Switchgear is a combination of electrical devices that regulate, control, meter, isolate, switch, and protect electrical appliances and circuits. Switchgear comprises circuit breakers, switches, contractors, switch fuse units, earth leakage circuit breakers, offload isolators, and H.R.C. fuses. These parts are placed in an organised manner which then works together to form switchgear. It is used to stop and switch currents during expected and unexpected operating conditions. Switchgear is crucial to ensure accurate power management.

Important Features of Switchgear

• Enhancing Reliability

Switchgear ensures uninterrupted interconnection and increased capacity of generating stations. It boosts reliability. This means that the switchgear isolates faulty sections of the circuit in the case of a fault.

• Fast response

Whenever there is a fault in the circuit, the switchgear responds quickly to prevent a complete shutdown or damages related to a short circuit.

• Manual Control Facility

Switchgears also have the facility to offer manual operations in case of failure of electrical control.

• Absolute Differentiation

Switchgear has the capacity to differentiate between functioning and nonfunctioning parts in a circuit. Based on this, the switchgear then isolates the nonfunctioning element to ensure uncompromised power supply.

Types of Switchgear

There are different types of switchgear, depending on their voltage levels. The 3 essential categories are:

• High Voltage (H.V.) Switchgear

• Medium Voltage (MV) Switchgear

• Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear

LV Switchgear

This switchgear has ratings up to 1 kV. Hence, the term LV switchgear collectively encompasses low voltage circuit breakers, offload electrical isolators, earth leakage circuit breakers, switches, miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), moulded case circuit breakers (MCCB), and H.R.C. fuses. LV switchgear is found in the LV distribution board. It consists of incomers, sub-incomer, and feeders. 

LV switchgear helps in protecting parts of the circuit against mechanical and thermal harm. It isolates faulty parts while maintaining safety and provides operational control of remote and local switching.

MV Switchgear

An MV switchgear can handle between 3kv to 36 kV. There are several types of MV switchgear like metal-enclosed indoor type, metal-enclosed outdoor type, etc. this switchgear uses S.F., oil and vacuum for interrupting current in case of faults. 

MV switchgear performs functions like interrupting short circuit current, switching capacitive currents and inductive currents, performing the usual On/Off switching function, etc.  

Switchgears are widely used in industrial setups for power distribution. They are also used in solar power generation plants and residential complexes as well. 

Schneider Electric India has a wide range of professional-grade switchgear, voltage transformer, power transformer, etc. for residential and commercial uses at a reasonable cost. They also offer outstanding after-sales support services.