Table of Contents
- What Is an Electrical Panel?
- Panel Types and Areas of Use
- Main Components and “Switchgear Materials”
- TS EN 61439 Certification Process
- Panel Selection Criteria
- Manufacturing Process and Quality Control
- Related In-Depth Guides
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel is an installation that brings together, inside a standard metal enclosure, the circuit breakers, disconnectors, fuses, contactors, relays, capacitors, and measuring devices required for the distribution, control, and protection of a facility’s electricity. It safely distributes the electricity coming from the grid to the outgoing feeders and provides automatic protection in case of faults.
Details: What Is an Electrical Panel? Detailed Definition
2. Panel Types and Areas of Use
LV (Low Voltage) Distribution Panel
Distributes main power to subpanels/loads. 100–6300 A. Includes main incomer breaker + busbar system + outgoing breakers.
Power Factor Correction Panel
Compensates reactive power consumption and keeps cosφ in the 0.98–1.00 range. Capacitors + contactors + reactive power controller. 10–30% energy savings.
Details: What Is a Power Factor Correction Panel?
MCC (Motor Control Center)
Centrally manages a large number of motors. Soft starter, star-delta, frequency inverter (VFD).
Automation (PLC) Panel
For PLC control of production lines. Siemens S7, Schneider M580, ABB AC500.
ATS (Automatic Transfer) Panel
Automatic transfer to generator during a grid outage. Mandatory for hospitals and data centers.
Details: ATS vs UPS Comparison
UPS Panel
Uninterruptible power infrastructure, static bypass + battery bank.
3. Main Components and “Switchgear Materials”
| Component | Function | Recommended Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Enclosure | IP54/65 metal enclosure | Rittal, Kemiks |
| Busbar System | Current carrying | Copper E-Cu |
| ACB (Air Circuit Breaker) | Main incomer 630–6300A | ABB Emax 2, Schneider MasterPact |
| MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker) | Distribution 100–1600A | Schneider NSX, ABB Tmax |
| Contactor | Motor control | ABB AF, Schneider TeSys |
| Thermal Overload Relay | Overload protection | ABB, Schneider |
| Surge Protection (SPD) | Lightning/overvoltage | Phoenix Contact, ABB OVR |
| Energy Analyzer | Measurement | Schneider PM5560, UMG509 |
Details: What Are Switchgear Materials? | Schneider vs ABB vs Siemens
4. TS EN 61439 Certification Process
The standard package that has been mandatory in the EU and Turkey since 2014:
- TS EN 61439-1: General rules
- TS EN 61439-2: Power switchgear and controlgear assemblies
- TS EN 61439-3: Distribution boards
Tests required for certification:
- Type test: Performed once by the manufacturer
- Temperature-rise test
- Short-circuit withstand test (Icw)
- Dielectric withstand test
- Mechanical strength test
- Degree of protection (IP) test
- Routine test: For each panel
- Dielectric test (2 kV/1 min)
- Insulation resistance measurement
- Protective circuit continuity
Uncertified panels are not accepted by TEDAŞ.
5. Panel Selection Criteria
✅ Rated current (In): 100–6300 A
✅ Short-circuit withstand (Icw): Typically 25–100 kA / 1 s
✅ Degree of protection (IP): Indoor IP31–55, outdoor IP54–66
✅ Form of separation (1–4): Internal partitioning level (Form 4 in critical facilities)
✅ Busbar system: Copper suitable for current capacity
✅ Brand: Single brand (selectivity guaranteed)
✅ Test documents: TSE, CE, EN 61439-2 type test
6. Manufacturing Process and Quality Control
- Single-line diagram and short-circuit calculation
- Bill of materials and procurement
- Enclosure manufacturing (CNC bending, painting)
- Busbar assembly (sizing according to current calculation)
- Switchgear material installation and labeling
- Wiring (PVC duct, phase color coding)
- Label and schematic tapes
- Testing and commissioning
- Delivery and training
Typical lead time: LV distribution 2–3 weeks, power factor correction 2–3 weeks, MCC/automation 4–6 weeks.
7. Related In-Depth Guides
- 📘 What Is an Electrical Panel? Types
- 📘 What Is a Power Factor Correction Panel?
- 📘 What Are Switchgear Materials?
- ⚖️ Schneider vs ABB vs Siemens
- ⚖️ ATS vs UPS Comparison
- 🛠️ Power Factor Correction Commissioning Guide
- 🛠️ Thermographic Inspection Guide
- 🛠️ Reactive Power Penalty Calculation
DOA Enerji Panel Manufacturing
DOA Enerji manufactures electrical panels at its Başakşehir İOSB facilities as an ABB and Schneider Electric approved system partner. TS EN 61439-1/2 certified, type-tested panels with a 2-year warranty. The project file including the single-line diagram, short-circuit calculation, and thermal calculation is free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a TS EN 61439 certified panel mandatory?
Yes, it has been a legal requirement since 2014. Uncertified panels are not accepted by TEDAŞ/BEDAŞ. The type test report, short-circuit withstand test, and temperature-rise test must be documented.
How is the IP protection class selected for a panel?
Indoor office/technical room IP31–IP41, production area IP54, outdoor IP55–IP66. For corrosion risk, a stainless-steel enclosure should be preferred.
What is the Form class, and which one should it be?
Form 1 (minimum separation) – Form 4 (most comprehensive separation). Form 4 is recommended for data centers and hospitals. In industry, Form 2–3 is generally sufficient.
Is fire detection required inside the panel?
In main distribution panels fed by transformers above 1000 kVA, an internal smoke detector is recommended. For above 2500 kVA, it may be legally mandatory (large building fire regulation).
Can a mixed-brand panel be used?
Technically possible, but selectivity tables are guaranteed for a single brand. In mixed installations, coordination must be calculated manually. Recommended: single brand.