Electrical Switchboards for Manufacturing Environments

Electrical switchboards act as centralized hubs that distribute, control, and protect electrical power throughout a plant’s operations. From automated assembly lines to heavy-duty machinery, every system depends on stable and efficient power distribution to operate safely and continuously.

At Recore, we understand how vital that reliability is. Our team of industrial electricians recently completed a precision switchboard installation for our design/build project “Phoenix” in Chester, South Carolina. This installation represents not only the quality of our craftsmanship but also the next chapter in our growing capabilities. As Recore expands, our UL-certified product line will focus on designing and producing custom switchboards built for performance, safety, and adaptability in any environment.

The Role of Electrical Switchboards in Manufacturing

An electrical switchboard functions as the central distribution point for incoming power from utilities or generators. It routes that power to various equipment, production lines, and systems throughout a facility. In manufacturing environments, switchboards must handle high electrical loads, withstand harsh conditions, and support continuous operations with minimal downtime.

Key functions include:

• Power distribution: Routing electricity safely and efficiently to multiple circuits and machines.
• Protection: Housing protective devices such as circuit breakers and fuses that prevent overloads or faults.
• Control: Allowing operators and maintenance personnel to isolate, monitor, and adjust systems as needed.
• Monitoring: Integrating with sensors or control systems to provide data on voltage, current, and performance metrics.

These systems are crucial for ensuring operational continuity, worker safety, and energy efficiency. A properly designed switchboard provides a foundation for productivity and helps facilities meet both regulatory and operational standards.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), improper electrical system design or maintenance is one of the leading causes of industrial accidents. OSHA requires that electrical equipment used in industrial settings be constructed and maintained in a way that prevents hazards such as arc flash, ground faults, or shock hazards. This underscores why custom switchboards designed for a specific application, built to UL and National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, are critical for manufacturing facilities.

Custom Design and UL Certification

Recore switchboards are UL certified, meaning they have been rigorously tested to meet safety and performance standards established by Underwriters Laboratories, one of the world’s most trusted safety organizations. UL certification demonstrates compliance with applicable electrical codes and provides confidence that each unit will operate safely under expected conditions.

Every manufacturing operation has unique electrical demands. Some facilities operate heavy machinery that requires high-amperage circuits. Others rely on sensitive automation and control systems that need precise voltage regulation and surge protection. Off-the-shelf switchboards often cannot accommodate such diverse requirements.

Recore’s custom design process begins by analyzing the client’s facility layout, equipment specifications, and operational goals. From there, our engineering and fabrication teams work together to create a switchboard that fits the physical space, load requirements, and long-term scalability of the plant.

Our attention to detail extends beyond performance. Each switchboard is designed for:

• Accessibility: Safe and convenient maintenance access for electricians.
• Safety: Clear labeling, arc-flash mitigation features, and protective enclosures.
• Integration: Compatibility with plant automation, SCADA, and energy management systems.
• Quality: Heavy-gauge steel enclosures, precision wiring, and high-reliability components.

This approach results in switchboards that not only meet safety and code requirements but also contribute to long-term operational efficiency.

Why Manufacturers Are Turning to Custom Switchboards

Modern manufacturing is increasingly automated and data-driven. Downtime caused by electrical issues can halt production, disrupt supply chains, and result in costly losses. Custom-built switchboards offer advantages that off-the-shelf solutions cannot provide.

1. Tailored to specific load demands
Manufacturers often run diverse equipment with different voltage, frequency, and current requirements. Custom switchboards allow each circuit to be designed around these exact parameters.

2. Space optimization
Every square foot of floor space matters in a manufacturing facility. Custom fabrication allows the switchboard to fit the available footprint while maintaining safety clearances and accessibility.

3. Enhanced reliability and longevity
By selecting components rated for the actual environment and load profile, custom switchboards reduce the risk of premature failure or overheating.

4. Improved safety and compliance
Custom units can incorporate safety interlocks, grounding systems, and advanced protection devices to meet or exceed OSHA and NEC requirements.

5. Easier maintenance and expansion
Facilities evolve over time. A well-designed switchboard includes modular panels and clear labeling for future expansion or equipment changes.

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), custom electrical systems that integrate safety and monitoring technology can reduce energy losses and improve reliability across industrial operations. These innovations align with Recore’s mission to support efficiency and modernization across manufacturing environments.

How Recore Adds Value

Recore’s commitment to excellence in industrial electrical contracting. By adding in-house switchboard fabrication and certification capabilities, we provide clients with greater control over lead times, customization, and quality assurance.

Our process involves:

1. Design Collaboration: Working with clients to define electrical load profiles, system layout, and safety requirements.
2. Fabrication: Building UL-certified switchboards using premium materials and precision assembly.
3. Testing: Conducting factory acceptance tests (FAT) and on-site commissioning to verify performance.
4. Documentation: Delivering detailed wiring diagrams, labeling, and inspection reports.
5. Ongoing Support: Providing maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades as facilities expand or update their systems.

This full-cycle approach allows us to stand behind every product that leaves our facility.

Looking Ahead: Growing with Our Clients

Recore’s first switchboard sale, completed before the unit even left our shop, reflects the growing demand for trusted, responsive partners in industrial power systems. As we continue to scale production, our goal is to support manufacturers with equipment that meets their operational, safety, and sustainability goals.

Future developments will include expanded production capabilities, advanced monitoring integrations, and continued investment in training and technology. Our mission is to remain at the forefront of innovation while maintaining the craftsmanship and reliability our clients expect.

Whether it’s a single switchboard installation or a large-scale power distribution project, Recore brings precision, professionalism, and partnership to every job.

Conclusion

Electrical switchboards are the foundation of power distribution in manufacturing. They provide the control, protection, and reliability that allow facilities to operate efficiently and safely. Recores’ expansion into UL-certified, custom-built switchboards represents a major step forward in serving the industrial market.

From our precision installation at the Phoenix project to our growing production capabilities, Recore continues to deliver quality products that meet the toughest demands. We look forward to powering the next generation of manufacturing operations, one switchboard at a time.