How to Choose the Best Electrical Switchboards for Your Site

In commercial and industrial environments, selecting the right electrical switchboard is critical to ensuring safe, reliable and scalable power distribution. Whether you’re managing a new facility, upgrading existing infrastructure, or planning for future expansion, the switchboard you choose will impact everything from system performance to site safety and regulatory compliance.

At Innovent Engineering, we understand that no two sites are the same, and neither are their switchboard requirements. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you make the right choice for your operation.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Electrical Switchboard

1. Understand Your Site Requirements

The first step in selecting the right switchboard is assessing the power demands of your site. Consider:

• The size and type of equipment in use
• Peak load requirements
• Environmental conditions (e.g. dusty, wet or corrosive)
• Location (e.g. indoor vs outdoor)
• The need for backup power or redundancy

The above-nominated considerations, along with the accurate load calculations, ensure your switchboard is neither underpowered nor over-engineered, both of which can lead to unnecessary costs.

2. Safety and Compliance Come First

Electrical safety is non-negotiable. Your switchboard must adhere to applicable Australian Standards such as AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 61439, as well as the requirements of your local energy provider. Features like fault protection, insulation, circuit separation and proper labelling are all essential to ensure safe and efficient operation.

A quality switchboard should:

• Be tested and commissioned to Australian safety standards
• Include robust fault detection and isolation systems
• Feature clear identification and safe access points

3. Choose the Right Type of Switchboard

Different applications call for different switchboard configurations. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types:

• Main Switchboards (MSB): Distribute incoming power from the utility or transformer to sub-boards. Typically installed at the site’s main entry point.
• Distribution Boards (DB): Subdivide the power supply to various circuits or departments within a facility.
• Motor Control Centres (MCC): Designed to control and protect electric motors, often used in industrial and manufacturing sites.

Working with a supplier who understands these differences is key to getting the right setup for your operation.

4. Consider Future Growth

Power needs rarely stay the same. A good switchboard should be designed with scalability in mind, allowing for the addition of new circuits, increased loads, or integration with automation and monitoring systems.

Features such as modular design, spare capacity, and space for future upgrades will save you significant costs down the track.

5. Quality Manufacturing and Professional Installation Matter

Switchboards are critical infrastructure. Opting for low-cost, low-quality products may lead to performance issues, safety hazards or costly downtime.

Partner with an engineering team that:

• Uses high-grade components
• Offers custom-built switchboards tailored to your site
• Performs factory acceptance testing (FAT)
• Ensures compliant, tidy and safe installation by licensed electricians

Why Choose Innovent Engineering for Your Switchboard Needs?

At Innovent Engineering, we design, manufacture and install premium-quality electrical switchboards tailored to industrial and commercial environments across Australia.

From MSBs to MCCs and DBs, we deliver solutions that are:

• Fully compliant with AS/NZS standards
• Built to handle harsh Australian conditions
• Scalable for future growth
• Engineered for reliability, safety and ease of maintenance

Our team of experienced electrical engineers, draftspeople and project managers across sectors such as mining, energy, infrastructure and manufacturing bring a wealth of knowledge to the business. We don’t just build switchboards, we engineer long-term electrical solutions that power performance.

Switchboard Capabilities:

• Custom design and drafting
• Modular and fixed configurations
• IP-rated enclosures for challenging environments
• Integration with SCADA and automation systems
• Commissioning and ongoing support
• Arc Flash assessment and mitigation

Partner with Innovent Engineering

Choosing the right electrical switchboard isn’t just about hardware —  it’s about having the right partner behind it.

Innovent Engineering is your trusted provider of end-to-end electrical switchboard solutions. We combine technical precision with practical experience to deliver results that work in the real world to protect, perform and comply.

Whether you’re scoping a new development or upgrading legacy infrastructure, talk to our team today and discover how we can help you power your site safely, reliably and efficiently.

Contact Innovent Engineering today to discuss the right switchboard solution for your site.