Electric panels, also referred to as electrical or distribution panels, constitute vital elements in electrical systems, facilitating the management and distribution of electrical power within a building or facility. These panels assume a pivotal role in overseeing and safeguarding electrical circuits by offering a centralized hub for circuit breakers, fuses, and other essential devices. The sizing and types of electric panels vary, contingent upon the specific needs and requirements of the served building or facility, encompassing main service panels, subpanels, and distribution boards. The configuration and constituents within an electric panel may differ, influenced by the electrical code and regulations applicable in a given region. The significance of these panels lies in their critical role in ensuring the safe and effective distribution of electrical power throughout a structure.
A variety of electric panels have been designed to cater to specific purposes and voltage levels. These include distribution panels, main service panels, subpanels, control panels, motor control panels, generator control panels, low tension panels (LT panels), high tension panels (HT panels), power factor correction panels, feeder pillars, instrumentation panels, and bus ducts. These electric panels fulfill diverse functions and play pivotal roles as essential components in electrical systems, ensuring efficient control, protection, and distribution of power. The selection of a particular panel type is contingent upon the application, voltage requirements, and the intricacy of the electrical system. In this analysis, we will specifically examine LT panels and HT panels.
This analysis reveals that government agencies in India actively procure electrical panels for various purposes, including infrastructure upgrades, expansion and new construction projects, enhancement of safety measures, initiatives aimed at energy efficiency, integration of smart technologies, protection of critical infrastructure, and the incorporation of renewable energy sources. In the preceding year (2023), a total of 461 departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs) in India collectively released 5029 tenders for electrical panels. Among these, Uttar Pradesh issued 606 tenders, West Bengal advertised 402 tenders, and Maharashtra published 319 tenders, securing the top position.
Electrical Panel tenders were announced to serve diverse purposes. For instance, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, issued a tender for the fabrication, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of electrical panels, along with laying and other associated electrical works. BPCL Gujarat invited a tender for the supply and installation of a Motor Control Center Electrical Panel. The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) published a tender for replacing old, obsolete electrical panel boards.
LT Panel (Low tension panel)
An LT Panel, also recognized as a low voltage (LV) panel, is crafted for the regulation of electrical power at low voltage levels, typically below 1000 volts. Widely employed in residential, commercial, and industrial environments, LT panels play a pivotal role in distributing power to diverse loads within a facility, encompassing lighting, motors, and other electrical devices. These panels typically incorporate circuit breakers, meters, and additional protective devices, ensuring the controlled and secure management of electrical circuits operating at lower voltage levels. LT panels come in various types based on their specific functions and applications such as main LT panel, motor control center, power control center, distribution board (DB), automatic power factor correction (APFC) panel, lighting distribution board (LDB), metering panel, control desk panel, feeder pillar, and changeover panel.
Various government sectors released a total of 218 tenders related to LT panels. For example, the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Federation Limited (UPCFL) in Uttar Pradesh issued a tender for the installation of a new LT panel in the LT panel room. Similarly, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HSEB) invited a tender for a 25 KVA LT Panel Box. Additionally, the Assam Cotton University published a tender for the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the main LT panel and associated works in the 11kV sub-station of Cotton University.
LT panel tenders are issued for both indoor and outdoor applications. Indoor LT panels serve the purpose of distributing and controlling electrical power within a building, catering to loads such as lighting, motors, and other equipment. On the other hand, outdoor LT panels are utilized for distributing power to outdoor loads, including streetlights, pumps, or other utilities. The selection between indoor and outdoor LT panels is contingent upon the specific application and the environmental conditions at the installation site. For example, IOCL in Bihar released a tender for the supply and supervision of installation, commissioning, and testing of 415V, 800A, and 415V, 630A indoor LT panels, complete with all accessories for the Barauni Pump Station. In contrast, the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company (Mahatranso) issued a tender for the supply of an LT outdoor feeder pillar box.
HT Panel (High Tension panel)
An HT panel, also referred to as a high voltage (HV) panel, is engineered to manage elevated voltage levels, generally exceeding 1000 volts. Predominantly utilized in industrial environments, power substations, and locations where electricity is transmitted at higher voltages, HT panels play a pivotal role in the transmission and distribution of electrical power from power stations to diverse substations. These panels incorporate essential equipment, including circuit breakers, transformers, and other devices meticulously designed to address the unique challenges posed by high-voltage systems. Various types of HT panels are indoor HT panel, outdoor HT panel, power control center (PCC) panel, motor control center (MCC) panel, automatic power factor correction panel, feeder pillar, DG synchronization panel, transformer HT panel, bus coupler panel, gas insulated switchgear panel, and protection relay panel.
A total of 114 HT panel tenders are advertised by various government agencies for procuring various types of HT panels. For instance, DDP, Maharashtra invited a tender for Supply, Installation, Testing and commissioning of a 12 kV HT panel. Similarly, Hindustan Urvarak Rasayan Limited (HURL), Jharkhand invited a tender for procurement of new 11 kV HT panels for settling tank and intake well facilities. Additionally, Madras Fertilizer Limited (MFL), in Tamil Nadu published a tender for design, supply, erection, testing and commissioning of 3.3 KV, 1250A, 25KA HT indoor line-up Vaccum Circuit Breaker (VCB) Panel.
These electrical panel tenders are invited for repair and maintenance of both LT and HT panels. For example, the Haryana government invited a tender for repairing of LT Panel, Auto Panel and Service of Generator at Haryana Panchayat Bhawan. Similarly, Chandigarh Municipal Corporation published a tender for Repair and servicing of HT panels by replacement of defective parts at Water Works Sector 26 Chandigarh. Likewise, tenders are invited for replacement of old damaged panels such as ISRO Karnataka invited a tender for replacement of old LT Panels with new ones at ISITE Campus, Marathahalli, Bengaluru. CPWD, Punjab invited a tender for Replacement of Internal Electrical Installation, Feeder Pillars & Sub-Station Equipments (LT Panel, HT Panel, APFC Panel) at ESI Hospital, Jalandhar(Pb).
As of January 11th, 2024, there are currently 196 active tenders for electrical panels across different states. Uttar Pradesh leads with 42 tenders, accounting for 21% of the total. Following closely, West Bengal has 41 tenders (21%), Maharashtra has 33 tenders (17%), Delhi has 21 tenders (11%), and both Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir each have 20 tenders. Gujarat is also actively involved with 19 tenders.
This analysis shows that the procurement of electrical panels is driven by the need to modernize infrastructure, enhance safety, promote energy efficiency, integrate new technologies, and ensure the reliable distribution of electricity for various applications across government agencies and PSUs. Manufacturers of electrical panels are recommended to actively monitor and participate in relevant tender processes to seize the benefits and business opportunities linked with them.