Electrical Switchgears Education and Training

Educate yourself about the types, applications and performance of industrial electrical switchgear products

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.

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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).

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