Electric switchboard

It is an assembly of one or more panels, each of which contains switching devices for the protection and control of circuits fed from the switchboard.

[citation needed] The U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) defines a switchboard as "a large single panel, frame, or assembly of panels on which are mounted, on the face, back, or both, switches, over-current and other protective devices, buses, and usually instruments".

In general, switchboards may distribute power to transformers, panelboards, control equipment, and, ultimately, to individual system loads.

Bare busbars are common, but many types are now manufactured with an insulating cover on the bars, leaving only connection points exposed.

In a modern switchboard, the operator is protected from electrical injury by metal-enclosed circuit breakers, switches, and fuses.