What is switchgear?
In an electrical installation, switchgear consists of disconnect switches and fuses/circuit breakers. Electrical power is disconnected with the help of switches. Whereas fuses or circuit breakers control, protect and isolate electrical equipment. Undoubtedly, this is related to the reliability of the supply of electricity. An MEP design consultant uses his experience in deciding the proper switchgear while designing an industrial project.
What is the purpose of switchgear in an electrical installation?
Switchgear is a protective component in an electrical installation. Any fault downstream can be isolated by switchgear. Additionally, switchgear is used to disconnect an electrical circuit from the equipment. Furthermore, switchgear provides protection against under and over voltage, earth leakage, over current. It also provides flexibility in using either locally or remotely.
Electrical circuit design is specified in the national and international standards based on the various capabilities and limitations of various switchgear in order to ensure their safe operation. Hence, it is essential for an industrial MEP design consultant to design according to the standards.
Types of Switchgear
In general, switchgear is classified based on the voltage level:
- High Voltage Switchgear
- Medium Voltage Switchgear
- Low Voltage Switchgear
Components of a switchgear
Typically, switchgear has two components:
- Power-conducting components: These components conduct or interrupt the flow of electricity. for example circuit breakers, switches, fuses, isolators relay, etc.
- Control systems: These components help in monitoring, controlling & protecting the power conducting components. Some examples are control panels, current transformers, etc.
Role of an MEP Consultant
An industrial MEP consultant uses his knowledge, talent and software to design the most optimal and safe electrical circuits, logic diagrams, schematics, cable block diagrams and termination details to comply with the latest national and international standards.
Additionally, the consultant has to analyze each circuit and optimize one at a time. The industrial electrical design consultant has to consider a number of combinations to ensure satisfactory performance, compatibility among individual and upstream switchgear with respect to rating and fault level, conformity to regulations towards safety and reliability in circuit performance, etc.
Generally, the key deliverables of an MEP consultant are :
- Design calculations
- Single line diagrams
- Electrical schematics
- Calculation of voltage drops
- Calculation of short circuit current
- Switchgear rating and selection
- Selection of protective devices
- Selection of cascading schemes
- Cable size optimisation
- Verification of personnel protection system.
To conclude switchgear
