What are the specific differences in usage scenarios between different types of switchgear?

Different types of switchgear have distinct applications. The following is a detailed introduction:

By Voltage Level

High-voltage switchgear: Commonly used in power system substations, switchyards, and large factories, mines, high-rise buildings, etc., where high-voltage power supply is needed. It is responsible for distributing high-voltage power to various branch lines, supplying power to large equipment such as high-voltage motors and transformers.

Low-voltage switchgear: Widely used in various buildings, such as shopping malls, office buildings, residential communities, etc., providing power distribution and control for low-voltage electrical equipment such as lighting, air conditioning, elevators, and sockets.

By Structure

Fixed switchgear: Suitable for places with relatively stable loads and low requirements for the flexibility of the power distribution system, such as some small factories and warehouses. The electrical equipment and wiring layout in these places are relatively fixed and require less frequent adjustments.

Draw-out switchgear: Commonly used in places with high requirements for power supply reliability and flexibility, such as hospitals, data centers, and financial institutions. In these places, if an electrical fault occurs, it is necessary to quickly isolate the faulty circuit for maintenance or equipment replacement. Draw-out switchgear can easily achieve this, reducing downtime and ensuring the continuous operation of important equipment.

Protective switchgear: Suitable for indoor environments but with relatively high protection requirements, such as some industrial workshops with dust, water vapor, or slightly corrosive gases. It can effectively prevent external factors from affecting electrical equipment, ensuring the normal operation and service life of the equipment.

Panel-mounted switchgear: Generally used in small places with low power supply requirements and good environmental conditions, such as homes and small offices. It mainly provides simple power distribution and control functions, with a simple structure and low cost.

By Applications

Incomer: Located at the beginning of the power distribution system, it is mainly used to introduce power from external power sources and is widely used in various substations. It is a key device connecting the power grid and the internal power distribution system.

Outgoing feeder: Used to distribute power to various specific electrical equipment or branch lines. It is used in various places where power distribution is needed. The quantity and configuration depend on the number and distribution of electrical equipment.

Busbar coupler: Used in power distribution systems with dual power supplies or single busbar sections, such as some important industrial enterprises and hospitals. When one busbar section fails or needs maintenance, the load can be switched to another busbar section through the busbar coupler to ensure the continuity of power supply.

PT cabinet: Installed on the busbars in substations and switch rooms, etc., used to measure busbar voltage and provide the voltage signals required for protection and metering. It is an important device for monitoring and protection in the power system.

Metering cabinet: Used to accurately measure power consumption and is widely used in various user ends, including factories, commercial users, and residential communities. It is an important basis for power billing.

Capacitor cabinet: In places with a low power factor, such as industrial enterprises and large shopping malls that use a large number of inductive loads, the power factor is improved, line losses are reduced, and power quality is improved through capacitor compensation.

By Installation Method

Wall-mounted switchgear: Suitable for places with limited space, such as small shops and residential distribution boxes. It is usually installed on the wall, does not occupy floor space, and is convenient for supplying power to electrical equipment in small places.

Floor-standing switchgear: Commonly used in large switch rooms and equipment rooms with relatively spacious space. It can accommodate more electrical equipment and lines, providing powerful power distribution and control functions, and providing centralized power distribution for large equipment or the entire building's power system.

By Insulation Characteristics

Air-insulated switchgear: Suitable for power distribution systems under general environmental conditions, such as ordinary industrial plants and commercial buildings, where environmental humidity, temperature, and other conditions meet normal requirements and there are no special corrosive gases or dust.

Gas-insulated metal-enclosed switchgear (GIS): Commonly used in places with high space requirements and harsh environmental conditions, such as urban substations, coastal industrial facilities, and high-altitude areas. It can effectively avoid the influence of external environmental factors on the equipment and ensure the reliable operation of the equipment.