How Does the Switchgear Work?

A switchgear is a device that is used to switch, control and protect circuits and equipment. The demand for electricity has increased a lot, so in order to get a continuous supply of electricity. The power system must prevent major failures and provide protection for mechanical equipment. In order to ensure continuity of power supply, generators, motors, and other mechanical equipment have to be switched on and off several times. The method to achieve this is called switchgear.

In general, switchgear is a term that encompasses the entire switchgear and its combination with associated control, measurement, protection, and regulation equipment.

What is the function of switchgear?

Carry normal load currents

To connect or disconnect normal load currents

Remove fault currents

What must be considered when using switchgear in a power system?

The location of the equipment indoors or outdoors.

System parameters, such as system grounding, frequency, insulation level, environmental conditions.

Installation of the switchgear - mechanical and electrical interconnection, placement of the equipment on a foundation, assembly of loose power components, connection of control, and power circuits.

Switchgear commissioning - tests must be performed to ensure that the installation meets the requirements.

 Low Voltage Switchgear

What are the basic characteristics of switchgear?

Reliability - Switchgear is used in power systems to improve reliability in the event of a system failure. The switchgear must isolate the faulty part from the rest of the circuit.

Absolute certainty of distinction - If a fault occurs in the power system, then the switchgear must be able to distinguish the faulty part from the normal part.

Fast operation - If any fault occurs in the power system, the switchgear must be able be moved quickly to avoid damage to the equipment.

Provider Manual Control - The switchgear must have manual control to prevent any electrical or electronic control failures.

Provide Instrumentation - Instrumentation needs to be provided, which can be an ammeter, voltmeter...

Types and classification of switchgear

Switchgear can be classified by

Current Rating

Interrupting rating

Voltage rating - Low voltage switchgear(less than 1000 volts)

                          Medium voltage switchgear(1000-35000 volts)

                          High voltage switchgear(over 35,000 volts)

Insulation medium air, gas, oil, vacuum

Construction type-indoor, outdoor, industrial, metal-clad, metal-clad...

Current type-AC, DC

By application-Transmission systems, power distribution

Operation method-manual, motor, or solenoid valve/energy storage

Baoding Zhongyi Electromechanical Material Manufacture Co., Ltd. is located in the scenic Baoding Baiyangdian Science and Technology City, with superior geographical location and convenient transportation. Our company mainly produces oil-immersed power transformers, dry-type transformers, box-type substations, high-voltage, and low-voltage complete switchgear, and various special transformers. Our company has passed ISO9001-2015 international standard quality management system certification. All the performance indicators of our products have reached the relevant national standards and international standards. If you want to get more information about the switchgear for sales, welcome to contact us.