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Panelboards

Product Overview
Panelboards are classified by NEC and UL in two
general categories: lighting and appliance panelboards,
or power distribution panelboards. Their purpose is
electrical distribution and circuit protection.

Lighting and Appliance Panelboards


 Lighting and appliance branch circuit panelboards are defined in NEC
(Article 384) as “One having more than 10% of its overcurrent devices
rated 30 amperes or less for which neutral connections are provided.”
Article 384 also limits the number of overcurrent devices (branch circuit
poles) to a maximum of 42 in any one cabinet. This rule applies to all
panel types including PRL4 when the panel circuitry comes within the
scope of this definition. When the 42 poles are exceeded, two or more
separate panels are required.

Power Distribution Panelboards


 Distribution panelboards (all others not defined as a lighting and
appliance branch circuit panelboards) are restricted only to practical
physical limitations such as standard box heights and widths.

Note: The NEC requires that the operating handle of the topmost mounted
device to be no more than 6 feet 7 inches above the finished floor.

IFS Panelboards
Eaton’s innovative IFS incorporates advanced Eaton electrical distribution
equipment, including Pow-R-Command™, Smart Breakers™, and building
automation into one space-saving structure; making installation, especially
wiring, easy. Wall Mounted IFS provides electrical control, monitoring, and power
quality while providing valuable square footage savings.

Column Type Panelboards


The same general code restrictions apply as for standard width panels except
where trough extensions are used.

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Multi-Section Panelboards
When more than 42 overcurrent protective devices are required, two or more
separate enclosures may be required where the 2008 NEC has not been
implemented. Separate fronts for each box are standard. A common front can be
furnished at additional charge.

For more information and panelboard descriptions and specifications, refer to


the Distribution Catalog. Or,
http://www.eaton.com/EatonCom/ProductsServices/index.htm

Configuring Panelboard
To configure Panelboards, you must use the Bid Manager Take-off.

1. Click the Take-offs menu, point to Panelboards, and then click on the
desired type of Panelboard.
2. Complete the information on each tab as appropriate.

For more information on general take-off features, see Working with Take-offs
job aid.

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General Tab
The General tab is used to configure the panelboard characteristics, the main
device, and other devices.

Panelboard Characteristics
The configurable panelboard characteristics include panel class, device type,
voltage rating, short circuit method, minimum short circuit rating (kAIC),
maximum branch amps, bus ampere rating, bus material, ground bar type, cable
entry location, mounting method, and enclosure type. Based on the selections
you make, the Panelboard Type drop-down box will reflect the panelboard that
fits with your selections.

Note: To configure a panelboard that complies with the NEC 2008 edition,
click the NEC 2008 Edition Will Apply check box. This will allow you to select
more than 42 circuits in a panel.
Note: The Max Branch Amps option does not include sub-feed devices.

Main Device
The Main Device area can be expanded to show more options.
1. To expand the Main Device area, click the Details button.

2. Use the drop-down boxes to configure the main device.

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3. To compact the Main Device area, click the Close button.

Sub-Feed Devices
Sub-feed devices include Through-Feed Lugs and Sub-Feed Breaker.
1. Click the Sub-Feed Device button.
2. Select a sub-feed device from the first drop-down box.
3. Configure the sub-feed device, and then click the OK button.
.

Branch Devices
There are two methods to adding branch devices to your panelboard: using the
branch device bin or the Branch Devices button. The branch device bin is useful
when you know the catalog number of the breaker you want to add. However, the
Branch Devices button offers more configuration options.

Note: Pay attention to the Used Circuits field in the status bar because it
tallies the number of used circuits based on the branch devices added to the
panelboard.

To use the branch device bin:


1. Click in the Qty field, and then type the quantity of the breaker or use the up
and down arrows to increment the quantity.
2. In the Breaker field, type the catalog number of the breaker, and then press
Enter.

