Electrical switchgear is an integral part of any electric power system. Switchgear includes fuses, switches, relays, isolators, circuit breaker, potential and current transformer, indicating device, lightning arresters, etc. It’s purpose is to protect electrical hardware from faulty conditions.
Electrical Switchgear is connected to electric supply systems and is used in both low and high voltage power transformers. Its purpose is to de-energise the electrical system for maintenance and/or to correct the faulty issues. Every time there is a defect in the power system, like a short circuit, a massive current flows through the electric setup. It therefore damage the structure and causes supply disruption to the users.
Automated protective switchgear consists of a relay and circuit breaker. The relay acts whenever there is a fault. The relay closes the faulty circuit and disconnects the disrupted line. This ensures that the appliances do not get damaged and there is an uninterrupted supply of power. Relays provide that the faulty part remains isolated while the healthy part continues to function as usual.
Switchgear has specific features:
It enhances reliability of the electrical system
It acts quickly in response to a malfunction in the circuit and prevents damage from spreading into the healthy parts. It therefore helps in preventing a complete shutdown of the circuit.
Switchgear can alter between functioning and nonfunctioning parts in a circuit. Basis this, the switchgear then separates the non functioning components to ensure an uncompromised power supply.
There are different types of switchgear, differentiated on their voltage levels. The three categories are:
- High Voltage (H.V.) Switchgear
- Medium Voltage (MV) Switchgear
- Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear
Contact us at Amped Electrical Supplies in Vereeniging for your circuit breaker and fuse needs.