Rosslyn, VA, May 24, 2006 -- The Low Voltage Distribution Equipment Panelboard and Distribution Board Product Group of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), has published two revised standards covering panelboards and distribution switchboards. PB 1-2006, Panelboards, and PB 2-2006, Deadfront Distribution Switchboards, have been revised for the first time since 2000 and 2001, respectively.

PB 1-2006 is a general standard for panelboards providing information on panelboard types, voltage ratings, short-circuit current ratings, construction requirements, and test procedures.

PB 2-2006 covers floor-mounted deadfront switchboards rated 6000 amperes or less, 600 volts or less, which consist of an enclosure, molded case circuit breakers, low-voltage power circuit breakers, fusible or non-fusible switches, instruments, metering equipment, monitoring equipment, or control equipment, with associated interconnections and supporting structures. These units are used in the distribution of electricity for light, heat, and power.

"PB 1 and PB 2 provide a common understanding within the electrical community for the purchase, testing, application, and use of panelboards and switchboards," says Kevin J. Lippert, chairman of the NEMA LVDE 02 Panelboard and Distribution Board Product Group. "This is very helpful for manufacturers, specifiers, and users of these products. Changes to these documents include updates of references to the latest edition of other referenced codes and standards. In addition, the enclosure type designations were modified to reflect the most recent terminology in NEMA 250."

PB 1-2006 may be viewed or purchased for $59 by visiting www.nema.org/stds/pb1.cfm; PB 2-2006 may be viewed or purchased for $59 by visiting www.nema.org/stds/pb2.cfm or by contacting Global Engineering Documents at 800-854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956 (international), 303-397-2740 (fax), or on the Internet at global.ihs.com.