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SWITCHGEAR
S
BY

Lynda
Iledare

DEFINITIONS
Switchgear

Switchgear is a generic term and includes the entire range of

switching devices and their combination with associated control,
measuring, protecting and regulating equipment.
The assemblies of such devices and equipment with associated interconnections, accessories, enclosures and supporting structures,
intended, in principle, for use in connection with the generation,
transmission, distribution and conversion of electric energy also form
a switchgear.

WHY DO WE NEED SWITCHGEARS

Switchgears are necessary at every switching point in the power

system because there are several voltage levels and fault levels
which has to be controlled and protected by accessible
Switching devices and for isolation, if the need arises.
Examples of Switchgears
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)

Circuit Breakers.
Isolators (Disconnector or Disconnecting Switch).
Earthing Switch.
Lightning Arrestor.
Current Transformer.
Voltage (Potential) Transformer.

Continuation on
switchgears
(g)
Protection Relays.
(h)
Fuses.
(i)
Contactors.
(j)
Load Switches (Ring Main
Units).
(k)
Feeder Pillars.
(l)
Reactors.

CLASSIFICATION OF
SWITCHGEARS

Metal-clad switchgear

Metal enclosed switchgear in which components are arranged in

separate compartments with metal enclosures intended to be
earthed. There will be separate compartments at least for the
following components : each main switching device; components
connected to one side of a main switching device, e.g. feeder circuit
;and components connected to the other side of the main switching
device, e.g. bus bars

Metal Enclosed Switchgear

Switchgear assemblies with an external metal enclosure intended to be

earthed, and complete except for external connections.

CIRCUIT BREAKER

A mechanical switching device, capable of

making, carrying and breaking currents under
normal circuit conditions, and also making,
carrying for a specied time and breaking
currents under specied abnormal circuit
conditions such as those of short-circuit.

CLASSIFICATION OF CBs

(a) RATED VOLTAGE

(b) MEDIUM OF ARC EXTINCTION

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(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Air - (Atmospheric air/compressed air).

Dielectric Oil (Transformer Oil).
Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) Gas.
Vacuum.

(ii)Dielectric Oil (Transformer Oil) CB: in these type of circuit breakers, the contacts part in oil. The oil
provide insulation between the live part and earthed metal tank and also primarily arc extinction.
We have them as :
a) Bulk oil circuit breakers(BOCB) for voltages of range 1000 V to 330 kV. As shown in the gure below.

(b) Minimum Oil Circuit Breakers (MOCBs)

These types of circuit breakers utilise oil as the interrupting media. However,
unlike bulk oil circuit breakers, these designs place the interrupting units in
insulating chambers at live potential.
This feature of the design of MOCBs reduces the requirement of oil, and
these breakers are therefore known as minimum oil circuit breakers. These designs
are available in voltages ranging from 1000 V to 765 kV using the multi-break
technique

Typical
view of 36
kV MOCB

Cross-section of
interrupting
chamber

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(ii) Air - (Atmospheric air/compressed air) : Air Circuit Breaker

This is the type of breaker in which the contacts Open and close in air at atmospheric 12
pressure. In general, its use is restricted to low voltage applications or high security
installations where the risk of an oil re or oil contamination of the environment is too
high to be tolerated.

(b) Cooling arc in an insulated

plate arc chute
(a) Main Parts of an air circuit breaker trolley

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(c) Arc chute with magnetic coil

(d) Arc chute with metal arc splitter plates

This circuit breaker prevents the resumption of arcing after current zero by creating a
situation wherein the contact gap will withstand the system recovery voltage by creating an
arc voltage in excess of the supply voltage. This state can be achieve through any of the
following ways:
Intense cooling of the arc plasma, so that the voltage gradient is very high;
Lengthening the arc path to increase the arc voltage; and
Splitting up the arc into a number of series arcs.

Air Blast Circuit Breakers (ABCBs)

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This type of circuit breaker has been used earlier for open terminal HV application, for
system
voltages of 245 kV, and 400 kV up to 765 kV, especially where faster breaker operation
was

Each interrupter consists of a porcelain insulator, mounted on the air inlet manifold, with the
required.
exhaust chamber xed at the opposite end of the porcelain as shown in the gure below.
The moving contact assembly consists of a chromium-copper contact coupled to two pistons by
means of an insulated tie rod that moves inside the contact tube. The main current in the moving
contact is transferred to the contact tube by means of transfer contact ngers. An arcing
tip is provided at the end of the moving contact. The moving contact is maintained in a
normally closed
position with the xed contact by springs.

