Underground Switchgear
Underground Switchgear for Enhanced Safety
Our distribution switchgear is engineered to industry standards, meeting the needs of your application while ensuring operator safety. With our comprehensive line, we can provide switchgear for any padmount or vault application with ratings for primary substation and secondary distribution.
Easy-to-Operate Medium Voltage Switchgear
Our medium voltage switchgear can be operated manually or within distribution automation solutions. Padmount switchgear provides easy access to cable connections and operating apparatus, while vault switchgear can be wall- or floor-mounted for underground installations with flexibility to the direction of incoming underground cable connections.
Ensure Safety with Tested and Proven Switchgear
Designed and tested to industry standards, our switchgear are field-tested and proven, with many still in service after more than 60 years of operation. In 2012 we introduced SafeVu™, the first visible break in a solid dielectric that allows elbows to remain installed and eliminates the need for additional devices to achieve visible break.
G&W Switchgear Design Expertise
Our extensive portfolio of switchgear provides options for a wide range of applications and a variety of system configurations and a variety of ratings. Our G&W Electric designed mechanisms are tested to industry standards by our in-house electrical switchgear experts.
Switchgear Solutions for Distribution Systems
Our switchgear offers industry-leading solutions for a wide range of applications — including those that involve load switching, line sectionalizing, fault interruption, substation and distribution automation to automate with motors or magnetic actuators.
High Accuracy, High Precision Sensors
Our patented sensor technologies help customers control power quality, monitoring, protection and measurement with accurate, real-time current and voltage intelligence for optimizing the grid’s power delivery and reliability.
Switchgear and Cabinet Types
Explore our switchgear and cabinet solutions by type to find those best suited to your needs.
Solid Dielectric Switchgear
Our solid dielectric load break switchgear are designed to IEEE standards to provide maintenance-free enhanced switching capability, safe sequencing and operation. Solid dielectric insulation makes the switchgear suitable for the most challenging environments.
Gas Insulated Switchgear
Our line of gas insulated switchgear is available with load break and/or fault interrupters and is designed and tested to IEEE standards. It’s ideal for harsh environments where submersibility is required for operation on distribution systems rated up to 38kV, 900A continuous current and 40kA asymmetrical momentary current. Our best-in-class puffer switchgear are ideal for mission critical applications.
Junction Bars and Sectionalizing Cabinets
Our junction bars provide a compact, flexible solution for loop, tap, grounding, testing or sectionalizing applications up to 35kV, 900A continuous current and are designed and tested to IEEE standards. Multiple point junctions can be provided in a sectionalizing cabinet for padmount applications or with wall mounting provisions for installation in an electrical room or vault.
Key Components of Electrical Switchgear Systems
Electrical switchgear systems consist of multiple components that work together to ensure safe operation:
- Circuit breakers and fuses for protection against excessive current flow
- Protective relay systems for monitoring and response
- Disconnect switches to isolate electrical equipment
- Current transformers for measurement and monitoring
- Control panels for remote control and automation
- Earth leakage circuit breakers for enhanced safety
These components form a complete switchgear assembly that ensures reliable protection equipment for distribution systems.
Benefits of Underground Switchgear in Distribution Systems
Underground switchgear provides several advantages in modern electrical power distribution:
- Improved Safety: Fully enclosed switchgear enclosure reduces arc energy exposure
- Space Efficiency: Ideal for underground installations and compact environments
- High Reliability: Designed to withstand harsh underground conditions
- Reduced Maintenance: Sealed circuit breakers and insulation systems minimize maintenance
- Enhanced Protection: Protects against fault currents, short circuits, and overcurrent protection issues
- Support for Automation: Enables remote control and integration with distribution automation systems
Applications of Underground Switchgear
Underground switchgear is widely used across various industries and electrical systems:
- Utility distribution networks and underground distribution systems
- Industrial operations and manufacturing facilities
- Data centers requiring reliable power supply
- Renewable energy and centralized collection systems
- Substations and power system infrastructure
- Urban infrastructure with low accessibility installations
Types of Switchgear for Underground Distribution Systems
| Type of Switchgear | Insulation Type | Key Benefit | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Dielectric Switchgear | Solid dielectric | Maintenance-free, high reliability | Harsh environments |
| Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) | SF6 gas | Compact size, high performance | Substations, urban areas |
| Air Insulated Switchgear | Air | Easy maintenance | Outdoor applications |
| Vacuum Switchgear | Vacuum interrupters | Efficient arc interruption | Medium voltage systems |
| Metal Enclosed Switchgear | Metal enclosed | Enhanced safety | Industrial applications |
FAQ’s for Switchgear
What is underground switchgear used for?
Underground switchgear is used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment in underground distribution systems. It ensures safe operation by managing current flow and preventing faults in electric power systems.
What are the different types of switchgear used in underground systems?
Common types of switchgear include solid dielectric switchgear, gas insulated switchgear (GIS), vacuum switchgear, and air insulated switchgear. Each type offers different benefits based on insulation and application.
How does switchgear protect electrical systems?
Switchgear protects electrical systems by using circuit breakers, protective relays, and disconnect switches to detect and interrupt excessive current flow, preventing damage from short circuits and faulty circuits.
Why is medium voltage switchgear important in distribution systems?
Medium voltage switchgear plays a critical role in distribution systems by ensuring reliable power supply, protecting equipment, and enabling safe operation in utility and industrial applications.
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