ATS, MTS, MDP, DP, PP, LP Panels | Electrician Philippines

What is an Electrical Panel?

An Electrical Panel, also known as a distribution board or breaker panel, is a crucial component in any electrical system. It serves as the central hub that distributes electricity from a main power source (utility or generator) to various circuits within a building or facility. It houses circuit breakers or fuses that protect individual electrical circuits from overcurrent, short circuits, or electrical faults.

Components of an Electrical Panel:

Main Breaker:
- Controls the flow of power into the entire panel and can shut off all the circuits at once. It acts as the primary disconnect for the electrical system.
Circuit Breakers:
- Individual switches that control the flow of electricity to specific circuits. They are designed to “trip” and shut off power to a circuit in case of an overload, short circuit, or electrical fault.
Bus Bars:
- Metal strips or bars inside the panel that distribute power from the main breaker to individual circuit breakers. There are typically two types: a neutral bus bar and a ground bus bar.
Grounding Bar:
- A connection point for grounding wires, which ensures that in case of a fault, excess current is safely directed to the ground, reducing the risk of electric shock.
Neutral Bar:
- Provides a return path for the electrical current after it has flowed through the active or “hot” wires in the circuits.

Functions of an Electrical Panel:

Power Distribution:
- The electrical panel distributes electricity from the main power source to different circuits in the building, powering appliances, lighting, outlets, HVAC systems, and more.
Circuit Protection:
- It houses protective devices like circuit breakers or fuses, which help prevent damage to electrical devices and wiring by stopping the flow of electricity when faults like overloading or short circuits occur.
Power Management:
- The panel helps to manage the electrical load by separating circuits for different areas or types of equipment, ensuring balanced power distribution and avoiding overloads.
Safety:
- By including circuit protection devices, the electrical panel prevents electrical hazards, reducing the risk of fires, electrical shocks, or equipment damage.

Types of Electrical Panels:

Main Distribution Panel (MDP):
- The primary panel that receives power from the utility company and distributes it to sub-panels or directly to various circuits. It typically contains the main breaker, which controls the entire building’s power.
Sub-panel:
- A smaller panel that extends the capacity of the main panel. Sub-panels are used to distribute power to specific areas or equipment within a building. They are especially useful in large buildings or homes with multiple wings or outbuildings.
Lighting Panel (LP):
- A specialized panel dedicated to controlling and distributing power to lighting systems.
Power Panel (PP):
- Often used in industrial settings, a power panel distributes electricity to heavy machinery and equipment requiring high power.

1. ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) Panel

An Automatic Transfer Switch panel is responsible for switching the power supply from the main source (utility power) to a backup source, such as a generator, during a power outage. When normal utility power is restored, the ATS automatically transfers the load back to the main source.

Key components and functions include:

Sensing and switching between two power sources.
Ensuring continuity of power to critical loads during outages.
Used in commercial buildings, data centers, hospitals, etc. where an uninterrupted power supply is critical.

Purpose: Automatically transfers power from a primary source (like the utility grid) to a secondary source (like a generator) when it detects a failure or disruption in the primary power source.
Applications: Used in critical systems that cannot afford downtime, such as hospitals, data centers, and industrial facilities.
Operation: When the primary source fails, the ATS detects the problem and switches to the backup generator. Once the primary source is restored, the ATS reverts the power supply to it, ensuring a seamless transition.

2. MTS (Manual Transfer Switch) Panel

A Manual Transfer Switch panel serves the same function as an ATS, but the transfer between power sources (main power to generator or vice versa) is done manually by an operator. This system is typically simpler and less expensive than an ATS, and is commonly used in residential or small commercial installations.

Key features include:

Manual switching via a handle or lever.
Lower cost compared to ATS panels.
Ideal for smaller facilities where occasional power outages are less of a concern.

Purpose: Similar to ATS, but the switching between power sources is done manually.
Applications: Ideal for residential or small commercial buildings where automatic switching is not necessary.
Operation: Requires a person to physically switch the power from one source to another, typically from utility power to generator power.

3. MDP (Main Distribution Panel)

The Main Distribution Panel is where the electrical power enters a building or facility from the utility company. It distributes power to different sub-panels or directly to various loads (e.g., lighting, HVAC, machinery). The MDP houses circuit breakers or fuses to protect individual circuits and is a key component of the overall electrical system. Key aspects:

Receives and distributes power to the entire facility.
Houses protection devices (circuit breakers, fuses).
Main point for monitoring and controlling electrical distribution.

Purpose: The central panel that distributes electrical power to various circuits within a building or facility.
Applications: Used in commercial, industrial, and large residential buildings. It receives electricity from the utility or a generator and distributes it to subpanels or directly to various loads.
Components: It contains breakers or fuses to protect circuits and devices from overload and short circuits.
Key Function: Protects and isolates electrical circuits, ensuring that each circuit is properly protected with circuit breakers of the correct rating.

4. DP (Distribution Panel)

A Distribution Panel is similar to an MDP but serves as a sub-panel, distributing power to different sections or areas within a building. It typically receives power from the MDP and is used to organize the electrical load distribution for smaller areas or specific types of equipment. Key functions include:

Sub-distribution of power within a facility.
Increased organization of circuits for specific areas.
Circuit breakers or fuses to protect branch circuits.

Purpose: A panel that distributes electrical power from the main distribution panel to various sub-circuits in a building.
Applications: Found in both residential and commercial settings, where the power from the main panel needs to be routed to different sections or floors.
Operation: It ensures that each sub-circuit is independently protected, making it easier to isolate parts of a system for maintenance or troubleshooting.

