If you are using electrical switchgears in your products or equipment, it is advisable to understand the basic technology and factors that affect performance of the electrical switchgear. The performance of your electrical switchgear equipment affects the safety and overall performance of your electrical power system.

For electrical switchgear suppliers, it is always beneficial to know the details of the various electrical switchgears and the relevant technological developments. Electrical switchgear distributors as well as electrical switchgear manufacturers can keep ahead of their competitors by having up-to-date information about the latest technologies and products in the field of switchgears. Gaining electrical switchgears education and training is the first logical step.

You can start educating and training yourself or your employees about electrical switchgears by:

1. Understanding the basics of electrical switchgears and relevant terminology.
2. Finding educational and training programs about electrical switchgears.
3. Subscribing to magazines and journals about electrical switchgears and relevant technological updates.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the basics of electrical switchgears and the relevant terminology

You can find basic information about electrical switchgears by browsing different resources such as websites of leading switchgear manufacturers. You can also refer to associations and data publishing companies that provide basic information about electrical switchgears.

I recommend: Square D, the North American division of Schneider Electric, provides information on low and medium voltage switchgears. If you want to learn more about distribution switchgears, you can check out the product literature bibliography at Cooper Power Systems, a reputable manufacturer of medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment. In addition, GlobalSpec gives a brief introduction about panelboards and switchgears and a list of manufacturers of electrical switchgear.

Search for electrical switchgears education and training courses

Some institutions and associations offer courses related to electrical switchgears. You can also search for customized courses if you want to establish yourself as a manufacturer of electrical switchgear devices or an expert in the field of industrial electrical switchgears.

I recommend: General Electric Company offers a course ‘Switchgear Basics’ that educates the attendees about low- and medium-voltage switchgears and their usage. The Electricity Forum offers a three-day course ‘Electrical Circuit Breakers -- Maintenance Training’ that contains details about electrical switchgear design and operation.

Understand the maintenance principles and safety measures related to electrical switchgears

Generally, industrial electrical switchgears have a proven record of reliability and performance. Electrical switchgear failures are rare, but when they occur, the results can be disastrous. Therefore, keep yourself informed about the necessary maintenance tasks and safety measures related to electrical switchgears.

I recommend: E.ON, a global company in the field of power generation, offers a training program called ‘Electrical Switchgear Maintenance’ that teaches the maintenance and operations of extensible and non-extensible switchgears. You can buy the book ‘Electrical Maintenance’ at The Institution of Engineering and Technology website, a professional society for the engineering and technology community. You can also refer to the ‘Electrical switchgear and safety’ guide by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive).

Electrical switchgears are essential to keeping your business moving with a dependable supply of electricity. You need to keep the current flowing to your substation, generator, motor and machinery. So it's important to use the right industrial electrical switchgears to keep the power going.

Whether your business is a producer of electricity or a heavy user, there is an electrical switchgear to fit your requirements. Because there are many options when it comes to electrical switchgears, be sure to take the time as you assess your needs.

In most cases, your investment in an industrial electrical switchgear will be significant. To ensure that you make an informed decision, use the following ideas to help you select the equipment you need:

1. Consult with your electrician or electrical specialist about the different types of industrial electrical switchgears.

2. Weigh the features of different types of electrical switchgears.

3. Select the industrial electrical switchgears that fit your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify switchgear manufacturers with the best inventories

Electrical switchgear manufacturers produce various types, including open-air circuit breakers, vacuum circuit breakers, gas insulated switchgears (GIS) and oil insulated switchgears. Each type is configured specifically for low, medium, or high voltage purposes. Be sure to note voltage parameters as you determine the best type for you.

I recommend: Switchgear manufacturer Siemens produces medium voltage and high voltage devices. View each type, including specifications, diagrams, and suggested usages. Check out the models of gas-insulated switchgears in their online catalog. Caterpillar makes three switchgear products for a range of applications, from single station to multi-unit parallel set ups. Check the features and specifications for each model, including stated fault tolerances.

