Electric Board Panel in Pakistan: Sheet Steel Panels for Shops, Workshops and Buildings, Incomer MCCB, Busbars, Meters and Rates
An electric board panel is a sheet steel cabinet that houses the incomer, busbars, breakers and meters for a shop, workshop, factory or building, and it is a step above the plastic distribution board used in homes. This page explains what goes inside, how a panel is built, indicative rates, what to ask a panel maker and the safety checks. For homes see distribution boards and for the breakers see MCCB breakers.
What a panel is for
A panel receives the supply, protects it and splits it into circuits for a building. It can include a main MCCB, a changeover switch for the generator, meters, surge protection and many outgoing breakers. Panels are chosen when the load is too big or too varied for a plastic board.
What goes inside
- Incomer. A main MCCB or isolator.
- Busbars. Copper bars that carry current to the outgoing breakers.
- Outgoing breakers. MCBs and MCCBs for each circuit.
- Metering. Voltmeter, ammeter and sometimes energy meter.
- Changeover. A changeover switch or ATS for generator use.
Indicative rates
Rates depend on size, components and brand. These indicative ranges show common figures for the empty enclosure and for finished small panels.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Empty sheet steel enclosure, small | PKR 3,500 - 12,000 |
| Empty enclosure, large floor-standing | PKR 25,000 - 100,000 |
| Finished small shop panel, mid brands | PKR 30,000 - 90,000 |
| Finished workshop panel with MCCBs | PKR 90,000 - 400,000 |
| Voltmeter or ammeter, panel | PKR 2,000 - 8,000 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
How a panel is built
A good panel uses sheet steel of 1.2 to 2 mm, powder coating, a gasket on the door, copper busbars sized for the current, neat labelled wiring with ferrules, proper cable glands and an earth bar. Cheap panels use thin sheet, aluminium bars and untidy wiring that overheat.
Sizing
The panel must be sized for the total load plus growth, with space for extra breakers. A panel maker or electrician should draw a single-line diagram. Allow at least 20 percent spare space. Keep air gaps for heat, and use a fan or louvres where the ambient heat is high.
What to ask a panel maker
- Single-line diagram. A drawing of the layout.
- Component brands. Written in the quote.
- Busbar material and size. Copper rating.
- IP rating. Dust and water protection.
- Testing. What tests are done before delivery.
Safety
Panels carry large currents. They should be earthed, labelled and protected with an RCCB where required. Fixed wiring should be done by a licensed electrician. Keep the door closed, keep the area clear and never work on a live panel.
Compared with a plastic board
A plastic distribution board is cheaper and suits homes and small shops. A steel panel suits higher loads, heat, dust and commercial use. Choose by load and environment, not by size alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a sheet steel cabinet that houses the incomer, busbars, breakers and meters for a shop, workshop, factory or building. It is used where the load is too big or too varied for a plastic board. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
An empty small enclosure is about PKR 3,500 to 12,000. A finished small shop panel is about PKR 30,000 to 90,000 in mid brands, and a workshop panel with MCCBs about PKR 90,000 to 400,000. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Thick powder-coated steel, copper busbars sized for the current, neat labelled wiring, cable glands, an earth bar and a gasketed door. Ask for a single-line diagram and the brands in writing. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
At least 20 percent for extra breakers later, plus air space for heat. A crowded panel overheats and is hard to service. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Yes, for socket and lighting circuits where people may touch equipment. An electrician should plan the protection for each outgoing circuit. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Send the details and a photo on WhatsApp. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate that lists the model, size, warranty and delivery, so you can compare it with other quotes on the same scope. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Planning a panel?
Send the details and a photo. We reply with a written rate.