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      • Published 24 Oct 2024
      • Last Modified 24 Oct 2024
    • 7 min

    What is Switchgear? The ultimate guide to Electrical Switchgear by Eaton.

    Electrical switchgear is essential for managing, protecting, and isolating electrical equipment in power systems. Find out everything you need to know about switchgear with this comprehensive guide by Eaton.

    Electrical Switchgear by Eaton

    Switchgear Explained

    Electrical Switchgear

    Switchgear plays a vital role in the distribution and transmission of electricity, so that your electrical networks can function both safely and reliably. This term is used to refer to a collection of devices which work together to control the flow of electrical power and protect equipment from electrical faults, such as short circuits and overloads. We’ve partnered with Eaton, an international leader in power management technology, to help you learn all about the different types of switchgear and their functions. 

    What is Switchgear?

    Switchgear is the general term used to describe a group of switching devices that manage the flow of electricity in electrical networks. They usually work together to provide various functions such as circuit control, safeguarding equipment from electrical faults, monitoring equipment, distribution of power, and facilitating switching operations. Circuit breakers, fuses, relays, contactors, busbars, and switches are all examples of common switchgear components. When these types of units are used together it is often referred to as a switchgear line-up or assembly. 

    Where us Switchgear used?

    You’ll find switchgear used in a huge variety of applications, ranging from residential and commercial buildings, like offices and hospitals, to industrial facilities and power plants.   Some industries which often utilise switchgear include: oil and gas, water treatment, automotive, aerospace, mining, data centres, medical, manufacturing industries. 

    How does Switchgear Work?

    Within a power system their primary function is to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. How do they do this, you ask? Well, by ensuring the safe distribution of electrical power and efficient management of the system, in everyday usage and also during abnormal conditions. They are capable of disconnecting circuits, monitoring devices, sensing faults, and carrying electrical current where it needs to go. 

    There are many types of switching devices which are included in the term switchgear, and they can contain different components and operate in varying ways. The specifics of their operation therefore depends on their types and application. 

    Read on to learn about some of the types of switchgear technologies that are available. 

    What are the different types of Switchgear?

    Circuit Breakers

    A circuit breaker is exactly what it sounds like - these devices are designed to break the circuit in electrical systems. They work by interrupting the flow of current when particular conditions are met, such as short circuits or overloads. Examples of circuit breaker devices include MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers), MCCBs (Molded Case Miniature Circuit Breakers), RCCBs (Residual Current Circuit Breaker), RCBOs (a combination of an MCB and Residual Current Device).

    Eaton have a huge range of circuit breakers to choose from, with product features such as thermal-magnetic overcurrent protection, contact position indication, a range of tripping characteristics such as A, B, C, and D, easy DIN rail mounting, IP20 finger-proof protection, on board diagnostics, and much more. 

    Fuses

    Eaton Fuse

    Simple yet effective, these handy units are a form of protective device for electrical circuits. They contain a metal strip or wire which is designed to melt or break when excessive current occurs, interrupting the flow of current. This prevents damage to equipment and the risk of electrical fires. They are often considered a cost-effective and dependable switchgear solution and are easily replaceable. This type includes cartridge fuses, tag fuses, resettable and non-resettable fuses. 

    Eaton’s extensive range of fuses are suitable for a wide variety of uses to help you avoid costly damage to your equipment when over-current strikes. Fast-acting, compact, industry standard compliant, and reliable - you can pick from options ranging from ceramic or glass cartridge fuses with high rupture capacity and nickel-plated end-caps, bolted and offset tag fuses, to resettable fuses which can be re-used, and radial leaded time-delay non-resettable fuses. 

    Browse Eaton Fuses

    Switches and Switch Disconnectors

    Eaton Tag Fuses

    Switches

    Switches are ideal for manually controlling circuits. Their function is to open or close circuits as needed, and they help to manage the flow of electricity. Selector Switches, Push Button Switches, and Limit Switches are key examples of this type. 

    Switch Disconnectors

    This is a type of switch which is typically used to isolate a circuit from the power, for safety reasons or maintenance such as repairs or inspections. Compared to regular switches they usually have a higher breaking capacity so they can safely interrupt high levels of current. Isolator Switches and FSDs included in this type. 

    As global power management experts Eaton have an exceptional selection of switches and switch disconnectors available at RS. Their high-performance isolator switches feature red handles and yellow locking rings for clear visibility in busy set-ups, enclosed and non-enclosed options and ratings up to IP65. Their FSD range includes units with a variety of configurations, which are built to adhere to strict quality standards, and includes options rated for both AC and C circuits.  

    Monitoring Relays

    These units sense when conditions are abnormal, such as overcurrent's, under-voltage and over-voltage, and trigger other protective devices like circuit breakers into action. They provide precise control in automation and electrical systems as you can control high-powered devices with a low-powered signal. Some examples used in switchgear assemblies are phase failure relays, under/over voltage relays, phase sequence relays, machine guarding safety relays. 

    Eaton’s safety relays are perfect for your A&C applications, featuring long mechanical lifespans and capabilities such as continuous monitoring of signals, emergency stop disconnection, and automatic and manual reset methods. They come with a narrow design to fit easily into your set-up.  

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