In the industrial setup, the switchgear controls the power to the manufacturing processes while at the utilities, the switchgear is used to run the electric grid. This comprises of devices such as fuses, the circuit breakers and relays. However, it is important to note that they perform different functions and usually designed to work together in series so as to provide the maximum coordination and protection. The Difference Between Switchgear and Switchboard Understanding switchgears. Switchgear consists of individually mounte… Learn about power engineering and HV/MV/LV substations. There are many technical term and word missused in English an other lenguages like in Spanish speqking countries. Here’s an article this electrical installations expert sent us lately inwhich he will tell you what’s the function and differences of switchboard and switchgear. More details. 20% off code for Pro Plan: EEP2020. Below is a picture of switchyard where I work. Although switchgear and switchboard devices seem similar in function, one of the main differences between these mechanisms is the allowable voltage. I agree with the comment given by Jacques Schonek. The main difference is the voltage that they are designed to handle. But, it also illustrates the need for adding dates to the articles published in E-E-P. The mounting may be done on the face, the back side, or both. Switch gear is for the switches or fuse and the switchboard is for the frameworks. Generally they are internally housed. It is composed of an assembly of panels. RE: Switchboard vs Distribution Panel thebutler007 (Electrical) 1 … There are major differences in the hardware and design of the two systems. Can someone explain to me the difference between a switchboard and a panelboard. One is the switchboard and the other is switchgear. They may also utilize tie breakers that can be closed to connect two separate systems for continual power in the case that one system, such as a transformer, fails. Both are available with Mains rated from 400 to 1200 amps. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. There are major differences in the hardware and design of the two systems. The choice of using either switchgear or switchboard must be based on many different criteria and the design of the power system requires thought be given to each one. Swbd lower costs Power brkrs Withstand. Individually mounted switchboards can cost between 15 and 50% more than group mounted switchboards, depending on the number and type of devices required. Switchgears are different because they require both rear and front access for cable terminations, and thus they take up more space. Your building will be connected to the local electricity supply via a building incomer which will normally provide the supplies to the main HV/LV (high voltage/low voltage) switchboard in your building. Switchboards take incoming power and distribute it to smaller loads. What is the difference between a switchboard and a panelboard? Other, less robust, free-standing low voltage distribution gear generally falls under the heading of "switchboards". The switchgears have robust constructions, are more flexible and reliable. Switchgear has a very specific UL and ANSI definition and should not be confused with switchboards or panelboards. I am familiar with both European and North American, and when i see Switchgear, Switchboards etc, I read in context. It consists of switching and protection devices such as fuses, circuit breakers, isolators, disconnect switches, relays and other devices that control the flow of electricity. Nothing stated here is guaranteed to be correct, or … The three classes are: Figure 1: Medium voltage switchgear | image: mttiran.com. Lets take an example of 12 kV switchgear Panel. While switchboards are design in mind to be means of distribution to the rest of the branches of the circuits. The are labelled as Form 1, Form 2, Form 3 and Form 4. lighting loads, sockets etc. The ring main units at different substations are connected together to form the 'ring' and contain a switch that connects a transformer or other equipment in the substation to the ring. Suggestion The switchboard and switchgear are two important systems that control how power is delivered to electrical circuits. The switchboards are generally for voltages less than 600 volts, while the switchgear systems are designed for higher voltages reaching up to 350 KV. That is not an NEC recognized designation, though. Since the two have different functions and capabilities, they are suited for different types of installations or at different stages of an electrical network. Most often these will be 480v and higher (in the US). It is a good one! These differences include configurations, components, reliability, standards and applications. You are confusing the terms, when you write switchgear must be switchboard and vice versa. The figure 1 can’t be a medium voltage switchgear. either switchgear or switchboards must be based on many built and tested to different standards: Switchgear power circuit breakers (LVPCB) esses for a longer time. However, under fault conditions, the switchgear is designed to detect the faults and interrupt the flow of electricity to the affected section, thus disconnecting and isolating it from the healthy circuit. Switchboards require less room as they work primarily through front access. Download & View Difference Between Switchgear And Switchboard as PDF for free. These devices are used to switch the electric power on and off for transformers, motors, generators, transmission lines, and power networks in homes, commercial, industrial, transmission and distribution systems. Switchboard - a panel in the control room used to control remote operated devices like switchgear. switch-gear is combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses or circuit breaker used to control and the switchboard is a frame work just like Telephone switchboard, electric switchboard and printed switchboard. For low voltage systems, switchgear is generally applied to distribution gear meeting requirements of ANSI C37. Regarding “The