 The interrupting capability of air blast breaker is usually increased by increasing the
normal pressure range. Normally the pressure level is around 30 to 35 bars.

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(iii)SF6 Gas Circuit Breakers: in this type of CB the arc quenching medium is sulphur
hexafluoride(SF6) gas hence, the contacts open and close in the gas. These circuit breakers
are available for complete range of medium voltage and high voltage application up to
800 kV and above.
The gas has an excellent insulating and arc quenching properties due to the
electronegative property; resulting in reduced clearances, rapid interruption, and
optimum breaking of inductive and capacitive loads. This

Electronegativity
.
An innovation in the puffer type design of an SF6 circuit breaker is the thermal assist
principle. In this type of design, the arc energy is utilised to develop pressure in the arcing
chamber for arc quenching. The gas is usually at a pressure of 7.5 bar.

SF6 CB-Interrupter

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(iv)Vacuum Circuit Breakers (VCBs)

In a vacuum circuit breaker, the arc interruption takes place in vacuum. This technology has been
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found to be most suitable for medium voltage application though the experimental interrupters
for 72.5 kV and 145 kV have been developed, they were not found to be commercially viable.
It has a steel arc chamber in the centre and symmetrically arranged ceramic insulators as
shown in the g. below:

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The moving contacts are made movable by the use of metallic
bellows. The arc chamber is welded to the housing flanges, which, in
turn, are brazed to metallised ceramic insulators, thus giving a
hermetically sealed interrupter. The vacuum pressure is generally 10 -6
bar.
The material of the contacts plays a very important role in the
overall performance of the vacuum circuit breaker. The most
common material or alloys in use today are: CuBi, CuCr, or CuAg. Of
these, CuCr offers the most ideal solution for all ratings of interrupters
from 8 kA to 63 kA. With this material, the current chopping levels have
been kept down to as low as 2 to 3 amps.

Operating mechanism
The primary function of a circuit breaker mechanism is to provide the means for
opening and closing the contacts.

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(i) Spring Charging

Mechanisms
The energy of this mechanism is stored in closing springs. The stored energy is available for closing
the circuit breaker on command following the release of the closing latch. Commonly used in
medium voltage outdoor and indoor type circuit breakers.

Spring Mechanism.

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(ii) Pneumatic Mechanism

These mechanisms open and closes the contact pneumatically i.e my the action of
pressurized air. pneumatic mechanisms use an air piston to drive the closing
linkage and to charge a set of opening springs. Usually found in ABCB, oil and SF6
type of CBs. This is shown in the gure below:

(iii) Hydraulic Mechanisms

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Hydraulic mechanisms constitute only a variation of the pneumatic mechanism. The
energy, in most cases, is stored in a nitrogen gas accumulator, and the incompressible
hydraulic fluid becomes a fluid operating link that is interposed between the
accumulator and a linkage system.
The storage method of the energy can be either the nitrogen gas accumulator or a disk
spring assembly, which acts as an energy accumulator.

(d)Type of construction

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(e)Structural Design
In dead-tank circuit breakers, the switching device
is located, with suitable insulator supports, inside
a metallic vessel(s) at ground potential and lled
with insulating medium. In dead-tank circuit
breakers, the incoming and outgoing conductors
are taken out through suitable insulator bushings,
and low voltage type current transformers are
located at the lower end of both insulator
bushings, i.e. at the line side and the load side.

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In
live-tank
circuit
breakers,
the
interrupter(s) is located in an insulator
bushing, at a potential
above ground potential. The live-tank circuit
breakers are cheaper (with no current
transformer),and require less mounting
space.

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ISOLATOR
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An isolator - also called disconnector switch or simply disconnector
is basically a no-load switch design to operate under no-load
condition.
Isolator opens only after the opening of the circuit breaker and
closes rst before the C.B. Isolator is interlocked with circuit breaker
such that wrong operation is avoided.
Circuit breaker always trip the circuit but open contacts of breaker
cannot be visible physically from outside of the breaker and that is
why it is recommended not to touch any electrical circuit just by
switching off the circuit breaker. So for better safety there must be
some arrangement so that one can see open condition of the
section of the circuit before touching it.

