Switchgear protection is very important in any modern power system network. From power generation to distribution, switchgear helps run the electrical appliances in a streamlined manner and protects the equipment from overload Short-Circuit damage.

Body: When the power in terms of Current & voltage are escalated at a rapid pace, the Switchgear comes under the action & quickly controls the damage of electrical circuit. From this is where the inception of HV/LV Switchgear and protection devices happened in the newest form. Switchgear can be defined as a basic way that it is combination of Switching device & controlling device which is associated to current interruption device including control circuit, measuring instrument, metering, regulation & others associated equipment of electrical power system.

Electrical Switchgear Protection Devices

The most common examples of switchgear devices are – switches, fuses, circuit breaker, isolator, relays, current, and potential transformer, indicating instrument, control panels, etc. In the situations of heavy current load or any fault in the electrical power system, the equipment’s tends to get damaged, and the service is also interrupted. In order to protect the electrical equipment from any possible damage, these switchgear protection devices are required. Switchgear devices provide a way in which power equipment can be de-energized and faults can be cleared.


Functions of a Switchgear and protection devices:
The three basic functions of switchgear power systems are – electrical protection, electrical isolation, and control.

It helps to protect the electrical machines and appliances. It interrupts the circuit that is experiencing overload while still allowing currents to flow through the unaffected circuits.

It also provides isolation of circuits and the part of the system that is energized. This provides protection to the person who is repairing the power system/equipment.

It enhances system availability by allowing more than one source to feed a load.

One of the most essential components of switchgear is a current interruption (switching) device i.e. circuit breaker. The circuit breaker can be operated manually when required but is also designed to ‘trip’ automatically in the event of an overload or any type of fault in the system. It detects the fault through a protection relay and triggers before damage can occur.

About the Company:

Robert Cowlishaw and Associates was established in the year 2007 and is a specialist Electrical Engineering company situated in Stockport near Manchester in the UK.

We provide Electrical Survey and Condition reports including financial reports on various types of buildings, mainly commercial and industrial buildings.