Share this post
Share this post
When designing low-voltage switchboards, it’s essential to ensure the solution meets the end user’s specific requirements. However, meeting those needs by overengineering can quickly drive up costs and make the solution less competitive. The key lies in finding the right balance — delivering exactly what’s required for performance, safety, and reliability, without unnecessary complexity or expense.
With the CUBIC Modular System, panel builders can meet individual customer needs efficiently and competitively. Its modularity and versatility allow the construction of virtually any type of switchboard, while the wide range of insert solutions for electrical components adds extensive configuration options. This enables customized solutions that precisely match end-user requirements — without adding unnecessary cost or design complexity.
In this way, investments can be perfectly aligned with the required levels of personal and operational safety, resulting in optimal and competitive switchboard solutions.
The CUBIC Modular System offers a wide range of options for integrating electrical components. These insert solutions include DIN Rails, MIB, MCS, MPI, Plug-in, Plug-in+, Multi Drawer, and Certified Circuit Breaker Sections — each with distinct advantages.
One of the greatest benefits is the flexibility it gives panel builders to configure a solution that perfectly meets the end user’s specific requirements, without oversizing or being limited to a single system type.
However, the extensive range of possibilities can also make it more complex to identify the optimal configuration for a given project. To simplify this process, we have developed a model that positions each insert solution in relation to investment level and the corresponding levels of personal and operational safety. The model provides a clear overview of the options, helping to guide the selection of the most suitable approach.
For maximum competitiveness, several insert solutions can be combined within the same switchboard — even within the same section. With further adjustments available for each insert type, the solution can be fine-tuned to meet the exact end-user requirements, once again demonstrating the exceptional versatility of the CUBIC Modular System.
The model positions the insert solutions of the Modular System in relation to investment and personal and operational safety.
The investment level is influenced by factors such as price, project scope, and the required ampere level. As end-user requirements become more advanced, the configuration options naturally become more complex — which in turn increases the investment level. The same applies as project size and ampere level grow.
The CUBIC Modular System supports solutions up to 6300A, covering a wide spectrum of applications and requirements. For smaller installations, our individual panel systems — CPS25 and the BSM Box System — are ideal for distribution boards up to 800A. And for compact, wall-mounted distribution boards, the Cu-mini system offers a reliable solution up to 250A.
n the model, personal and operational safety refers to the ability to perform work on the switchboard while it remains in operation — without exposing personnel to hazards or causing unnecessary downtime during maintenance or modification.
At CUBIC, personal safety is always a top priority across all configuration options. Some configurations, however, take safety a step further by incorporating features that enhance operational safety during everyday use and maintenance.
For example, the Multi Drawer system offers a fully withdrawable function, allowing safe and efficient maintenance or modification of the switchboard without disconnecting the main supply.
As a general rule, the right configuration should be selected based on which option best meets the end-user’s requirements in terms of investment level and personal and operational safety.
For instance, end-users in the oil and gas industry often require a high level of operational safety and the ability to maintain or modify switchboards without downtime, as even brief interruptions in production can lead to significant financial losses. In such cases, the withdrawable Multi Drawer system is typically the preferred choice. Its design allows electrical components to be mounted in interchangeable drawer units that can be safely replaced or operated without disconnecting the main supply.
In other environments, operational safety may not be as critical. For example, in offices, shopping centers, or schools, maintenance and modifications can usually be scheduled outside working hours to avoid disruptions. Here, other factors such as cost, delivery, and installation time become the deciding criteria. For projects up to 800A, both the CPS25 and BSM Box System are ideal solutions. For higher ampere levels, the CUBIC Modular System with fixed inserts, such as MPI, MIB, MCS, or DIN-Rails, offers the most suitable and efficient configuration.
Components mounted
on DIN-Rail
Fully withdrawable
Multi Drawers
Circuit Breaker Section
with a large outgoing
Air Circuit Breaker
In the CUBIC Modular System several insert solutions can be used in the same switchboard – even in the same column – to configure compact and competitive solutions.
As long as you are able to verify that the power loss generated by the ACB does not increase the temperature enough to exceed the maximum operational temperature for the components above, then there is no issue in combining multiple solutions in the same column.
Components mounted
on DIN-Rail
Fully withdrawable
Multi Drawers
Circuit Breaker Section
with a large outgoing
Air Circuit Breaker
In the CUBIC Modular System several insert solutions can be used in the same switchboard – even in the same column – to configure compact and competitive solutions.
As long as you are able to verify that the power loss generated by the ACB does not increase the temperature enough to exceed the maximum operational temperature for the components above, then there is no issue in combining multiple solutions in the same column.
Remember, several configuration options are often used in the same switchboard for large projects as combining configurations to meet the exact need ensures both competitiveness and a technically safe and efficient solution for the end-user.
At last, the best-fitting configuration options should always be selected based on the individual end-user’s requirements related to investment and personal and operational safety.
First published on June 27, 2023.
Last updated on November 4, 2025.