Basic components of an
Isolator

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Typical Application

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There are different types of isolators available depending upon

system requirement. These are:

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Single Break Vertical Break Isolator

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Single Side break Isolator

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Center Break Isolator

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Double Break Isolator

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PANTOGRAPH ISOLATOR

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Nameplate Data

Rated Characteristics
Maximum voltage
Dielectric Withstand
Power Frequency
Continuous current
Peak Withstand current(peak
Assym)
Closing
timeWithstand current(sym)
Short-time
Ice Breaking Capability
Mechanical Operations
Load interrupting current

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Maker Name and address Type

Designation number
Serial number
Frequency
Maximum Voltage
Continuous current
Allowable continuous current class

Peak withstand current

Short-time withstand current
Short-time current duration
Lightning impulse withstand voltage (B
Mechanical Operations
Load interrupting current

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Earthing Switch
An Earthing switch is a device used to discharge to earth, any
residual charges trapped on a line after its opening.
An Earthing switch is normally connected between the line
conductor and earth. (Just before the isolator on line conductor )
The sequence of operation while opening and closing a
circuit.
While Opening:

(i) Open circuit breaker

(ii) Open isolator
(iii) Close earthing switch

While Closing:

(i) Open earthing switch

(ii) Close isolator
(iii) Close circuit breaker

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Earthing switches

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LIGHTNING ARRESTERS
The lightning arrester is a surge diverter and is used for the
protection of power system against the high voltage surges.
It is connected between the lines and the earth and so diverts
the in coming high voltage wave to the earth.
If protection fails or is absent, lightning that strikes the
electrical system introduces thousands of kilovolts that may
damage the transmission lines, and can also cause severe
damage to the transformers and other electrical or electronic
devices.

TYPES OF LIGHTNING ARRESTER

1.

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STATION TYPE ARRESTER: As distinguished by their heavier

construction, better protective characteristics and higher discharge
current capacity are used for the protection of substation and
power transformer. We have 10,000A peak : 3.3 to 245kv rms for
larger power station.
2. LINE TYPE ARRESTER: This is used for the protection of
distribution transformers and some time small substation. We have
5,000A peak: 3.3 to 123kv rms for medium power station.
3. DISTRIBUTION TYPE ARRESTER: Are used primarily for pole
mounting distribution transformer. We have 2,500/1,500 peak up to
3.3kv rms for distribution or rural system.

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4. VALVE TYPE ARRESTER: Are commonly used

in more high powered electrical system. It consist
of a series of non-linear resistor disc. Valve type
arresters work when excessive voltage causes the
spark gaps to touch, and the non-linear resistor
carry the voltage into the ground.

LIGHTNING ARRESTER MAINTENANCE

The maintenance test that may be made on lightning

arresters with DC voltage insulation resistance
measurement. Following is the generalized maintenance
procedure for lightning arrester for conducting the insulation
resistance test
. The test voltage is Direct Current type and is1.7 times rated
voltage of lightning.
At a pressure of 1000 V applied between each live conductor
and earth for a period of one minute the insulation
resistance of HV installations shall be at least 1 Mega ohm or
as specied by locally recognized standards body.

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lightning arresters

SINGLE TYPE LA

MOUNTED TYPE LA

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RMUs also known as Load break Switches are switchgears

used in practice in order to maintain optimum continuity of
service, by providing a means of isolation at the origin of each
circuit. As shown in the gure below.

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The RMU allows segregation of the faulty sections of the system, by local
or remote switching control, to preserve continuity of supply via
alternative circuits. The aim of this function is to isolate or dis-connect a
circuit, apparatus, or an item of the system from the remainder energized
parts, so that the personnel may carry out work on the isolated part in

RING MAIN UNITS (RMUs)

Ring main units are distribution load break switches used on
voltages up to 40kv to service feeder load areas in
complement of feeder circuit breakers.
Ring main units are either: fused ring switches, unfused ring
switches, extensible oil switches and interconnector switches.
Ring main units serve the following purposes:
(a) Breaking rated load current.
(b) Making rated load current.
(c) Carrying specied short circuit current.
RMUs have 3no.s of switches (circuit breakers or isolators or
LBS).

