What Is Switchgear?
All Circuits can only handle a limited amount of electricity. When too much current passes through, it can cause the wiring to overheat. This may damage critical electrical components or even lead to fires. Switchgear is a key defense mechanism for equipment that connects to a power supply and protects against failure.
- Switches
- Fuses
- Isolators
- Relays
- Circuit Breakers
- Lightning Arresters
Switchgear Definition
What is switchgear? Switchgear is a broad term that describes a wide variety of switching devices that all fulfill a common need: protecting, distributing, and isolating power systems. This definition can include devices to regulate and meter a power system, circuit breakers, and related technology.
Effective switchgear will activate in the event of an electrical surge, automatically halting the flow of power and preventing harm to the electrical systems. De-energizing equipment for safe testing, maintenance, and fault-clearing is another usage for switchgear.
Types of Switchgear
There are 3 categories of switchgear: Low, Medium, and High Voltage.
Low Voltage Switchgear
Low-voltage switchgear can control systems up to 1KV in voltage. These are frequently utilized in a range of sectors and are typically found on the low-voltage sides of power-distribution transformers.
Medium Voltage Switchgear
Systems with voltages between 1KV and 75KV employ medium-voltage switchgear. This switchgear is frequently used in systems that include transmission and distribution lines, generators, feeder circuits, and motors.
High Voltage Switchgear
A high-voltage switchgear can manage 75 KV or more of power. These breakers frequently include improved safety measures because they are made for high-voltage application.
