{"id":1968,"date":"2026-10-23T07:17:32","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T07:17:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.enggpro.com\/blogs\/?p=1968"},"modified":"2026-10-22T07:20:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T07:20:20","slug":"types-of-electrical-panels-pcc-mcc-apfc-vfd-and-distribution-panels-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.enggpro.com\/blogs\/types-of-electrical-panels-pcc-mcc-apfc-vfd-and-distribution-panels-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Electrical Panels: PCC, MCC, APFC, VFD and Distribution Panels Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/b><\/h2>\n

Electrical panel terminology gets thrown around loosely in procurement conversations \u2014 PCC, MCC, APFC, VFD \u2014 but each refers to a distinct panel type with a specific job in a facility’s power distribution. This guide breaks down the common types so you can specify and source the right one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Power Control Centre (PCC)<\/b><\/h2>\n

The PCC is typically the main distribution point receiving incoming power (from a transformer or generator) and distributing it to downstream panels like MCCs and distribution boards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Used for:<\/b> Main incoming power distribution in industrial facilities, often the first panel after the transformer<\/span><\/p>\n

Motor Control Centre (MCC)<\/b><\/h2>\n

An MCC houses the starters, contactors, and protection devices for multiple motors in a facility, centralizing motor control and protection in one enclosure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Used for:<\/b> Facilities with multiple motor loads \u2014 pumps, fans, compressors \u2014 where centralized control and protection simplifies operation and maintenance<\/span><\/p>\n

Automatic Power Factor Correction (APFC) Panel<\/b><\/h2>\n

APFC panels automatically switch capacitor banks in and out of a circuit to maintain the power factor close to unity, reducing reactive power penalties on the electricity bill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Used for:<\/b> Facilities with inductive loads (motors, transformers) where power factor penalties are a cost concern \u2014 common in most medium-to-large industrial connections<\/span><\/p>\n

Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Panel<\/b><\/h2>\n

Houses VFDs that control motor speed by varying the frequency and voltage supplied, rather than running motors at fixed speed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Used for:<\/b> Applications needing variable motor speed \u2014 pumps and fans with varying load\/flow requirements, where VFDs also offer significant energy savings over fixed-speed operation with throttling<\/span><\/p>\n

Distribution Panels \/ Distribution Boards (DBs)<\/b><\/h2>\n

Smaller panels that distribute power from an upstream source to individual circuits \u2014 lighting, small equipment, plug loads.<\/span><\/p>\n

Used for:<\/b> Final-stage power distribution to end loads throughout a facility<\/span><\/p>\n

Quick Comparison<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Panel type<\/b><\/td>\nMain function<\/b><\/td>\nTypical location in system<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PCC<\/span><\/td>\nMain incoming power distribution<\/span><\/td>\nFirst panel after transformer\/generator<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MCC<\/span><\/td>\nCentralized motor control & protection<\/span><\/td>\nDownstream of PCC, feeding multiple motors<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
APFC<\/span><\/td>\nPower factor correction<\/span><\/td>\nParallel to main distribution, reduces reactive power penalty<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VFD Panel<\/span><\/td>\nVariable motor speed control<\/span><\/td>\nFeeding specific variable-speed motor loads<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Distribution Panel\/DB<\/span><\/td>\nFinal circuit distribution<\/span><\/td>\nEnd-stage, feeding lighting\/small loads<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What to Specify When Sourcing a Panel<\/b><\/h2>\n