Panel boards are essential in any electrical installation, whether for residential, commercial, or industrial projects. In this blog post you will learn about the latest panel board price list for the year 2024 in the Philippines. But before we dive in, let’s learn first the use and importance of panel board.
In any building—whether residential, commercial, or industrial—electricity distribution must be safe, efficient, and well-organized. This is where a panel board (also known as a distribution board or breaker panel) comes in. It serves as the central hub that controls and distributes electrical power throughout a structure.
If you’re planning a construction project in the Philippines, understanding panel boards is crucial for safety, compliance, and cost-efficiency.
What is a Panel Board?
A panel board is an enclosed electrical component that houses circuit breakers, fuses, and busbars to distribute electricity from the main power supply to different circuits in a building. It acts as a control center, protecting electrical systems from overloads and short circuits.
Key Components of a Panel Board:
Main Circuit Breaker – Controls the entire power supply to the building.
Branch Circuit Breakers – Individual switches for different areas (e.g., lighting, outlets, appliances).
Busbars – Metal strips that conduct electricity to breakers.
Neutral & Ground Bars – Provides safe pathways for excess current.
Enclosure (DB Box) – Protects components from dust, moisture, and physical damage.
Uses of Panel Boards in Construction
Panel boards are vital in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Here’s how they’re used:
1. Residential Buildings
Distributes power to lights, sockets, air conditioners, and kitchen appliances.
Prevents electrical fires by tripping during overloads.
Allows easy maintenance and troubleshooting (e.g., shutting off power to a single room).
2. Commercial & Office Spaces
Handles higher power demands for computers, HVAC systems, and lighting.
Ensures uninterrupted power supply (UPS) compatibility for critical equipment.
Complies with Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) standards for safety.
3. Industrial & Manufacturing Plants
Manages heavy machinery, motors, and three-phase (3P) systems.
Includes MCCBs (Molded Case Circuit Breakers) for high-current protection.
Supports automatic transfer switches (ATS) for generator backup.
Why Are Panel Boards Important in Construction?
1. Safety & Fire Prevention
Prevents electrical fires by cutting off power during faults.
Reduces risks of electric shocks and short circuits.
2. Organized Power Distribution
Divides electricity into smaller, manageable circuits.
Allows selective power shutdowns (e.g., maintenance without turning off the entire building).
3. Compliance with Electrical Codes
Required by the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) for all buildings.
Ensures legal approval from inspectors (e.g., MERALCO for power connection).
4. Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings
Prevents power wastage by balancing loads.
Reduces long-term repair costs by avoiding electrical damage.
5. Future-Proofing Electrical Systems
Supports expansions (e.g., adding solar panels or EV chargers).
Accommodates smart home automation (e.g., Wi-Fi-enabled breakers).
Choosing the Right Panel Board
When selecting a panel board for your project, consider:
✔ Amperage Rating – Match it with your building’s power demand.
✔ Number of Circuits – More circuits = more flexibility.
✔ Brand & Quality – Schneider, Square D, and Legrand are top choices.
✔ PEC Compliance – Must pass Philippine safety standards.
Factors Affecting Panel Board Prices
Brand – Premium brands like Schneider, Square D, and Legrand cost more but offer better durability.
Amperage & Phase – Higher amperage and 3-phase panels are more expensive.
Number of Circuits – More circuits mean higher costs.
Inclusions – Some panels come with breakers, while others are sold separately.
Supplier & Location – Prices may vary between Metro Manila and provincial suppliers.