Note: The take-off validates if the breaker is compatible with the configuration
you have. If acceptable, the breakers are added. Otherwise, an error
message appears.
Note: For breakers that are 100A or less, type a four-digit number to add the
least expensive breaker that meets the criteria. The first digit represents the
number of poles, and the remaining three digits represent the number of
amps. For example, if you type 1020, then the take-off will add the least
expensive 1-pole, 20-amp breaker.

To use the Branch Devices button:


1. Click the Branch Devices button.
2. Configure the breaker options.
3. In the Quantity field, you can either type the quantity or use the up and down
arrows to increment the quantity of the breaker.

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4. Click the Add to List button.
5. To add more breakers (follow steps 2 through 4) or click the Exit button to
close the window.

Provisions and Spaces


A provision is an area where a connector kit is placed for a breaker. A space is a
cover over the chassis bus. A connector kit can be added later to mount a
breaker.

Provisions are automatically calculated for PRL1a, PRL2a, and PRL3E


panelboards. For example, if you are configuring a 42-circuit panelboard and only
have 36 circuits used, there will be 6 one-pole provisions listed on the Price tab.
You cannot manually add provisions to PRL1a, PRL2a and PRL3E panelboards.
However, for other panelboards, the Space Only and/or Provision Only options
will be enabled when adding a branch device using the Branch Devices button.

Standard Mods Tab

The Standard Mods tab is used to add box, exterior, trim, and other
modifications. You can also add a surge protective device and configure the
circuit numbering scheme. Also, in the Trim Modifications area, you can
configure the Panel ID Nameplate.

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1. Select the standard modifications to add to the panelboard.
2. To add a nameplate, click the Panel ID Nameplate button.

Note: The Nameplate Information window appears. If you have entered a


designation, it appears in Line 1 of each panelboard. The voltage rating also
appears for each panelboard in Line 2.
3. Enter the nameplate information, then click the OK button.

Other Options Tab


The Other Options tab is used to add options to specific panelboard types.
 Add and configure an ASCO remote control switch to a fully rated PRL3a
 Add IQ Metering to a PRL4 with a copper bus at 1200A

 Add modifications to column panelboards.


Use the drop-down boxes to add other options to your panelboard.
Note: If you do not have one of the panelboard class described above, the
options will be unavailable.

Device Mods Tab


The Device Mods tab is used to configure the specific branch devices that you
added on the General tab.
 Use the drop-down boxes to configure: Trip Type, Trip Rating, 100%
Rated, Rating Plug, Shunt Trip, Handle Lock, IQ Energy Sentinel, or
Auxiliary Switch settings.

Note: Only those options available for the device will be shown.

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PRC Options Tab
The PRC Options tab is used to either add options to a PRC 100 panel or add
system options required for a PRC 100 panelboard. All settings on the General,
Standard Mods, Other Options, Device Mods, and Layout become disabled if you
select PRC Integration. Use the PRC 100 Options tab to configure the system
options.

Retrofit Options Tab


The Retrofit Options tab is used to define a mod, catalog number, and price for
a Retrofit Panel. This tab is only available if you selected the Retrofit Panel
panel class on the General tab. The options that selected will appear on the price
sheet, and on the drawing.

Layout Tab
The Layout tab is used to arrange and modify the breakers in your panelboard. It
is not necessary to access the Layout tab unless you need to arrange the
breakers in a specific order. The take-off automatically arranges the breakers
when the panelboard is saved. The panelboard is priced even if the breakers are
not arranged.

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Auto-Arranging Breakers
The breakers added are either arranged in the panel or listed on the right side of
the take-off window. You can have the take-off arrange the breakers, individually
place each breaker in the panelboard, or individually place certain breakers and
have the take-off fill in the remaining ones.

1. To clear the breakers, click on the Clear button.

Note: All of the breakers are moved to the breaker bin.


2. Click the Arrange button.

Note: The breakers are placed in the panelboard according to the options
selected under the options button on the right side of the screen.

Placing Breakers Individually (PRL1a or PRL2a)


1. To clear the breakers, click the Clear button.
2. Click and drag a breaker and place your cursor in the circuit where you want
the breaker.
3. Continue placing breakers in the panelboard until you have either placed all
of the breakers or placed the specific breakers you wanted.

