The components and classification of switchgear

Category

Categorized by voltage level: It can be divided into high-voltage switchgear (used for voltage levels of 1kV and above) and low-voltage switchgear (used for voltage levels below 1kV).

Categorized by application: There are incoming switchgear, outgoing switchgear, metering switchgear, capacitor compensation switchgear, etc. Incoming switchgear is used to receive power supply; outgoing switchgear distributes electricity to various electrical equipment or branches; metering switchgear is mainly used for electricity metering; capacitor compensation switchgear is used to improve the power factor of the power system and reduce reactive power loss.

Categorized by structural form: There are fixed panel switchgear, drawer-type switchgear, and combined switchgear, etc. Fixed panel switchgear has a simple structure and a lower Price, suitable for places with low space requirements and infrequent operation; drawer-type switchgear has higher safety and flexibility, electrical components are installed in drawers, which is convenient for maintenance and replacement, suitable for places with high requirements for power supply reliability; combined switchgear combines various functional units, which can be flexibly configured according to actual needs.

Components

Switching devices: such as circuit breakers, isolators, load switches, contactors, etc., used to connect and disconnect circuits, control the distribution of electricity and the operation of equipment.

Protective devices: including fuses, thermal relays, overcurrent relays, undervoltage relays, etc., automatically cut off the circuit when the circuit has overloads, short circuits, undervoltage, etc., to protect equipment and lines.

Measuring instruments: such as voltmeters, ammeters, wattmeters, electricity meters, etc., used to measure various electrical parameters in the circuit to monitor the operation status of the power system.

Busbars: used to connect various electrical components, collect and distribute electricity, usually made of copper or aluminum rectangular or circular conductors.

Cables and wires: used to transmit electricity, connecting the switchgear to the power supply, electrical equipment, etc.

Cabinet: As the outer shell of the switchgear, it protects the internal electrical components, isolates the live parts, and prevents interference from external factors. It is usually made of metal materials and has good mechanical strength and protective performance.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation: The switchgear should be installed in a dry, well-ventilated place without corrosive gases and dust. The installation location should be convenient for operation and maintenance. During installation, ensure that the cabinet is well grounded, the installation of each electrical component is firm and reliable, and the Specification and laying method of the connecting wires meet the requirements.

Maintenance: Regularly clean the switchgear, remove dust and debris; check whether the connection of each electrical component is loose, whether there are abnormal phenomena such as heating and sparking; check whether the switch operation is flexible, and whether the setting value of the protection device is correct; regularly check the insulation of the busbars and cables to ensure that their insulation performance is good.