KDM is Premier Indoor Switchgear Manufacturer in China

KDM Indoor Switchgear

Corrosion-resistant, impact-resistant, and anti-oxide are some of the excellent features of this panel.

Our Indoor Switchgear comes in an extensive range.

Different panel suits various industrial applications.

Whether installed for the power system, power distribution substations, or transmissions, we have indoor panels ideally control, protect and monitor the structure.

In various sizes, types, and special features, KDM has transformers suitable to handle components.

This indoor switchgear is being fabricated to the latest technology.

Under the supervision of our well-trained engineers and designers, we are able to produce superior quality indoor switchgear.

However, we can design and manufacture products depending on your demand.

Custom-design indoor switchgear is also our expertise.

The highest quality standard product makes use for longer-life service, low-maintenance, and efficient operations highly commendable in KDM.

Additionally, all the units are manufactured with compliance in the requirement of necessary standards.

Unquestionably, offered products are matchless in terms of its efficiency, robustness, and trustworthiness.

Our range of a product can meet wide industry demand.

For any user-friendly operations, productive performance, and strong longer-lasting life span, KDM indoor switchgear can meet your exact requirements.

The indoor switchgear panel offered by us is available at a competitive cost.

With progressive techniques and manufacturing strategies, we are able to optimize our product range.

Supported by our efficient technical team who had gained solid background and expertise in project designing and engineering, KDM switchgear surely exceeds your expectations.

The units are designed with respect to the electric device required packaging.

Our equipment is equipped with an auxiliary system that made the item highly effective.

Such auxiliary designs are internal and external emergency light, automatic heating system and more.

KDM indoor switchgear is available in different types.

It includes the following: Indoor metal-enclosed switchgear, VCB switchgear panel indoor-type, indoor sf6 switchgear, MCC control panel, 33Kv/ 11Kv/15Kv indoor switchgear, and more.

This energy-efficient range of switchgear rigidity can stand firm against all environmental conditions.

The equipment is 100% quality-, type-tested.

With that, you can ensure a safe, responsive, and flexible product for your equipments.

A lightweight yet functional items to enclose any electric system, power distribution any other related item.

Therefore, you can guarantee all offered products are a reliable and high standard. KDM is your one-stop solution for your needs.

If you’d like to request an order, please feel free to contact us right away!

Indoor Switchgear: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Before you install indoor switchgear, there are critical aspects you should know such as specification, uses, components, test procedures, etc.

Today’s guide will take you through all the basic and advanced aspects of indoor switch gear.

Let’s get started:

What is Indoor Switchgear?

An indoor switchgear is a block-module which has electrical switchgear equipment of 0.4 or 6 KV inside it.

It comes complete with a combination of electrical fuses, disconnect switches, and circuit breakers for controlling and protecting electrical equipment.

 Indoor switchgear

What is Indoor Switchgear used for?

An indoor switchgear is a device that you can use to perform certain things.

Some of the major uses of indoor switchgears include:

· Controlling, Protecting and isolating Electrical Equipment

Indoor switchgears have fuses, electrical disconnect switches, and circuit breakers to protect, control and isolate electrical equipment.

· De-Energizing Equipment

You can use an indoor switchgear to de-energize different equipment so that you can clear other faults on the machine.

It will de-energize one part of the machine and allow the other parts to continue operating as usual.

· Enhancing System Availability

You can use an indoor switchgear for the enhancement of the system availability.

It will allow more than a singular source of power to feed a particular load.

· Providing Safety

With indoor switchgear, you are safe from any form of electrical shot as it is capable of cutting out electric supply.

It also has sensors that will alarm you in case of a problem such as fire thus making it a safety electrical equipment.

What are the Benefits of Indoor Switchgear?

In comparison to the outdoor switchgear, you will experience a lot of benefits using the indoor switchgear.

Here are some of the major benefits of using indoor switchgear.

• It is more reliable and safer equipment to use in comparison to the outdoor switchgear.
• It also covers very little space in comparison to the outdoor switchgear system.
• You will spend very little on the cost of maintenance as it has long durability.
• The cost of operating an indoor switchgear is very low.
• You run a very low risk of electrocution due to the grounded metal enclosures.
• It is a more secure switchgear system with proper protection devices for the whole electrical unit.
• It is also protected against the harsh environmental conditions with corrosion-resistant features, impact-resistant features, and anti-oxide features.

How does Indoor Switchgear compare to Indoor Substation?

Metering sub-station – Photo credits: Electrical Installation

An indoor switchgear and an indoor substation are devices that you will find inside a particular building.

An indoor substation is, however, superior to the indoor switchgear in terms of size, electrical components, and electrical current.

In an indoor substation, you will find more electrical apparatus inside and can handle voltage of up to 11000 V.

In case the surrounding air has more impurities including corrosive gasses, metals, and fumes, you can raise the voltage.

You can raise the voltage to 33,000 V or higher to 66,000 V in case the surrounding air has impurities.

As much as the indoor substation and switchgear are housed inside a building, the indoor switchgear has a metal casing.

In fact, an indoor switchgear is one of the components that you can find inside an indoor substation.

What is the difference between Indoor and Outdoor Switchgear?

Outdoor switchgear

 Indoor switchgear

In comparison to the outdoor switchgear, you will place the indoor switchgear inside the house while the other remains outside.

Indoor switchgear have gas insulated systems (GIS) and the outdoor switchgear have air insulated systems.

You will use indoor switchgears in places where the cost of land is high and air is dust laden and corrosive.

An outdoor switchgear has the capability of handling the corrosive and dust laden environment due to its composition.

What are the Components of Indoor Switchgear?

In an indoor switchgear, you will find a number of things that enables it to perform specific functions.

Here are the devices or components that you will find inside an indoor switchgear.

