Switchgear vs Switchboard
What is the difference between a switchboard and a switchgear?
In addition to the different functions, installation environment, internal structure and control objects, the distribution box and the switchgear are characterized by different dimensions. The distribution box is small in size and can be hidden in the wall or stand on the ground. The switchgear is bulky and is only installed in substations and distribution rooms.
A switchgear is an electrical device. The outside line of the switch cabinet first enters the main control switch in the cabinet, and then enters the sub-control switch. Each branch is set up according to needs, such as instrumentation, automatic control, motor magnetic switch, various AC contactors, etc. Some of them also have power distribution rooms, low-voltage power distribution rooms, and busbars.
The main function of switchgear is to turn on and off, control and protect electrical equipment in the process of power generation, transmission, distribution and power conversion. The components in the switchgear mainly include circuit breakers, disconnectors, load switches, operating mechanisms, transformers and various protection devices. There are many ways to classify switchgear, such as detachable switchgear and fixed switchgear installed according to the circuit breaker; or according to the structure of the cabinet, it can be divided into open switchgear, metal-enclosed switchgear and metal-enclosed armored Install switchgear. According to different voltage levels, it can be divided into switchgear, medium voltage switchgear and low voltage switchgear. Mainly used in different occasions such as power plants, substations, petrochemicals, metallurgical steel rolling, light industry textiles, factories and mines, residential quarters, high-rise buildings, etc.
Power distribution cabinets (boxes) are divided into power distribution cabinets (boxes), lighting distribution cabinets (boxes), and metering cabinets (boxes), which are equipment for power distribution systems. The power distribution cabinet is the general term for the motor control center. The power distribution cabinet is used in the occasions where the load is scattered and there are few lines; the motor control center is used in the occasions where the load is concentrated and there are many circuits. They distribute electrical energy from upper-level distribution equipment circuits to nearby loads. Such equipment should provide protection and control for the load. They refer to the equipment of power distribution system such as power distribution cabinet, lighting distribution cabinet and metering cabinet.
