• Acts as the primary disconnect for the entire system, critical for safety during maintenance.
• Available in sizes from 100A (small homes) to 400A (large homes or small businesses).

Best for: Single-family homes, townhouses, and small commercial buildings (e.g., offices, retail stores) where all electrical circuits originate from one central point.

2. Main Lug Panel

What it is: Similar to a main breaker panel but lacks a main breaker. Instead, it has “lugs” (terminals) that connect to the incoming power line, requiring a separate disconnect switch elsewhere in the system.

Advantages:

• More compact and affordable than main breaker panels.
• Flexible for use as a subpanel in larger systems (e.g., adding circuits to a garage or addition).

Best for: Secondary distribution in homes with a main breaker panel, or commercial buildings where a separate main disconnect already exists (e.g., utility-owned meter sockets).

3. Subpanel (Subdistribution Panel)

What it is: A secondary panel that draws power from the main panel, used to extend circuits to distant areas or isolate specific zones.

Advantages:

• Reduces voltage drop by placing circuits closer to their load (e.g., a workshop in the backyard).
• Isolates circuits for safety (e.g., shutting off power to a renovation area without cutting electricity to the entire house).

Best for: Home additions, garages, workshops, commercial kitchens, or industrial facilities with multiple zones (e.g., warehouses with separate lighting and machinery circuits).

4. Load Center

What it is: A compact, pre-assembled panel designed for residential or light commercial use, combining a main breaker (or lugs) and branch circuit breakers in a single enclosure.

Advantages:

• Easy to install and expand, with standardized slots for breakers.
• Cost-effective for small-scale applications.

Best for: New home construction, apartment units, or small offices where space and budget are priorities.

5. Meter Socket Combo Panel

What it is: Integrates an electrical meter (to measure power usage) and a main breaker panel in one unit, often installed by utility companies.

Advantages:

• Saves space by combining two components (meter + panel).
• Streamlines installation for new builds or utility upgrades.

Best for: Single-family homes, mobile homes, or small businesses where the utility requires a combined meter and disconnect.

6. RV Panel

What it is: A specialized panel designed for recreational vehicles (RVs), campers, or boats, with compact breakers and 120V/240V compatibility.

Advantages:

• Weather-resistant and vibration-proof for mobile use.
• Typically includes GFCI breakers for wet environments (e.g., RV kitchens, outdoor outlets).

Best for: RVs, motorhomes, travel trailers, and marine vessels.

7. Industrial Control Panel

What it is: Heavy-duty panels for factories, refineries, or large facilities, housing advanced components like MCCBs, ACBs, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Advantages:

• Handles high currents (up to 6300A) and complex control systems (e.g., machinery automation).
• Built to withstand harsh industrial environments (dust, moisture, extreme temperatures).

Best for: Manufacturing plants, data centers, power substations, and industrial warehouses.

Choosing the Right Panel: Key Considerations

• Size: Match the panel’s amperage (e.g., 100A, 200A) to your power needs. A 200A panel is standard for modern homes; industrial spaces may require 800A+.
• Circuit Capacity: Ensure there are enough slots for current and future circuits (e.g., adding EV chargers or smart home devices).
• Safety Features: Look for panels with arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) or ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for residential use.

Compatibility with Reliable Circuit Breakers

When upgrading or replacing breakers in your panel, compatibility is critical. Brands like CNC Electric offer a wide range of low-voltage breakers (MCBs, MCCBs, RCBOs) designed to fit most mainstream panel brands, ensuring seamless integration and safe operation across residential, commercial, and industrial systems.