Switchgear is very important to every power system especially in generator power and in commercial utility. This what is switchgear, what the difference between the voltage options is, and assist in figuring out what voltage switchgear is required for the generator.
Within the power system, electrical switchgear and switchboards play the role of two critical “hearts” to the system in the circuitry of contemporary industrial and commercial buildings. They, to some extent, control, protect, and distribute power.
However, some people, including junior level technicians and facility managers, still mix the two concepts. Even though the two have similar uses and functionality, engineers will tell you the difference in design, level of safety, performance, and overall cost is miles apart.
What is Switchgear?
The components that assist in the transfer of electrical energy from the eterminal of the generator to the terminal of the transformers main energy device are known as switch gears. As mentioned above, switch gears are the components that control, isolate, and protect the main power systems in the event of an abnormal power system functioning. Switchgear is reffered to as the electrical devices that do real time monitoring and control of electrical power systems. The above mentioned pieces of equipment are capable of renewing and interrupting the electrical circuit of devices.
As per GMI Research, the Egypt Switchgear Market is predicted to expand at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period till 2030.
How Does Switchgear Work?
Switch gears are made of an assembly of devices that execute the three functions of electrical shoeting, electrical disuniting, as well as electrical management. It is worth stating that, switchgear power systems consist of an enclosure that houses electrical disconnects. These operate to isolate electrical equipment to mitigate the risk of damage in the event of an internal power surge. An efficient switchgear is one that is able to self operate in the event of an electrical surge to ensures power is automatically scooped to protect the device and systems from deep penetration. These systems are also used to de-energize equipment as a means of maintenance and fault clearning.
What are Switchgear Components?
Components of Switchgear constructor delineate functionally differing systems responsible for disconnecting power to supply equipment to stave off potential electrical blows. The multiple components that switchgear can comprise are:
- Fuses
- Relays
- Switches
- Circuit breakers
- Isolators
What are the distinctions between LV, MV and HV Switchgear?
Each type of switchgear serves a specific application, which also means each works with a differing voltage level, but what are the distinctions between high and medium, and low voltage switchgear?
The three types are distinguished by their varying voltage levels, which serves as the principal distinguishing element. However, what are the three specific voltages used for?
Low Voltage Switchgear
Low voltage switchgear are the type capable of controlling systems of up to 1kV in voltage. These are common in numerous industries, usually located on the low voltage sides of power distribution transformers.
Medium Voltage Switchgear
Medium voltage switchgear are used for systems with voltages ranging between 1kV and 35kV. These switchgears are common in systems that comprise of transmission and distribution lines, generators, feeder circuits, and motors.
High Voltage Switchgear
These are the last switches which are used to operate in switches associated with standards of higher voltage. Switch with a high voltage is designed to operate above 35 kV and up to 230 kV of voltage and any device designed of these voltage parameters is said to be able to operate on breakers with high voltage parameters. With their dedicated high voltage engineering, these breakers are designed with more advanced protection features.