Examine the electrical switchgear specifications that fit your needs

Take into account mounting style, number of panels and electrical specifications as you study devices. Electrical switchgears designed for substations differ from those created for motors.

I recommend: You can find a variety of switchgears with different specifications at Kundan Cab. Access the online catalog for the features of a changeover switch, rotary switch and distribution board. If you find an item you like, request a sample and a quote. Electric Motor Supply (EMSCO) carries a large inventory with a wide range of features, such as single switch devices and low voltage and medium voltage switchgears. If you find a device of interest, fill out the contact card to speak to an agent.

Buy from electrical switchgear distributors that carry what you need

Do your research on electrical switchgear suppliers. Many carry several makes and models and provide installation and service. Contact the electrical switchgear distributor with the inventory of devices you want to order.

I recommend: North American Switchgear specializes in reconditioned industrial air switchgears. Their catalog includes inventories from the leading electrical equipment manufacturers. Investigate the additional services they offer, including repairing, retrofitting and renting switchgears. American Circuit Breaker & Switchgear distributes switchgears for the leading electrical switchgear manufacturers. Check the large inventory of devices from companies such as General Electric (GE), Westinghouse and Allis Chambers. Search their catalog to find the type of switchgear you want.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For ease of use, look for an electrical switchgear system that is controlled remotely through a personal computer or through a touch screen mounted on the switchgear.

Electrical switchgears are essential to keep your trade moving with a dependable supply of electricity. You will need to keep the current flowing to your generator, motor and other machines. The term switchgear refers to the combination of electrical disconnects, fuses and/or circuit breakers that isolate electrical equipment from the power supply. Switchgears can de-energize equipment to allow work to be done and clear faults downstream. This guide covers some of the common terms you'll hear from switchgear manufacturers, such as "electrical fuses" and "circuit breakers."

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Low-voltage switchgears

Low-voltage switchgears consists of circuit breakers, contact boards (that open or close the power supply), sensors (such as temperature sensors, limit and proximity switches) and disconnectors. Low-voltage switchgears control and protect processes.

I recommend: You can read through Schneider Electric’s (PDF) website for a technical article on low-voltage switchgears. Additionally, IEC, a service provider in the field of low-voltage switchgears and control gears, provides more information.

Gas-insulated switchgears (GIS)

Gas-insulated switchgears, or GIS, are an effective but costlier type of switchgears. A GIS uses pressurized sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas to insulate the conductors and contacts.

I recommend: TELSTAR, a manufacturer of high- and ultra-high vacuum systems for industrial applications, publishes detailed information on gas-insulated switchgears and their applications.

Electrical Fuses

In electrical engineering, a fusible link or a fuse is a type of over-current protection device. It consists of a metal wire that melts when current with more than a predetermined value flows, thus breaking the circuit in which it is connected. This protects the circuit's other components from damage due to excessive current.

I recommend: You can refer to www.electronics-manufacturers.com, an online resource, for detailed information on the different kinds of electrical fuses available.

Circuit breakers

A circuit breaker breaks the circuit and stops the current flow when the current exceeds a predetermined level. A circuit breaker trips to break the circuit and can be reset, whereas, a fuse melts and needs a replacement.

I recommend: Maintenance Resources, a monthly magazine, publishes detailed information on the different types of circuit breakers.

Magnetic circuit breakers

You can use magnetic circuit breakers to interrupt the magnetic circuit arc.

I recommend: Cold Sparks Services, an electrical service provider, publishes detailed information on magnetic circuit breakers. For the definition of the term "magnetic circuit breakers," you can refer to the glossary by American Crane and Equipment Corporation (ACECO).

Air circuit Breakers

An air circuit breaker uses compressed air to blow out the arc. Alternatively, it swings the contacts into a small, sealed chamber so that the displaced air blows out the arc.

I recommend: You can refer to the General Electric website for information on air circuit breakers.