Panelboard vs Switchgear vs Control Panel: Power and Automation Boundaries

Separate the primary functions

A panelboard generally distributes power to branch or feeder circuits. Switchgear adds defined switching, isolation, protection, measurement, and operating functions at a distribution level. A control panel primarily executes process or machine logic. Projects may use all three.

Compare the design inputs

Scope boundary

Use the one-line diagram, load schedule, control narrative, and responsibility matrix to define boundaries. This comparison does not assign ratings or replace electrical and controls engineering review.