As our name suggests, we at Electric Power Systems have extensive experience in the electrical industry, and we have thorough knowledge of various components and systems, including switchgear. Switchgear plays a vital role in electrical systems, protecting and controlling various pieces of equipment. In this article, we will provide a brief overview of what switchgear is and how it works so that you can get a better understanding of its role in your system.
What Is Switchgear?
First, we will explain what exactly switchgear is. The word “switchgear” is an umbrella term that refers to a collection of circuit protection devices (including switches, fuses, and circuit breakers), all mounted in a shared metal enclosure.
What Does Switchgear Do?
Switchgear serves several important functions. First, it distributes power to various parts of your facility and ensures that your various pieces of equipment get the power they need. Second, the protection devices included in switchgear ensure that the current flowing through your wiring remains at safe levels, which prevents the equipment from becoming damaged by excessive power and also ensures that no one gets hurt.
How Does Switchgear Work?
There are a few different mechanisms used in switchgear. The first uses insulating gases such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) to create the necessary protection and surge prevention. The second uses metal cladding to provide additional protection from power surges. Regardless of the specific mechanism used, the principle is the same—when excessive electrical loads come through the system, the circuit breakers in the switchgear will activate, preventing the equipment on that circuit from frying.