A system and method for selecting a primary blade in a multi-module fibre channel switch with plural blades is provided. The system includes a state machine for sending exchangeable blade parameter(s) ("EBP") to the plural blades; and determining if a primary blade flag is set. If the primary blade flag is set, selecting the blade with the EBP priority number. If the primary blade flag is not selected, then selecting a blade with an EBP priority number if the EBP priority number is less than a retained priority number.