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TYPES OF RING MAIN UNITS

Ring main units is of indoor or out type and can be

made extensible on both sides. It consists of two
units of 11kv, 630AMPs continuously rated, triple
pole non automatic, quick break, air break, fault
making load breaking switches, with associated
busbars and connections for making controlling an
incoming/outgoing 11kv feeder cable.
RMUs can also be provided with two number load
break switch with one number tee-off vacuum
circuit breaker with protective devices.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN SWITCHING RMUs

(1) Never open the first RMU on a feeder carrying more than
200Amps.
(2) Once a year, take local outage to take sample and check oil
level in an RMU.
(3) Never switch an RMU in a narrow space seek room for
escape
(4) Never wear slippers or loose sandals when switching an RMUs,
wear shoes.
(5) Never stand in front of the cable end box when switching an
RMU.

RMUs

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FEEDER PILLAR

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Feeder pillar is an effective electrical enclosure to

provide electrical services for low voltage electrical
distribution applications. It is designed as compact and
robust for vandalism protection. The metal enclosure is
made of sheet steel of minimum 2mm thickness,
mounted on a steel base frame of minimum 3mm
thickness. Enclosure is suitable for out door application.

Feeder pillars are distribution transformers cabinet

boards for supplying three phase and single phase loads
at 415v and 240v respectively in a safe economical and
convenient way for operational and maintenance
purposes.

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Feeder pillar have circuit arrangement which are in
ways example of such are :Two way
Four way
Five way
Eight way.
Feeder pillar are zinc spray and painted steel
housing to prevent corrosion by the elements.

Feeder pillar

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FUSES
Fuse is a current interrupting device which breaks or opens circuit (in
which it is inserted) by fusing the element when the current in the
circuit exceeds a certain value. Fuse element or fuse wire is that part
of the fuse which actually melts when an excessive current flows in
the circuit and thus isolates the faulty device from the supply circuit.
Fuse link is that part of the fuse which needs replacement when then
fuse blows out. The current rating is specied by manufacturer. The
fusing current is dened as the minimum value of the current at
which the fuse element or the fuse wire melts.

TYPES OF FUSES

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(1) Low voltage fuses
(2) High voltage fuses
Low voltage fuses can be divided into two classes, which
are semi-enclosed or rewirable type and totally enclose or
cartridge type
Rewirable fuses is the most commonly used fuse in
house wiring and small current circuits is the semi
enclosed or rewirable fuse.
Cartridge type fuse: the fuse element is enclosed in a
totally enclosed container and is provided with metal
contact on both sides.
High voltage fuses are used up to 33kv. They may be
employed for voltage transformer protection or for circuit
up to about 400A rated current on system up to 132kv.

ADVANTAGES OF FUSES

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(1) It is the cheapest type of protection

(2) It needs no maintenance.
(3) it interrupts enormous short circuit current without noise,
flame, gas or smoke.
(4) The minimum type of operation can be made much smaller
than with circuit breakers.
DISADVANTAGES OF FUSES

(1) Time is lost in rewiring or replacement of fuse after

operation.
(2) Discrimination between fuses in series cannot be obtain
unless there is a considerable difference in the relative sizes of
the fuses concerned.

CONTACTOR

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A contactor is an electrically controlled switch used for

switching a power circuit, similar to a relay expect with
higher current rating.
A contactor is controlled by a circuit which has a much
lower power level than the switch circuit. A contactor is not
intended to interrupt a short circuit current. Contactors
range from those having a breaking current of several
amperes and 24v DC to many kilovolts.

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Contactors are used to control electric motors, lighting, heating,
capacitor banks, thermal evaporators and other electrical loads .

OPERATING PRINCIPLE
Unlike general purpose relays, contactors are designed to be
directly connected to high current load devices. Relays tend to be
of lower capacity and are usually designed for both normally closed
and normally open applications.

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Device switching more than 15amperes or in circuits rated
more than a few kilowatt are usually called contactors.
When current passes through the electromagnet, a
magnetic eld is produced which attracts the moving core
of the contactor.
Contactors are rated by designed load current per contact
(pole), maximum fault with stand current, duty cycle, design
life expectancy, voltage and coil voltage.

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A general purpose motor control may be suitable

for heavy starting duty on large motors; so-called
denite purpose contactors are carefully adapted
to such applications as air-conditioning compressor
motor starting.
Contactors are often used to provide large lighting
installations such as on office building or retail
building. To reduce power consumption in the
contactors are used, which have two operating coils.

Contactors

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