Understanding Switchgear

SUMMARY: Switchgear controls and protects electrical equipment. Learn the basics of switchgear, how they differ from switchboards, and how to help your switchgear last longer.

Most applications require either low voltage switchgear or medium voltage switchgear.

Low voltage switchgear is used across multiple industries such as healthcare, industrial buildings, and water/wastewater to regulate systems up to 1 kilovolt. Depending on your facility’s specifications, you can incorporate different product features, including:

• Arc-resistance
• Front access
• Space-saving design

Indoor and outdoor systems up to 75 kilovolts use medium voltage switchgear. Since applications and budgets vary, medium voltage equipment comes in three insulating technology options:

• Gas-insulated switchgear
• Air-insulated switchgear
• Shielded solid switchgear

Insulators protect the components within the switchgear and often provide a cooling function.

Although many use the terms interchangeably, there are differences between switchgear and switchboards.

Not only does switchgear protect and control the power supply, but it also can disconnect from a power supply during a fault. On the other hand, switchboards are only used to transmit power to other sources, most often in commercial settings.

Switchgear and switchboards are also designed to handle different voltage capacities. High voltage switchgear can accommodate up to 350 kilovolts, whereas switchboards are rarely designed to handle more than 600 volts.

The lifespan of switchgear depends on the application and environment. However, there are ways to extend the lifespan of this electrical equipment by decades. These include:

• Regular and preventive maintenance
• Arc flash mitigation
• Direct replacement of circuit breakers
• Using sensors for continuous monitoring

Schneider Electric offers a range of high-performance low voltage switchgear and medium voltage switchgear products solutions for superior energy management.