Switchgear is a crucial part of an electric power system. It includes lightning arresters, indicating devices, current and potential transformer, circuit breaker, isolators, relays, switches, fuses, and much more.

The main purpose of switchgear is to protect electrical hardware from faulty situations.
 



What is Switchgear?

Electrical switchgear is an item that professionals connect to electric supply systems. They use this in both high and low-voltage power transformers.

The job of switchgear is to fix the faulty problems and de-energize the setup for maintenance.

For those who don’t know, there’s a huge current that will flow through the electric setup each time there is a flaw in the power system. This huge current can be damaging to the structure.

Aside from that, it can also disrupt the supply of current to the users. That is why electrical protection is vital when it comes to these conditions.

Electricians link the switchgear system directly to the supply system. They will install it in both the low and high-voltage sides of the power transformer. Most reliable mv switchgear manufacturers nowadays offer switchgear for the medium voltage side of the power transformer.

The automatic protective switchgear primarily consists of the circuit breaker and relay. Whenever a fault happens in any part of the system, the relay of that part comes into operation.

This will automatically disconnect the faulty part. The healthy part will keep on supplying normal loads. This will help prevent the total interruption of supply and the damage to equipment.

Benefits of Switchgears





Industrial properties require a constant flow of current to competitively and efficiently operate their tasks.

That is why managers need to think about installing switchgear systems to avoid safety problems and downtime. This is particularly true for industries using robotics.

For those who don’t know, modern solutions for switchgear can help increase the longevity of the electrical system. They are also more cost-effective.

On several occasions, it makes a lot of sense to install new switchgear that will result in more long-term benefits.

So, what benefits will you get with switch gears? Here are some of them:

Save Energy

New systems for switchgear can help lower consumption of energy by around 40%. On the other hand, old systems keep on consuming bigger amounts of energy.

So, if you want to save money on your company’s energy bills, you should try to replace your old systems with new switchgear.

Gain Better Access to Spare Components

Modern tools usually lead to better availability when it comes to spare parts. Because of this, upgrades and repairs are more feasible and affordable.

If you’re still using old switchgear systems, chances are the parts can be difficult to find in case they break down. Thus, it will lead to longer downtime as you find the right part to fix it.

Better Durability and Reliability

Updated systems enhance the overall reliability of the process. The reason for this is that it gets rid of faults that might happen if you have older systems.

With this, you can lower the possibility of unexpected power outages. Thus, you can continue your operations without interruptions.

Achieve Better Safety



Working around electrical systems constantly can be extremely risky. This is particularly true if the infrastructure is old.

If you’ve got an old system, there’s a huge possibility that it isn’t compliant with the modern safety guidelines.

Modern switchgear is updated to include safety procedures, protocols, and features to help prevent injuries.

Experience Less Maintenance

For those who don’t know, modern power circuit breakers provide high fault-current withstand capabilities without using limiter fuses.

This will help lower the need for maintenance.

Enjoy Better Technology and Designs

Old switchgear lacks modern technological abilities. This includes integration with the IIoT (industrial internet of things) and access to predictive analytics.

For the past several years, protective relay technologies and power circuit breakers have undergone a lot of improvements when it comes to design.

In addition to that, modern switchgear designs are a lot smaller compared to others.

Types of Switchgear

  • Arc Resistant Switchgear: This is intended for heavy-duty uses. They’re completely made to endure the stress and current that arc flash energy can produce. These electrical bursts are different steps higher than normal bursts. Arc Resistant Switchgears are categorized depending on the degree of resistance.
  • Vault Switchgear: This unique switchgear is made for electrical systems that need their switches to be operable from below-ground equipment, such as vaults. The primary purpose of this type is to offer a casing that is ideal for humid and dry conditions. You can try DIY for this. 
  • Pad-Mounted Switchgear: This is made for utility alone and primarily for underground distribution systems. This type of switchgear is a special type. A sturdy and simple design makes it resistant and durable against tampering. It is also ideal for external mounting. Pad switchgear also provides a huge variety of insulation options that grants you more freedom of option. 
  • Metal-Enclosed Switchgear: Metal-enclosed switchgear is almost the same as Clad switchgear. However, there is a difference. Metal-enclosed switchgear doesn’t utilize separate compartments for all parts. Because of this, this type of switchgear is ideal for systems that operate a lower voltage. This includes businesses and commercial properties. 
  • Metal-Clad Switchgear: Unlike metal-enclosed switchgear, this type of switcher uses a separate compartment for every part. Though they’re big, they are extremely easy to maintain due to this feature. 
  • Gas Insulated Switchgear:  A sealed enclosure full of insulating gas enables this type of switchgear to pack its parts closer to one another. That is why this type of switchgear is a lot smaller compared to others. Gas-insulated switchgear is always an ideal choice since it is reliable and compact.

Conclusion




Switchgears are a crucial part of any electrical system. They’re the key elements in making sure your electrical systems are safe for the users.

A huge range of types and designs guarantee that there is switchgear for any type of need.