Selection Guide
Practical comparison and selection guides for switchgear, RMUs, compact substations and LV switchgear — written for overseas procurement and engineering teams.
Use switchgear where fault interruption, protection, control, and network isolation are required. Use a distribution board for final branch distribution when upstream switchgear already provides the principal protection.
Read guideAn SF6 RMU is compact and sealed, but destination-market gas restrictions can determine whether it is acceptable. Air-insulated switchgear needs more space but simplifies visual inspection and avoids SF6 lifecycle obligations.
Read guideChoose a compact substation when space, civil work, and commissioning time are constrained. Choose a traditional substation when very high capacity, staged expansion, or utility room-layout rules require separate equipment rooms.
Read guideWithdrawable switchgear costs more but can shorten isolation and breaker-replacement time. Fixed switchgear is simpler and lower cost where planned outages and upstream isolation are acceptable.
Read guideGGD suits economical fixed distribution; GCS/GCK/MNS suit modular drawout feeders and motor control; a SIVACON-based configuration suits projects that explicitly specify that platform. Verify the assembly design against IEC 61439.
Read guideSelect medium-voltage switchgear from the system single-line diagram, not from cabinet appearance. Lock voltage, current, fault level, insulation, internal-arc requirement, protection, environment, and FAT scope before comparing quotations.
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