What ratings must switchboards and panel boards have for safety?

Switchboards and panel boards must have appropriate Short-Circuit Current Ratings (SCCR) for safety, as these ratings indicate the maximum short-circuit current that the equipment can safely withstand without damage or risking safety hazards like fire or electrical shock. The SCCR is essential for ensuring that the equipment can operate without failure during a fault condition, which could otherwise lead to catastrophic consequences including equipment damage, injury, or loss of life.

Ensuring that switchboards and panel boards are rated for the expected short-circuit currents in an electrical system helps to protect not only the equipment itself but also the entire electrical installation and personnel working with or near the equipment. Compliance with these ratings is a key aspect of electrical safety standards and helps maintain the integrity of the electrical supply system during fault conditions.