Decision facts
Start with system ratings
Verify at least 6 system inputs from the single-line diagram: system position, rated voltage, fault interruption, feeder count, and isolation duty. A catalog family is not a final project specification.
Evidence
Reviewed: 2026-08-01
Confirm the applicable standard
Use IEC 62271-200 and IEC 61439-1 as the reference family, then record 3 controls in the technical agreement: edition, destination rules, and model scope.
Evidence
Reviewed: 2026-08-01
Require model-specific evidence
Before award, request 5 evidence sets: type tests, routine-test plan, drawings, protection schedule, and factory acceptance test scope.
Evidence
- Hubei Shiji Senyuan Electric Group
- International Electrotechnical Commission
- International Electrotechnical Commission
Reviewed: 2026-08-01
Make the RFQ decision-ready
A usable RFQ states 8 fields: voltage, current, fault level, feeder arrangement, environment, destination standard, component preference, and delivery boundary.
Evidence
Reviewed: 2026-08-01
Comparison matrix
| Choice | Use when |
|---|---|
| Switchgear | Use where the assembly must interrupt fault current, coordinate protection, control feeders, or sectionalize the network. |
| Distribution board | Use for final branch distribution when upstream switchgear already provides the principal protection and isolation. |
Technical specification inputs
| Requirement | Project value |
|---|---|
| Start with system ratings | Verify at least 6 system inputs from the single-line diagram: system position, rated voltage, fault interruption, feeder count, and isolation duty. A catalog family is not a final project specification. |
| Confirm the applicable standard | Use IEC 62271-200 and IEC 61439-1 as the reference family, then record 3 controls in the technical agreement: edition, destination rules, and model scope. |
| Require model-specific evidence | Before award, request 5 evidence sets: type tests, routine-test plan, drawings, protection schedule, and factory acceptance test scope. |
| Make the RFQ decision-ready | A usable RFQ states 8 fields: voltage, current, fault level, feeder arrangement, environment, destination standard, component preference, and delivery boundary. |
Decision path
- 1
Start with system ratings
Verify at least 6 system inputs from the single-line diagram: system position, rated voltage, fault interruption, feeder count, and isolation duty. A catalog family is not a final project specification.
- 2
Confirm the applicable standard
Use IEC 62271-200 and IEC 61439-1 as the reference family, then record 3 controls in the technical agreement: edition, destination rules, and model scope.
- 3
Require model-specific evidence
Before award, request 5 evidence sets: type tests, routine-test plan, drawings, protection schedule, and factory acceptance test scope.
- 4
Make the RFQ decision-ready
A usable RFQ states 8 fields: voltage, current, fault level, feeder arrangement, environment, destination standard, component preference, and delivery boundary.
Functional difference
Switchgear is an assembly with circuit breakers or switches, protective relays, metering and earthing switches. It is built to interrupt fault current and isolate sections of a network safely. Distribution boards primarily distribute power to final circuits and may include single protection devices but fewer switching or sectionalizing functions.
Evidence: Hubei Shiji Senyuan Electric Group, International Electrotechnical Commission, International Electrotechnical Commission
When to specify switchgear
Specify switchgear at the incoming, sub-main or feeder-control level of a plant, substation or commercial building — anywhere fault current must be interrupted and the network sectionalized. Medium-voltage incoming and transformer secondary protection almost always require switchgear rated to IEC 62271 or GB 3906.
Evidence: Hubei Shiji Senyuan Electric Group, International Electrotechnical Commission, International Electrotechnical Commission
When a distribution board is enough
For final distribution to motors, lighting and socket circuits, a distribution or metering box is usually sufficient. These enclosures are simpler, lower cost and faster to install, provided the upstream switchgear already provides the main protection and isolation.
Evidence: Hubei Shiji Senyuan Electric Group, International Electrotechnical Commission, International Electrotechnical Commission
RFQ checklist
State voltage level, short-circuit rating, feeder quantity, protection scheme, component brand preference, enclosure form (withdrawable or fixed), ingress protection and destination standard. A manufacturer that quotes only by cabinet count is usually omitting engineering risk.
Evidence: Hubei Shiji Senyuan Electric Group, International Electrotechnical Commission, International Electrotechnical Commission
Switchgear vs Distribution Board at a glance
| Aspect | Switchgear | Distribution Board |
|---|---|---|
| Primary function | Switch, protect, control, isolate | Distribute to final circuits |
| Fault interruption | Rated to break fault current | Limited / upstream-dependent |
| Typical level | Incoming, sub-main, MV/LV | Final distribution |
| Standards | IEC 62271, GB 3906, IEC 61439 | IEC 61439, GB 7251 |
Evidence: Hubei Shiji Senyuan Electric Group, International Electrotechnical Commission, International Electrotechnical Commission
RFQ checklist
- 1.Single-line diagram and load schedule
- 2.Rated voltage, current, and short-circuit level
- 3.Indoor/outdoor environment and IP requirement
- 4.Protection, metering, and communication scope
- 5.Destination standard, FAT, packing, and delivery terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first selection input?
Verify at least 6 system inputs from the single-line diagram: system position, rated voltage, fault interruption, feeder count, and isolation duty. A catalog family is not a final project specification.
Which standard should the buyer specify?
Use IEC 62271-200 and IEC 61439-1 as the reference family, then record 3 controls in the technical agreement: edition, destination rules, and model scope.
Is a catalog rating enough for ordering?
No. Verify at least 6 system inputs from the single-line diagram: system position, rated voltage, fault interruption, feeder count, and isolation duty. A catalog family is not a final project specification.
What evidence should be requested?
Before award, request 5 evidence sets: type tests, routine-test plan, drawings, protection schedule, and factory acceptance test scope.
What belongs in the RFQ?
A usable RFQ states 8 fields: voltage, current, fault level, feeder arrangement, environment, destination standard, component preference, and delivery boundary.
Evidence sources
- SJSY official product catalogHubei Shiji Senyuan Electric Group
- IEC 62271-200:2021, AC metal-enclosed switchgear above 1 kV and up to 52 kVInternational Electrotechnical Commission
- IEC 61439-1:2020, low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assembliesInternational Electrotechnical Commission
Reviewed by Eshan Peng, General Manager(2026-08-01)
Send drawings for an engineering-grade quotation
Share the single-line diagram, ratings, destination, standards, and delivery boundary for a project-specific review.