Switchgear Definition

What is a switchgear? Switchgear is a broad term that describes a wide variety of switching devices that all
fulfill a common need: controlling, protecting, and isolating power systems. Although this definition may be
extended to include devices to regulate and meter a power system, circuit breakers, and similar technology.

In the event of an electrical surge, an effective switchgear will trigger, automatically interrupting the flow of
power and protecting the electrical systems from damage. Switchgears are also used for de-energizing
equipment for safe testing, maintenance, and fault clearing.

Switchgear Examples

As stated, the term switchgear may refer to a number of different systems and components. Switchgear
examples include the following:

• Switches

• Fuses

• Isolators

• Relays

• Circuit Breakers

• Lightning Arresters

Switchgear types

There are three different classes of switchgear systems: low-voltage, medium-voltage, and high-voltage. To
determine which switchgear system is right for you match the design voltage of any system to the voltage
rating of the switchgear.

High-Voltage Switchgears

High-voltage switchgears are those that control 75KV of power or more. Because these breakers are designed
for high-voltage use, they often include improved safety features.

Medium-Voltage Switchgear

Medium-voltage switchgear are used in systems from 1KV up to 75KV. This switchgear is often found in
systems involving motors, feeder circuits, generators, and transmission and distribution lines.
Low-Voltage Switchgear

Low-voltage switchgear are designed to regulate systems of up to 1KV. These are commonly found on the
low-voltage sides of power-distribution transformers and are used across a variety of industries.

Isolating Media

In addition to the different voltage levels, switchgear may also be defined by the isolating media each uses to
protect energized devices from electrical faults. The switchgear enclosure may make use of various insulators
with different dielectric properties or other characteristics.

Air

Although the least expensive insulation option (and thus the most commonly used), the air has a low dielectric
strength, making it a relatively poor insulator. As a result, air-insulated devices are typically larger than
devices insulated by other media.

Fluid

Fluid offers better insulation when compared to air, and is similarly inexpensive. Fluid also provides the
added advantage of cooling for overheated systems

Gas

Pressurized gas also offers increased dielectric strength compared to standard air insulation. Although Sulfur
Hexafluoride is a common insulating gas for switchgear systems, other gases may be used in its place.

Oil

Oil has a high dielectric strength, and may also provide increased cooling benefits.

Solid

Although less common and more expensive than some other options, solid, non-conductive materials can
provide exceptional dielectric strength, as well as resistance to chemical and thermal deterioration.

Switchgear vs. Switchboard

The term “switchboard” is sometimes used synonymously with “switchgear.” However, these two devices
have different primary functions.
Where a switchgear exists to connect and isolate load equipment to and from power sources, switchboards are
used to direct the flow of electricity in a power distribution system.

How Does a Switchgear Work?

Different kinds of switchgears may follow different operational processes. That said, basic switchgears follow
a relatively straightforward process:

In the event of an electrical fault, the relay closes the trip circuit, disconnecting downstream loads. This
allows the remainder of a circuit to continue operating without disruption, while also protecting vital
equipment from damage.

Switchgear Types
There are three types of switch gears namely LV (Low voltage), MV (Medium voltage)
and HV (High voltage) Switchgear.

Low Voltage Switchgear (LV)

The power system which deals up to 1KV is called as LV or low voltage switchgear. This
kind of equipment mainly includes switches, LV circuit breakers, HRC fuses, earth
leakage (EL) circuit breakers, offload electrical isolators, MCBs (miniature circuit
breakers) and MCCBs (molded case circuit breakers), etc.

low-voltage

Medium Voltage Switchgear (MV)

The power system which deals up to 36 kV is called MV (medium voltage switchgear).

These are available in different types like without metal enclosure outdoor type, metal-
enclosed indoor & outdoor type, etc. This kind of equipment includes substation devices
like minimum oil CBs, bulk oil CBs, SF6 gas-insulated, air magnetic, gas-insulated,
vacuum, etc.

medium-voltage

The disruption medium of this type of switchgear can be vacuum, SF & oil. The main
condition of this type of power network is to break off current throughout faulty conditions
in this system. This is capable of ON/OFF operation, interruption of short circuit current,
capacitive current switching, inductive current switching and used in some special
applications.

High Voltage Switchgear (HV)

The power system which deals above 36KV is called HV (high voltage) switchgear.
When the level of voltage increases then the arcing will be generated as the switching
operation is extremely high. As a result, during the designing of this equipment, special
care has to be taken. The main component of this equipment is the High Voltage (HV)
circuit breaker.
 high-voltage-switchgear

Therefore HV circuit breaker must include some safe & reliable operation features. The
switching operation of the HV circuit is very rare. Usually, these CBs remain at ON state
and can be worked after some time. Consequently, these must be reliable to make
certain secure operations when required.

FAQs
1). What is the importance of switchgear?
It is used to protect, isolate, and protect electrical equipment from fault currents.

2). What does switchgear do?

It assists in protecting the appliances & electrical machines.

3). What is the difference between a switchboard and switchgear?

Generally, the switchboard is used for less voltage under 600 volts, whereas the
switchgear for high voltages up to 350 kV

4). What is the switchgear components?

It includes switches, fuses, lightning arrestors,  Sectionalisers, Auto Reclosures,
isolator/disconnect switch, CBS (circuit breakers).

5). What is MV switchgear?

The switchgear is used for medium voltage applications.

Thus, this is all about an overview of switchgear. In modern power systems, this is an
essential device to protect the equipment from overload or short circuits. These are
classified into two types mainly like HV (high voltage) & LV (low voltage). HV type is
used for motors & electrical equipment which operate with above 1000V AC whereas LV
type is used to run electrical devices that operate with below 1,000 volts AC. Here is a
question for you, what are the applications of switchgear?

What Is An HVAC System?

First and foremost, HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This system provides
heating and cooling to residential and commercial buildings. You can find HVAC systems anywhere
from single-family homes to submarines where they provide the means for environmental comfort.
Becoming more and more popular in new construction, these systems use fresh air from outdoors
to provide high indoor air quality. The V in HVAC, or ventilation, is the process of replacing or
exchanging air within a space. This provides a better quality of air indoors and involves the removal
of moisture, smoke, odors, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, and other gases as well as
temperature control and oxygen replenishment.

How Does An HVAC System Work

The three main functions of an HVAC system are interrelated, especially when providing acceptable
indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Your heating and air conditioning system is often one of the
most complicated and extensive systems in your home, but when it stops working you’ll know soon
enough! There are nine parts to your HVAC system that you should be familiar with the air return,
filter, exhaust outlets, ducts, electrical elements, outdoor unit, compressor, coils and blower.