The commonly used distribution boards are made of wood and metal. Because the protection grade of metal distribution boards is higher, metal distribution boards are more used.

Classification by structural characteristics and purpose:

1. Protective (i.e. closed) switchgear refers to a low-voltage switchgear whose sides are closed except the installation surface. The switch, protection, monitoring and control and other electrical components of this cabinet are installed in a closed shell made of steel or insulating materials, which can be reliably installed on or off the wall. No isolation measures can be taken between each circuit in the cabinet, or grounded metal plate or insulating plate can be used for isolation. Generally, the door is mechanically interlocked with the main switch. In addition, there is a protective desk type switch cabinet (i.e. console), which is equipped with control, measurement, signal and other electrical appliances. The protective switch cabinet is mainly used as the power distribution device on the process site.

2. Drawer type switch cabinet. This kind of switch cabinet is made of closed shell made of steel plate, and the electrical components of incoming and outgoing circuit are installed in withdrawable drawers to form a functional unit that can complete a certain type of power supply task. Functional units are separated from buses or cables by grounded metal plates or functional plates made of plastic to form three areas of buses, functional units and cables. Isolation measures are also taken between each functional unit. Drawer type switch cabinet has high reliability, safety and interchangeability. It is a relatively advanced switch cabinet. Most of the switch cabinets refer to drawer type switch cabinets. They are applicable to industrial and mining enterprises and high-rise buildings that require high power supply reliability, and serve as centralized control distribution centers.

3. Fixed panel switchgear, often called switch board or distribution panel. It is an open switch cabinet with panel blocking. The front has protective effect, and the back and side can still touch the live parts. The protection level is low. It can only be used for industrial and mining enterprises with low requirements for power supply continuity and reliability for centralized power supply in the substation.

4. Power and lighting distribution control box. Mostly closed vertical installation. Due to different use occasions, the protection grade of the shell is also different. They are mainly used as power distribution devices at the production site of industrial and mining enterprises.