Application of Switchgear and Switchboards” by Jerry Milton, GE Systems Engineer. if you consider as a switchgear a low voltage unit, what is then medium voltage unit or what is an MCC? Whether to use switchgear, a switchboard, or both, depends largely on the design and requirements of the power system. Information is provided based on the best of knowledge and belief and in the spirit of sharing information as a starting point in the study of a complex subject. Your article about differences between switchgear-switchboard is wrong. The difference between switchgear and switchboards made easy.. The circuit breakers as well as over current protection devices for each of the sections are selected according to the load current. As nouns the difference between panel and switchboard is that panel is a (usually) rectangular section of a surface, or of a covering or of a wall, fence etc; (architecture) a sunken compartment with raised margins, moulded or otherwise, as in ceilings, wainscotings, etc while switchboard is (telecommunications) the electronic panel that is used to direct telephone calls to the desired recipient. It will help you. What is the difference between switch gear and control gear ?.. The switchboard refers to a large single panel, assembly of panels, a structural frame or assembly of structural frames, on which buses, switches, and protective and other control devices may be mounted. In commercial buildings, it is used to supply and control power to the loads while providing protection to the loads and the installation. Please fix it. Cable connections are made in the front of the board. We cant say becasue its tested differently, its one or the other. Difference Between Switchgear and Switchboard, Power substation guides, research papers and studies, Electrical Engineering Books and Technical Guides. If you carefully see the picture you can anticipate something about switchyard. Our community still can count on A.N for year 2017! However, the switchboard refers to a panel, structural frame or assembly of either, on which buses, instruments and mechanisms such as the protective devices and switches may be mounted. Published on May 24, 2018 May 24, 2018 • 11 Likes • 1 Comments For example, due to the functions and high power handling capacity in switchgears, they use devices such as high power rated circuit breakers. Each panel contains switches to allow electricity to be redirected. Study specialized technical articles and papers. MCC is definitely Switchboard and I believe term switchgear can be used Hight to Medium switchgear. Switchgear - usually a bank of remote operated breakers and contactors. Tell us what you're thinking... we care about your opinion! From my understanding I think a switch gear is suppose to be the source of Main Power supply to the switchboard. Following are insights into just a few of the differences to help in making those decisions. The switchboards are generally for voltages less than 600 volts, while the switchgear systems are designed for higher voltages reaching up to 350 KV. Unfused switchgear is short circuit tested at 15% power factor for a full 30 cycles, while switchboards are tested at 20% power factor for only 3 cycles . Plastics. Further, these circuit breakers as well as other devices can be replaced or withdrawn when the system is still operating. A ring main unit is a type of switchgear. Unfused switchgear is short circuit tested at 15% power factor for a full 30 cycles, while switchboards are tested at 20% power factor for only 3 cycles . Switchgear is typically more expensive than the individually mounted switchboards, but it may have certain features that preclude the use of any other equipment. … With a switchboard, a technician … The switchgears are classified according to the voltage levels involved in the circuit of application. Forms 2, 3 and 4 are further broken down into Form 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b. An example of this is an 11kV or above. They typically require only front access and may be mounted against a wall. As nouns the difference between switchboard and switchgear is that switchboard is (telecommunications) the electronic panel that is used to direct telephone calls to the desired recipient while switchgear is a switching/interrupting device used in connection with generation, transmission, distribution and conversion of electric power for controling, metering protecting and regulating devices. I agrree with Jacques Schonek comment too. Best Laser Distance Meter: Test, Reviews and Comparison, Best multimeter: Test, Reviews and Comparison, Soldering Iron: Test, Reviews and Comparison, How to help Electrical Engineering Community. Difference Between an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) and Switchgear Switching and Distribution Emergency, prime, or continuous power supplied by diesel … The switchgear permits the switching on and off of the generators, electrical equipment, transmission, distributors and other circuits during the normal operating conditions. He described it as being a giant circuit breaker; it sounds like he’s about right based off what you said. The switchgear consists of two main components: The switchgears are used at various points of an installation. In such a discussion, it could be useful to start from the official definition given by IEC: Switchboard: part of a manual or manually supervised exchange at which the interconnection of circuits is manually controlled, Switchgear: a general term covering switching devices and their combination with associated control, measuring, protective and regulating equipment, also assemblies of such devices and equipment with associated interconnections, accessories, enclosures and supporting structures, intended in principle for use in connection with generation, transmission, distribution and conversion of electric energy. The electrical distribution equipment is designed to redirect and control the flow of electricity from one or multiple sources, to several different sections or loads. The content is copyrighted to EEP and may not be reproduced on other