A switch cabinet is an electrical device where external power lines first enter the main control switch inside the cabinet, and then enter the branch control switches. Each branch circuit is configured according to its needs. Examples include instruments, automatic control systems, motor magnetic switches, various AC contactors, etc. Some switch cabinets also have high-voltage and low-voltage compartments, and are equipped with high-voltage busbars, such as in power plants. Some also have underfrequency load shearing features to protect key equipment.
The main function of a switchgear is to open, close, control, and protect electrical equipment during the power generation, transmission, distribution, and energy conversion processes in a power system. The main components of a switchgear include circuit breakers, disconnect switches, load switches, operating mechanisms, instrument transformers, and various protective devices. Switchgear can be classified in many ways, such as by the circuit breaker installation method (removable switchgear and fixed switchgear); or by the cabinet structure (open switchgear, metal-enclosed switchgear, and metal-enclosed armored switchgear); and by voltage level (high-voltage switchgear, medium-voltage switchgear, and low-voltage switchgear). It is mainly suitable for various applications such as power plants, substations, petrochemical plants, metallurgical steel rolling mills, light industry and textiles, factories and mines, residential communities, and high-rise buildings.
The main categories of switchgear include: low-voltage withdrawable switchgear, low-voltage fixed partition switchgear, low-voltage withdrawable distribution cabinet, GCS type distribution cabinet, medium and low voltage distribution cabinet (box), armored withdrawable switchgear, fixed low-voltage switchgear, AC low-voltage distribution panel, high-voltage capacitor cabinet, high-voltage switchgear, high-voltage metering cabinet, and power-free automatic compensation panel.
Low-voltage switchgear is suitable for power plants, petroleum, chemical, metallurgical, textile, high-rise building and other industries for power transmission, distribution and energy conversion. The products comply with GB7251.1-2013 "Low-voltage switchgear assemblies" (IDT IEC60439-1 1999) standard. Low-voltage switchgear is listed in the 3C certification mandatory certification product catalog.
High-voltage switchgear refers to electrical products used in power systems for switching, control, or protection in power generation, transmission, distribution, energy conversion, and consumption. High-voltage switchgear is categorized into several main types: electrical products with voltage levels ranging from 3.6kV to 550kV, including high-voltage disconnect switches and grounding switches, high-voltage load switches, high-voltage automatic reclosers and sectionalizers, high-voltage operating mechanisms, high-voltage explosion-proof distribution devices, and high-voltage switchgear itself.
