Switchboard

A switchboard is a central hub used to route electrical power, signals, or communications. In electrical power systems, it brings together incoming power and distributes it to downstream circuits. In telecommunications, the term originally referred to a manual desk where operators connected calls by patching lines. Today, many switchboards operate automatically or via software, but the basic idea of connecting and routing remains.

Electrical switchboards typically consist of busbars, protective devices (such as circuit breakers or fuses), switching elements, meters, and enclosure hardware. They function as the main distribution point within a building or facility and are designed to handle high fault currents and multiple circuits. Low-voltage switchboards, used for distribution up to roughly 1 kV, differ from panelboards in layout and rating and may integrate main disconnects, protection, and metering. Design, installation, and maintenance follow standards and ratings to ensure safety, reliability, and compatibility with other electrical equipment.

Telephony switchboards originated as manual systems in which operators connected callers to available lines. With the advent of automatic switching, electronic exchanges and later digital and IP-based systems route calls without human intervention. In modern networks, terms such as private branch exchange (PBX) and IP telephony describe distributed switching for business communications, while the general function of a switchboard remains to establish and reroute connections between endpoints.

Safety and maintenance focus on proper wiring, secure connections, labeling, cooling, and protection from arc faults. Regular testing and inspection are required by electrical codes and industry standards to maintain reliability, prevent outages, and minimize risk to personnel.