The technology and electronics of the 21st century are very advanced. We’ve got so used to the ease of electricity and the internet that this generation probably couldn’t imagine life without them. Electricity is the flow of power or charges through wires. But there are some problems with how electricity is sent. Like any other invention, electricity has some issues. There may be minor changes in the power supply every so often, which could hurt the machines. Medium voltage switchgear is a simple device that stabilizes the flow of electricity when it isn’t going in a straight line. It is used to keep damage to a minimum when something unexpected happens.
Switchgear can be placed indoors or outdoors, called indoor and outdoor switchgear, respectively.
Things to Consider When Choosing Medium Voltage Switchgear
Indoor Switchgear
You install the indoor switchgear, as the name says, inside a building or other enclosed space. It is safe from wind, rain, snow, unusual dust deposits, unusual condensation, ice, and hoary frost.
Most indoor switch gears are of metal and plastic. The different parts of the switchgear are separated by metal walls connected to the earth. So, we have a breaker chamber, a CT/PT chamber, a cable termination chamber, a busbar chamber, a surge suppressor chamber, an LT busbar chamber, an instrument panel chamber, and so on.
Outside Switchgear
Outdoor Medium voltage switchgear is made to be put in open spaces where it is most likely exposed to rain, dust, and other effects on the environment. Enclosures made of metal can be used as a kiosk for taking high-power connections or it they can be placed on a building (porcelain-dad switchgear) or poles (pole-mounted).
When metal-clad switchgear is put outside, the enclosure must be able to stand up to the weather.
Accuracy of Switchgear
Accuracy refers to how close your measurements are to actual values. A good quality system will be accurate within five percent, while poor quality systems can only measure within two percent accuracy. You will also want to look at the weight capacity of each model, as well as their overall size so that they will fit in your chosen location without causing too much damage or taking up too much space in your facility.
Considerations for Rating
Standard rated voltage and maximum operating voltage are used to rate circuit breakers. Circuit breakers can’t handle more than this maximum working voltage in the power system where they’re employed. To avoid overheating, circuit breakers have a rated capacity for continuous current.
This is a must if you want the insulation on the main parts that carry power to last as long as possible!
Most circuit breakers are rated for either 50 or 60 Hz. When the rated frequency is 200 Hz or higher, the circuit breaker will not be able to stop the flow of electricity.
Ambient Considerations
Motor Starters work well at the ratings shown on the rating plate under normal environmental conditions. Temperatures of 40°C and altitudes of up to 1000 meters are considered standard. When these things change, the switchgear needs to be downrated. Also, surge suppressors should be regarded for all these installations at high altitudes.
Outside air is used to cool and insulate a circuit breaker. The air is less dense at high altitudes, making it hard to cool and keep warm. So, derating circuit breakers is something to think about.
Conclusion
Electricity is now an essential part of everyday life. Even though electricity is valuable, it can also be dangerous. Because of this, several safety precautions and rules should be followed when dealing with it. Switchgear is needed because electricity needs to be used more safely and efficiently.
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