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Functions Performed by Electrical Switchgear

Functions Perf ormed by Electrical Switchgear (on photo Blokset switchboard withdrawable unit/cassette)

National and international standards define the method for making electrical distribution circuits as well as the purpose and functions of switchgear. There are three main functions, namely: 1. Circuit protection takes three main fault types into account:

Overloads, Short-circuits, (Both of which adversely affect the lifetime of cables and loads) Insulation faults, harmful for persons and equipment. 2. Isolation is used to separate a circuit or a device from the remainder of the installation to allow 100% safe operation, 3. Control allows the user to take voluntary action on installation operation: When such action takes place in normal operating conditions (on load, with no overcurrent) in order to energise or de-energise all or part of the installation, control is said to be functional, When such action is essential (whatever the load condition of the installation) in order to immediately de-energise all or part of the installation, control is said to be of the emergency stop kind. Three main functions of electrical circuits: 1. Protection, 2. Isolation, 3. Control, The switch is used for: 1. Control, 2. Often isolation. For protection it must be combined with: 1. Circuit-breaker, 2. Fuses, 3. Residual current device (if necessary). A variety of switchgear perform all or some of these three main functions. The following table situates the role of the main switchgear: Functions perfomed Protections Swit chgear Overloads Shortcircuit Yes Insulationfault No No No Isolation Control

Fuse

Yes (3)

Disconnect or Swit ch Disconnect or f use Swit ch f use Cont act or Circuit -breaker

No No Yes

No No Yes

No Yes? (1)(2) No

Yes Yes? Yes

No Yes No

Yes No Yes

Yes No Yes

Yes? (1)(2) No Yes? (2)

Yes? No Yes?

Yes Yes Yes

Yes Basic function of the switchgear considered (always performed) Yes? Additional function possible (not always performed) (1) Possible with a switch with automatic opening. (2) Possible with addition of a Residual Current Device (RCD). (3) gG fuse only Resource: Schneider Electric - Low voltage switches

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