Switchgear is a piece of equipment used in electrical power systems for controlling, monitoring, and tuning circuits ON or OFF. This system is present on both the HV and LV sides of the transformer while directly connecting to the supply system.
The Functionality of a Switchgear
The following are some of the device’s most important features:
- It must execute the duty of moving the regular load current by either generating or cutting off that current, just like a switch.
- The functionality of safeguarding devices from overload and defective current circumstances should be supported by this device. This function must be offered for devices that measure potential and current, such as relays and transformers.
- The device is used for a variety of tasks related to the generation, distribution, and transformation of electrical energy. These devices are also used to control high current flow, preventing harm to the equipment.
- For testing purposes, the device must be de-energized, which will fix the problem.
Types of Switchgear
Switchgear comes in three different varieties: LV (Low voltage), MV (Medium voltage), and HV (High voltage).
Low Voltage Switchgear (LV): Low voltage switchgear, or LV, refers to a power system that operates up to 1KV. Switches, LV circuit breakers, HRC fuses, earth leakage (EL) circuit breakers, unload electrical isolators, MCBs (miniature circuit breakers), MCCBs (molded case circuit breakers), etc. are the key items in this category of equipment.
Medium Voltage Switchgear (MV)
Medium voltage switchgear or MV is the name of the power system that handles up to 36 kV. These come in a variety of forms, including outdoor kinds without metal enclosures and types with inside and outside metal enclosures, among others. Devices used in substations that fall under this category include minimum oil CBs, bulk oil CBs, SF6 gas-insulated, air magnetic, gas-insulated, vacuum, etc.
This type of switchgear’s disruption mediums is a vacuum, SF, and oil. The essential requirement for this kind of power network is the ability to cut off current when there are problems with the system. This is employed in a few unique applications and is capable of ON/OFF operation, stopping short circuit current, capacitive current switching, and inductive current switching.
High Voltage Switchgear (HV)
HV (high voltage) switchgear is the name given to the electrical system that operates over 36KV. Arcing will be produced as the voltage level rises because of the high switching operation. As a result, particular consideration must be given when building this equipment. The High Voltage (HV) circuit breaker is the key piece of this apparatus.
Switchgears can be classified as both indoor and outdoor appliances.
Indoor Switchgear
Due to financial considerations, switchgear is typically housed inside the device for voltage levels lower than 66kV. It is of the metal-clad variety, and at the designing stage, nearly all the live components are protected in an earthed-type metal case. The precise localization and mitigation of any damage are the main goals here.
Outdoor Switchgear
Above 66 kV level of voltages, the outdoor switchgear is utilized because, at this level of voltage, the area required for transformers, switches, circuit breakers, and other related devices becomes enormous and appears to be expensive to locate inside the system.
Here’s How you Purchase Good Quality Switchgear
Switchgears are a very important component in an electric connection system. Many suppliers offer this product, but make sure you choose one that has good experience and a long list of happy clients. Through a little online research, you can find good organization. Before placing your order, talk to them using their email id and phone number.