5. PP (Power Panel)

A Power Panel generally refers to a panel that distributes electrical power to large mechanical or industrial loads. This could include heavy equipment like pumps, compressors, or manufacturing machinery. Power panels typically handle higher voltage and current compared to standard distribution panels and are often found in industrial settings. Characteristics include:

High capacity for larger electrical loads.
Industrial or commercial usage, handling high-power equipment.
Breakers and fuses for protection of heavy machinery.

Purpose: A specialized panel designed to handle high electrical loads, commonly used in commercial and industrial environments.
Applications: Used to distribute large amounts of power to heavy machinery, HVAC systems, and other large electrical equipment.
Components: Typically houses larger breakers, transformers, and sometimes motor control centers.
Key Function: Provides centralized control for power distribution in high-demand areas.

6. LP (Lighting Panel)

A Lighting Panel is a specialized distribution panel dedicated to the control and distribution of electrical power for lighting systems in a building. These panels are often designed to handle multiple lighting circuits and may include features like dimming control, timers, and automation. Key features include:

Dedicated to lighting circuits and loads.
Multiple circuit breakers for controlling lighting zones.
Ideal for commercial and large residential buildings where lighting control is essential.

Purpose: A panel that specifically manages the distribution of electrical power to lighting systems within a building.
Applications: Primarily used in commercial and large residential buildings to organize and control lighting circuits.
Operation: Contains multiple circuit breakers, each dedicated to a lighting circuit, ensuring that lighting is safely and efficiently distributed throughout the building.

Differences Between Panels:

ATS vs. MTS: ATS operates automatically, while MTS requires manual intervention.
MDP vs. DP: MDP is the main panel distributing power to the entire facility, while DP is a sub-panel distributing power to specific areas or sections.
PP vs. LP: Power panels serve heavy industrial loads, while lighting panels focus on lighting circuits.

Applications in Electrical Engineering

ATS Panels are critical for uninterrupted power supply in environments like hospitals, data centers, and telecom facilities.
MTS Panels are common in smaller residential and commercial installations where cost and complexity are concerns.
MDP and DP Panels are integral to the power distribution infrastructure in buildings, ensuring efficient power management.
PP Panels are crucial in industrial facilities with high-power equipment and machinery, while LP Panels handle lighting needs in buildings, providing convenience in managing complex lighting systems.

Common Considerations Across Panels

Safety: Circuit breakers or fuses are essential components in all types of panels to protect the system from overloading, short circuits, and electrical fires.
Control: Panels often provide both local and remote control for operating the circuits connected to them.
Maintenance: Panels should be regularly maintained and inspected to ensure they are operating correctly and in compliance with electrical codes, such as the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) or other relevant standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch)?

An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is an electrical device that automatically switches the power supply from a primary source (e.g., utility power) to a backup source (e.g., generator) when it detects a failure or disruption in the primary source.

What is an MTS (Manual Transfer Switch)?

A Manual Transfer Switch (MTS) allows manual switching between the main power source and a backup source. The user must physically change the power source by operating the switch.

What are the key differences between an ATS and an MTS?

ATS: Automatically transfers power between sources without user intervention, ideal for critical applications.

MTS: Requires manual operation to switch power sources, typically used in residential or smaller commercial settings.

Can an ATS work with any generator?

An ATS can work with most generators, but it should be compatible with the generator’s size, type, and load capacity. Always check the specifications before installation.

Where should an ATS or MTS be installed?

ATS: Typically installed in critical facilities like hospitals, data centers, and commercial buildings where automated backup power is essential.

MTS: Usually found in residential or small commercial installations where manual switching during outages is acceptable.

What is an MDP (Main Distribution Panel)?

An MDP (Main Distribution Panel) is a central hub in an electrical system that receives power from a main source (such as the utility grid or a generator) and distributes it to various subpanels or branch circuits throughout a building.

What is the purpose of an MDP?

The MDP distributes electrical power throughout a facility, protecting each circuit with breakers or fuses. It is responsible for preventing overloads and short circuits by ensuring each section of the building or system receives the correct voltage and current.

What components are found in an MDP?

Main Circuit Breaker: Controls the entire system’s power supply.
Individual Breakers: Protects branch circuits from overcurrent.
Busbars: Distributes the current to various circuit breakers.

What is a DP (Distribution Panel)?

A Distribution Panel (DP) is a type of electrical panel that receives power from the Main Distribution Panel (MDP) and further distributes it to various branch circuits or subpanels.

What is the purpose of a DP?

The DP divides electrical power into smaller circuits, each protected by a circuit breaker or fuse. It ensures the electrical load is evenly distributed and controlled within different sections or rooms of a facility.

Can a building have multiple DPs?

Yes, a building can have several distribution panels, especially in large facilities where power needs to be distributed across different floors or sections.

What is a PP (Power Panel)?

A Power Panel (PP) is an electrical panel designed to handle large amounts of power, typically for heavy electrical loads, such as machinery, large HVAC systems, or industrial equipment.

What is the function of a PP?

A PP distributes large electrical loads from the main source to high-power-consuming equipment in industrial and commercial settings. It is responsible for delivering stable and safe power to heavy-duty systems.

What is the difference between a Power Panel and a Distribution Panel?

A Power Panel handles much larger electrical loads, typically for industrial or large commercial applications. A Distribution Panel deals with smaller loads and distributes power to various circuits within a building.

What is an LP (Lighting Panel)?

A Lighting Panel (LP) is a dedicated electrical panel designed to control and distribute power specifically to lighting circuits within a building.

Why do I need a Lighting Panel?

An LP is useful in buildings where lighting circuits need to be organized and controlled separately from other electrical loads. It allows easy management, maintenance, and protection of lighting circuits.

What is the difference between an LP and a standard distribution panel?

A Lighting Panel is dedicated to lighting circuits, whereas a standard Distribution Panel supplies power to various types of loads (lighting, outlets, machinery, etc.).