4. To place the remaining breakers, click the Fill button.

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Placing Breakers Individually with a Subchassis (PRL3a)
The subchassis for BAB style breakers can be resized by multiples of 6 to
accommodate the number of breakers required, up to 24.
 To resize the subchassis, right-click the yellow area, select the Chassis
Size (Max. Poles), and select the number of poles required
Note: The Fill button is only enabled for PRL1a, PRL2a, and PRL3E
panelboards. The Arrange button is still available for other types.

.
Note: In this example, there are 6 single-pole breakers in the panelboard. If
you click the Arrange button, the subchassis will be resized to 6 poles even if
you had manually resized the subchassis to a larger size. You can manually
resize the subchassis after the breakers have been placed.

Price List Tab


The Price list tab will display the parts and characteristics that have been added
to the panelboard. An associated lead time is viewable in the rightmost column.
For accurate lead times contact the manufacturing facility or local Eaton sales
office.

Notes Tab
The Notes tab is used to create non-standard configuration notes for the plant.
The notes are printed at the plant for the manufacturer and should not be used

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for shipping notes. Prior to adding a note to the take-off, be sure the specification
does not exist on another tab. Notes add lead time to the production of the
panelboard. Factory sizing is required for any panel with information on the Notes
tab. No dimension will be shown on the drawings and no catalog number will
appear on the order.
To add a note:
 Type the description, quantity, and list price in the corresponding fields.
 To add another note, press the Enter key.

Panelboard Pow-R-Stock Components


After configuring a panelboard, use the PowRStock Query option to see if the
panelboard can be furnished using Pow-R-Stock components. This option will
automatically create the bill of material for those components. Pow-R-Stock
components are not part of the RFQ process, and can not be ordered using Bid
Manager.

To furnish a panelboard with Pow-R-Stock components:

 Configure the panelboard.


 Click the Tools menu, and then click PowRStock Query.

A dialog box appears notifying you whether the panelboard can be furnished
using Pow-RStock components.

 To create the bill of material for the Pow-R-Stock components, click the
Yes button.
Bid Manager begins to create the bill of material by catalog number and quantity.
When it is finished, the completed bill of material is displayed as a Word
document, which you can either save or print.
It is also possible these panelboards may also qualify for the PROS rebate
program. To learn more about PROS, refer to the Request a PROS Rebate
Claim Number in Bid Manager for Power-R-Stock Plus Inventory job aid.

Panelboards – 17 February 2012


Panelboard Global Changes
After the panelboards have been created you have the option to make changes
to them based on your customer’s feedback. You can make these changes
without having to open each individual panelboard. Panelboard Global Change in
Bid Manager is a time saving tool that allows you to make changes to individual
and multiple panelboards. This tool eliminates the need for your customers to
make early decisions on bus material, ground bar, trim mounting, trim type,
incoming location, directory frame, seismic label, nameplate color, and circuit
numbering. For PRL1a and PRL2a panelboards, you can also change branch
device lock-offs. By using this tool, you can quickly produce a bill of material for
your customers and then edit the panelboards based on later decisions.

To make global changes to panelboards:


1. In the main Bid Manager window, select
the panelboards to which you want to
make changes

Note: Press and hold the Shift key to


select multiple, consecutive panelboards.
Press and hold the Ctrl key to select
multiple, non-consecutive panelboards.
2. Click the Tools menu and then click
Panelboard Global Changes.

Panelboards – 17 February 2012


The Panelboard Global Change dialog box appears displaying the Neg number,
the Alternate, and the number of panelboards selected.

3. In the available fields, change any of the options.


4. Click the OK button to confirm the changes.
The Panelboard Global Change Progress message box appears. Once the
changes have been made, the panelboards message box appears indicating how
many panelboards have been updated, any errors that may have occurred, and
how much the List Price changed based on the selections.
5. Click the OK button to complete the process.

Panelboards – 17 February 2012

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