Booklikes Community

Electrical switchgear can be explained as a centralized set of circuit breakers, fuses and switches (circuit protection devices) that operate primarily to safeguard, control, and isolate electrical equipment. The circuit protection devices typically are protected in metal structures. A combination of one or more of these structures together is commonly coined as a switchgear line-up or assembly.

Switchgear is most regularly found across different electric utility transmission and distribution systems, in addition to medium and large-sized commercial or industrial facilities. The different types of medium voltage switchgear systems include - 

Gas Insulated Switchgear

Gas insulated switchgear (GIS) has shut enclosures filled with insulating gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) or a combination of SF6 and other insulating gases which have come into existence. The gas-filled sealed enclosure promotes a compact and sleek installation.  The utilisation of gas as an insulating medium, in comparison to similar air-insulated switchgear, enables the distance between interrupting components to be mitigated.

Metal Clad Switchgear 

A metal clad switchgear refers to the construction of medium-voltage electrical switchgear in which all electrical elements such as the incoming bus, outgoing bus, instrumentation and main circuit breaker or switch, are encompassed in distinct metal compartments to offer an extra level of safety, sturdiness,and ease of maintenance. Rated voltage levels for metal-clad switchgear vary between 5 kV to 38 kV. Metal-clad switchgear includes draw-out circuit breakers for easy maintenance and is often used in industrial facilities and in electrical power generation and power transmission facilities.

Metal Enclosed Switchgear

Metal-enclosed switchgear include circuit protection devices which comprise of circuit breakers, power fuses and fusible switches along with control and metering equipment. These devices can be put in common compartments and do not need any separate barriers, or compartmentalization which is needed in metal-clad switchgear. Metal-enclosed switchgear is generally used in commercial and a wide array of industrial facilities where the incoming electrical service is above 480/600V.  

Pad Mounted Switchgear 

Pad-mounted switchgear is special curated for underground energy management systems that are rated from 5 to 38 k. Pad-mounted switchgear are specifically outdoor rated, consisting of compact and tamper-resistant construction - which make it perfect for utility distribution, feeder sectionalizing, and lastly, circuit protection uses. Switches, fuses and vacuum interrupters are often employed to shield loads, isolate faults and reduce outages. Pad-mounted switchgear are generally available with up to 6-ways in a common insulated sealed tank. Forms of insulation include air, SF6 gas, fluid and solid materials.

Subsurface Switchgear 

As the name itself suggests, subsurface switchgear is developed for distribution management systems rated from 15 to 38 kV in which the switch and its accessories are operating from inside a vault or below-grade location. These locations can be dry or either be subject to water ingress. Vault or subsurface switchgear can also permit the user to regulate the switch from a remote location. Insulation forms include SF6 gas and solid materials.

#SchneiderElectric is a great brand which has explored the switchgear domain, along with other power distribution, power management,  automation, and electrical product offerings. #LifeIsOn.

Contributed by Storify News