Panel Board Price List 2024 in the Philippines
Below is a comprehensive price table for panel boards available in the Philippines as of 2024. Prices may vary depending on brand, supplier, and location.
| Specification | Unit | Price (PHP) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Circuit Breaker Panel Board (100A, 1-Phase) | set | ₱4,500 - ₱6,800 | Cebu Electrical Supply |
| Main Circuit Breaker Panel Board (200A, 3-Phase) | set | ₱12,000 - ₱18,000 | Omni Electrical |
| Sub Panel Board (60A, 12 Circuits) | set | ₱3,500 - ₱5,200 | Wilcon Depot |
| Sub Panel Board (100A, 16 Circuits) | set | ₱6,000 - ₱8,500 | Citi Hardware |
| Surface-Type Panel Board (8 Circuits) | set | ₱2,800 - ₱4,000 | ElectroWorld |
| Flush-Type Panel Board (12 Circuits) | set | ₱3,500 - ₱5,500 | Ace Hardware |
| 3-Phase Distribution Panel (225A, 42 Circuits) | set | ₱25,000 - ₱35,000 | Square D Philippines |
| MCCB Panel Board (400A, 3-Phase) | set | ₱40,000 - ₱60,000 | Legrand Philippines |
| ATS Panel (Automatic Transfer Switch, 100A) | set | ₱15,000 - ₱25,000 | Schneider Electric PH |
| DB Box Only (Empty, 12-way) | set | ₱1,500 - ₱3,000 | Royu Lighting |
| Industrial Panel Board (600A, 3-Phase) | set | ₱70,000 - ₱120,000 | Meralco Industrial Engineering |
| Solar-Ready Panel Board (100A, Hybrid) | set | ₱12,000 - ₱18,000 | Solaric Philippines |
Need an Excel copy of this table? Download here
When reviewing the 2024 Panel Board Price List in the Philippines, it’s crucial to understand what is included, excluded, and other key considerations that may affect the final cost. Below are important clarifications to help you budget accurately.
✅ What’s Typically INCLUDED in the Price?
Panel Enclosure (DB Box) – The metal or plastic housing of the panel board.
Main Circuit Breaker (for some models) – Some pre-assembled panels include a main breaker.
Busbars & Neutral/Ground Bars – Standard internal components for wiring connections.
Knockouts & Cable Entry Points – Pre-cut holes for wire routing.
❌ What’s Usually NOT INCLUDED?
Branch Circuit Breakers – Most panel boards are sold empty; breakers (AFCI, GFCI, MCB) are priced separately.
Labor & Installation Costs – Electrician fees (typically ₱5,000 – ₱20,000 depending on complexity).
Additional Accessories – Surge protectors, ATS modules, or smart monitoring systems.
Wiring & Conduits – Cables and pipes are billed separately.
Key Considerations When Buying a Panel Board
1. Brand Reputation & Quality
Premium brands (e.g., Schneider, Square D, Legrand) cost more but offer better durability and compliance with Philippine Electrical Code (PEC).
Budget brands (e.g., Royu, Chint, GE) are cheaper but may have shorter lifespans.
2. Load Capacity (Amperage & Phase)
Residential: 60A–200A (1-Phase)
Commercial/Industrial: 200A–600A (3-Phase)
Higher amperage = Higher cost
3. Type of Panel Board
| Type | Best For | Price Range (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Breaker Panel | Whole-house distribution | ₱4,500 – ₱18,000 |
| Sub Panel | Additional circuits (e.g., garage, solar) | ₱3,500 – ₱8,500 |
| MCCB Panel | Heavy-duty industrial use | ₱40,000 – ₱120,000 |
| Solar-Ready Panel | Hybrid solar systems | ₱12,000 – ₱25,000 |
4. Supplier Markups & Location
Prices in Metro Manila may be 10–20% higher due to logistics.
Provincial suppliers (e.g., Cebu, Davao) might offer discounts for bulk orders.
5. Compliance & Safety Certifications
Ensure the panel board is PEC-compliant and has:
IC (Interrupting Capacity) rating matching your area’s fault current.
UL or IEC certification for international standards.
Pro Tip: Always Request a Breakdown
Before purchasing, ask the supplier for a detailed quotation specifying:
Whether the price includes breakers.
Warranty coverage (usually 1–5 years).
Installation terms (if bundled).
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right panel board is critical for safety and efficiency in any electrical system. Prices in 2024 range from ₱2,800 for basic panels up to ₱120,000 for industrial-grade setups. Always compare brands and suppliers to get the best deal.
For the most updated prices, check the supplier links provided above or visit local hardware stores.
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