Comparison Between Different Types of Electrical Panels: Choosing the Right Solution
Electrical panels are the central nervous system of any building’s power infrastructure. Whether in a commercial tower in Riyadh, a factory in Dammam, or a residential compound in Jeddah, selecting the right panel type is essential for safety, functionality, and code compliance.
This guide offers a comparison between different types of electrical panels, helping developers, engineers, and facility managers make informed decisions tailored to their specific project needs.
What Are Electrical Panels?https://boldtarget.sa/
Electrical panels—also called distribution boards or switchboards—distribute electrical power from one or more sources to various circuits within a building. They house circuit breakers, fuses, relays, and other protective devices to:
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Control power flow
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Protect against overcurrent and short circuits
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Isolate faults for safe operation
Main Types of Electrical Panels and Their Applications
Here’s a side-by-side comparison between different types of electrical panels based on purpose, complexity, and use case:
| Panel Type | Application | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Main Distribution Board (MDB) | Primary power entry for a building | Distributes power to sub-panels, houses main breaker |
| Sub Distribution Board (SDB) | Breaks down power to different zones or floors | Smaller size, used for localized circuit control |
| Motor Control Center (MCC) | Controls and protects motors in industrial setups | Includes motor starters, VFDs, overload relays |
| Control Panel | Used for automation systems and machinery | PLCs, sensors, HMIs, push buttons |
| Synchronization Panel | Manages power from multiple generators | Auto/manual generator synchronization, load sharing |
| Switchgear Panel | Industrial power protection and control | Breakers, contactors, high current handling capacity |
| Capacitor Bank Panel | Power factor correction in large facilities | Includes capacitors and APFC relays |
1. Main Distribution Board (MDB)
📌 Use Case:
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Large buildings, malls, commercial complexes
🔧 Features:
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Houses incoming power breaker (up to 4000A or more)
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Feeds power to SDBs, MCCs, and other downstream panels
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Built with copper or aluminum busbars
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Metering and power monitoring features
✅ Ideal For:
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Centralized control in commercial and institutional buildings
2. Sub Distribution Board (SDB)
📌 Use Case:
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Floor-level or department-level distribution
🔧 Features:
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Connected downstream of MDB
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Hosts MCBs or RCBOs for final circuits
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Compact and cost-effective
✅ Ideal For:
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Apartments, office floors, retail stores
3. Motor Control Center (MCC)
📌 Use Case:
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Industrial operations involving pumps, fans, conveyors
🔧 Features:
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Includes DOL starters, soft starters, VFDs
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Enables motor protection and speed control
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Centralized or remote monitoring options
✅ Ideal For:
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Factories, treatment plants, warehouses
4. Control Panel
📌 Use Case:
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Machinery automation, process control
🔧 Features:
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Includes PLCs, relays, timers, HMI displays
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Manages sensors, actuators, and alarms
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Custom-built per machine or process
✅ Ideal For:
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Manufacturing lines, HVAC systems, water treatment
5. Synchronization Panel
📌 Use Case:
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Backup power systems using multiple generators
🔧 Features:
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Syncs voltage, frequency, and phase of gensets
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Ensures seamless load transfer
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Includes auto/manual mode
✅ Ideal For:
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Hospitals, data centers, commercial towers
6. Switchgear Panel
📌 Use Case:
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High-power industrial and utility-scale installations
🔧 Features:
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Air, oil, SF6, or vacuum circuit breakers
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High fault-level protection (up to 100kA)
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Remote and local control options
✅ Ideal For:
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Power plants, substations, large factories
7. Capacitor Bank Panel
📌 Use Case:
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Power factor correction for energy efficiency
🔧 Features:
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Automatic capacitor switching
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Includes APFC relays and harmonic filters
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Improves power quality and reduces penalties
✅ Ideal For:
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Factories, commercial buildings with heavy machinery
Choosing the Right Panel for Your Project
🔍 Consider These Factors:
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Total load (kW or Amps)
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Type of loads (lighting, HVAC, motors, etc.)
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Number of end circuits
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Need for automation, redundancy, or synchronization
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Site constraints (indoor, outdoor, wall-mounted, floor-mounted)
Tip: Partnering with a certified electromechanical contractor ensures accurate panel selection, custom fabrication, and Civil Defense/SEC compliance.
Panel Installation & Compliance in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, all electrical panels must:
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Follow SEC and SASO regulations
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Be approved by Civil Defense (for fire safety)
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Use certified components from approved vendors (e.g., Schneider, ABB, Siemens)
At BoldTarget General Contracting, we deliver end-to-end panel solutions:
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Load analysis and panel sizing
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Custom panel assembly and testing
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Installation and commissioning
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AMC (Annual Maintenance Contracts) for long-term reliability
Recent Projects with Panel Integration
✅ Rawabi Factory – Dammam
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MCC + MDB + capacitor bank for industrial motors
✅ Curvature Mall – Khobar
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MDB, SDBs, and lighting control panels for 24/7 operation
✅ Luxury Villas – Jeddah
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Smart residential panels with surge protection and solar-ready features
Final Thoughts: Select the Right Panel with Expert Guidance
The comparison between different types of electrical panels reveals that every panel has its own unique purpose. Whether you need centralized power distribution or smart automation, selecting the right type ensures safety, performance, and long-term cost savings.
Let’s Power Your Project the Right Way
📞 Call: +966 534230001
📧 Email: info@boldtarget.sa
🌐 Website: boldtarget.sa
