Electrical switchgear is one of those terms that most people have never heard of. If you are a a manufacturing manager, you have certainly heard of electrical switchgear. As a matter of fact, your job may depend on the operation of fully functioning and a smooth operating electrical distribution system in your factory or plant.

Facility managers faced with the choice of replacing or retrofitting their existing obsolete switchgear to take advantage of the capabilities of the newer generation of circuit protection technology should make an informed choice; there are many factors to consider in this decision. One of these factors, of course, is the initial capital cost, along with potential disruption to the facility’s processes and workflow during the course of changing out the equipment.

Without electrical switchgear, so many of the things that you use in your everyday life would not exist. If it was made in a factory, all of the machinery and equipment depend upon the operation of electrical switchgear to distribute the elctricity to run the machines.

Electrical switchgear requires proper maintenance and regular service. Proper installation from a qualified company is vitally important.

National and international standards define the manner in which electric circuits of low voltage installations must be realized. Standards determine the capabilities and limitations of the various switching devices which are collectively referred to as switchgear. The main functions of switchgear are:

Electrical protection
Electrical isolation of sections of an installation
Local or remote switching
Electrical protection at low voltage is normally incorporated in circuit breakers, such as thermal magnetic devices and/or residual current operated tripping devices. In addition, circuit breakers provide:

Over-voltage protection
Under-voltage protection
The aim of protection is to avoid or to limit the destructive or dangerous consequences of excessive (short-circuit) currents, or those due to overloading and insulation failure. The circuit breaker will separate the defective circuit from the rest of the installation.

Electrical distribution equipment is certainly the heart of any industrial facility. Without a reliable electrical distribution system, the operation of any facility would be impossible. From lighting, security, manufacturing and environmental controls, nothing happens without electricity.

Modern power circuit breakers are designed using space-age materials in very compact formats with digital trip units. They are also designed for significantly reduced maintenance requirements. These products now offer very high fault-current withstand capabilities without the use of limiter fuses. Since power circuit breakers provide such a vital function in protecting the electrical system, as well as reducing the risk to electrical workers from arcing faults, these design improvements are a quantum leap forward in equipment and personnel protection. They have very low maintenance requirements and allow new switchgear to be much more compact than older open iron frame circuit breaker designs.

Make sure that you make the right choice when selecting a company to handle your electrical switchgear testing, repair and maintenance services. Your job may depend on it.

Carolina Precision Switchgear. Electrical Switchgear Testing, Repair & Maintenance Services.