websites. Differences between switchgears and switchboards. Power switching/conducting component such as a circuit breaker, fuse, or lightning arrester that can disconnect the flow of power when there is a fault. The breakers are directly connected to the bus and not typically exposed to each other within the entire enclosure. "Switchgear" (SWG) and "Switchboards" (SWB) (two different things) are for power distribution, meaning they take in primary or secondary voltages at a site and distribute it to other equipment. The ratings of the devices at each stage depend on the voltage levels at that point. Words: 1,773; Pages: 5; Preview; Full text; The Application of Switchgear and Switchboards by Jerry Milton, GE Systems Engineer One important element of good power system design is the proper selection of the distribution equipment. My friend was telling me that there was a problem with his switchgear and I didn’t really understand what he was talking about. Switchgear is often designed for higher voltages. Presentado por Cristobal Gómez, Ingeniero de Especificación. If I am wrong please educate me further please. Thanks for posting the article to help me learn and understand a little bit better. Henn Rebane, P.E. The switchgear devices are mechanisms that enable the connection and disconnection of the electrical power to other circuits and loads. We make the distinction between switchgear and switchboards meaning one has controls and breakers or contactors, whereas switchboards only have controls and there's no power distribution. However, they are more expensive than the switchboards. On this paragraph: “Switchgear incorporates only low-voltage power circuit breakers (LVPCB) which conform with ANSI C37.13 , NEMA SG-3 and are listed per UL-1066, whereas switchboards may include any combination of protective devices including insulated case (ICCB), molded-case circuit breakers (MCCB) listed per UL-489, fusible switches listed per U L-508 and 977 and power circuit breakers listed to UL-106 6.”. A fence with warning signs are used to restrict access to outdoor substations, while metal enclosures and cabinets are used in commercial and industrial buildings to prevent the technical as well as public from coming into contact with the live elements and parts. It references NEMA SG-5 that is obsolete, and the content of the article is restriced to low-voltage systems only. Switchboards and panelboards provide a similar functionality in a power distribution system. Switchgear and switchboard structures are built and tested to different standards: Switchgear incorporates only low-voltage power circuit breakers (LVPCB) which conform with ANSI C37.13 , NEMA SG-3 and are listed per UL-1066, whereas switchboards may include any combination of protective devices including insulated case (ICCB), molded-case circuit breakers (MCCB) listed per UL-489, fusible switches listed per U L-508 and 977 and power circuit breakers listed to UL-106 6. Power control components such as protective relays, control panels, current transformers and other devices to monitor, protect and control the power conduction components and the electrical equipment. Well I am currently working in a switchyard in a power plant so I can give the answer of this question. One of the major differences between switchboards and switchgear is the type of breakers that are used. Being specific when writing e.g. The main role of the switchboard is to allow the incoming electric power to be divided into smaller independent circuits according to their current requirements. Once the currents are divided, they are then distributed according to the load i.e. Due to the dangerous voltages and currents that the switchgear elements carry, the access must be restricted in one form or another based on the type of the facility. The switchboard consists of mechanisms such as those in the switchgear system. Answer / ujjwol. Terminology continues to be confusing to the reader. The switchgear refers to the collection of the switching devices required for a low, medium or high voltage electrical circuit. The main difference is the voltage that they are designed to handle. Electric switchboards are a device that directs the electricity from one source to another. IEC 61439 'Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies', specifies standard arrangements of switchboard (call forms of internal separation). For information on What is the difference between the new IEC 61439 low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies standard and IEC 60439 , click here. Just another name for switchboards. Then, of course, providing practical aspects, illustrations, examples, … can be very useful. Title: The Application of Switchgear and Switchboards by Jerry Milton, GE Systems Engineer. Format: Upvote (0) Downvote (0) Reply (0) These are often seen in small- and medium-size commercial or institutional facilities. as it applies to the North American market, with dates and references will be a helpful guide to contributors. Some switchboards such as those used in residential apartments have an option of metering to see the amount of power used by individual circuits. The best way to have an world wide homologation is to refer to IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and its IEV (International Electrotechnical Vocabulary). Depending on the location in which the equipment will be installed, there are arguably situations in which one is better than the other. Buy Panelboard, Switchboard, and Switchgear Lugs . Switchgear systems can generally deal with voltages of up to 35000 volts, whilst switchboards, are typically used in commercial applications when energy levels under 600 volts are concerned. Other than in distribution and transmission networks, the switchgears are used in residential, commercial, industrial circuits. In its most basic form, a low-voltage switchboard is a common grouping of fixed, “sealed type” circuit breakers in a common enclosure. This term, and concept is going to the wayside. It consists of VCB,CT,PT inside itself. 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