Switchgear and their Types

Switchgear

Switchgear controls, protects, and isolates electrical equipment. It ensures safe operation by interrupting faults and maintaining system stability.

Importance of Protection in Power Systems

Protection systems detect faults quickly, isolate faulty sections, prevent damage, and ensure safety and continuity of supply.

Components of Switchgear

Includes circuit breakers, isolators, relays, CTs, PTs, busbars, and surge arresters working together for control and protection.

Types of Switchgear (LV, MV, HV)

Classified by voltage levels: LV (≤1 kV), MV (1–36 kV), HV (>36 kV), each used for different applications.

Basic Working of Circuit Breakers

Detect fault → relay sends trip signal → contacts open → arc extinguished → circuit isolated.

Types of Circuit Breakers

Air, Oil, SF₆, Vacuum breakers based on arc quenching medium and application.