• Electrical Disconnect Switches
• Electrical Disconnect Fuses or Circuit Breakers
• Electrical Isolators
• Electrical Protective Relays
• Electrical Control Panels
• Electrical Lightning Arrestors
• Electrical Current Transformers
• Electrical Potential Transformers
• Electrical Auto Reclosures

A combination of all the above features will protect, control, and isolate different electrical equipment accordingly.

How does Indoor Switchgear Work?

An indoor switchgear depends on different electrical components that perform different functions.

In the long run, the indoor switchgear will ensure that you have a healthy power supply system.

As power flows through the electrical grid, it goes through particular switching points.

At these switching points, the power has to pass through the indoor switchgears.

The rating of the indoor switchgear at every stage, will depend on the voltage level at that particular point.

As the power flows through the indoor switchgears, it has automatic setup systems that will control the flow.

It will control the amount of power going through to various devices in the building.

It can either step up or step down the power to fit the power requirements of various devices.

It also permits the switching off and on of electrical appliances such as generators, transmissions, distributors and other electrical equipment.

Additionally, the indoor switchgear has various forms that can detect faults and interrupt the flow of power.

It will disconnect and interrupt the flow of electric power through the system, isolating it from the healthy circuit.

As one part is off the grid, the indoor switchgear allows and controls the power flowing to other parts.

It also has an alarm system that will inform you of any faults that is within the electrical system.

Indoor switchgears are quick in operation and also have particular options for manually controlling the system.

In case the automatic systems fail, you can easily control the indoor switchgear using the manual options.

Which Indoor Switchgear Protection features should you look for?

In an indoor switchgear, there are particular protection features that you need to look at.

Here are some of the power control components that you will find in an indoor switchgear.

• Protective Relays
• Control Panels
• Current transformers

These devices will protect, monitor and control power conduction components and electrical equipment.

How do you Specify Indoor Switchgear?

You can specify indoor switch gears through the following features:

Indoor switchgear

· Rated Voltage of the Indoor Switchgear

In this case, you will look at the indoor switch gear and specify its rated voltage in kv.

For instance, you can either opt for an indoor switch gear with 6(10) or 0.4 KV inside it.

· Maximum Operational Voltage

It is important to know the linear maximum operational voltage of the indoor switchgear in kV.

For instance, you can settle on an indoor switchgear with a maximum operational voltage of 7.2(12) kv.

· Functional Requirements

You can also specify the indoor switchgear using the intended functional requirements.

The main application of the indoor switchgear will dictate the type of switchgear you will choose.

This will also affect other specifications including rated voltage and maximum voltage requirements.

· Withstanding Current

You should consider the peak withstand current as well as the short time withstand current.

· Type of Switchboard

You will have to decide on the type of indoor switchboard that will fit your needs.

In that case, you will choose between the different types of indoor switchgears such as metal enclosed switchgear among others.

· Number of Phases

You have to settle down on a particular number of phases for your indoor switchgear.

It can either be a 2-phase switchgear or a 3-phase indoor switchgear.

How many Types of Indoor Switchgear are there?

Some of the most common designs include:

· Metal-enclosed Indoor Switchgear

This type of switchgear has the arrangement of components enclosed from all the sides with sheets of metal.

The enclosing sheets of metal have fuses and primary interrupting devices with all equipment in a central point of assembly.

It also comes complete with doors considered to be removable coverings that provide enough access to inner components.

· Metal-clad Indoor Switchgear

This type of an indoor switchgear has vacuum type circuit breakers which are drawn out and withdrawable.

Metering and relaying instruments have a ground metal barrier separating them.

The voltage levels of this type of indoor switchgear ranges from 4.76 kv to 38 kv.

Apart from that, it has main bus continuous ratings of 1.2kA 2kA 3kA and 4kA.

· VCB Switchgear Panel Indoor-type

You can use this type of indoor switchgear to control and protect to different equipment.

It is cheaper in comparison to other indoor switchgears and more durable thus saving you money.

· Indoor sf6 Switchgear

This is a type of indoor switchgear which you can use for different protection purposes such as:

i. Power Transformer Protection

ii. Ht Capacitor Protection

iii. Generator Protection

· MCC Control Panel

This is a motor control center type of indoor switchgear that controls some or all electrical motors in one place.

It has multiple control and enclosed sections and common power buses with combination starters.

· 33Kv/ 11Kv/15Kv Indoor Switchgear

These are indoor switchgears with different power ratings that you will place in different stations.

You will place these types of indoor switchgear depending on the power requirements of the electrical system.

How does Indoor Switchgear compare to Switchboard?

Despite the differences, a switchboard consists of the same type of mechanisms you will find in an indoor switchgear.

Here are some of the main factor separating the indoor switchgear from the switchboard.

· Hardware Components Variation

In a switchgear, you will find different switching devices you will need to control low to medium to high voltages.

On the other hand, switchboards consist of a panel of switches, buses, electrical and protective control devices.

· Different Uses

You will use a switchgear to power and switch on transformers, transmission lines, motors, and generators among other equipment.

It will control and supply power to different devices and at the same time protect the devices.

You can also use an indoor switchgear to identify faults in the electrical system.

On the other hand, you can use a switchboard in power distribution to multiple sources and control equipment.

· Voltage Differences

An indoor switchgear and a switchboard compare in terms of the amount of voltage each device can handle.

You will use the switchboard in appliances that require voltages that are more than 600 Volts.

On the other hand, you will use the indoor switchgear to handle voltages reaching more than 350 KV.

· Safety Features

Indoor switchgears have automatic features and also have manual control systems for cases such as emergencies.

Additionally, indoor switchgears have metallic cabinets that protect the interior devices from external environmental factors.

Switchboards also have wooden or metal enclosures and meters that display power consumption in individual circuits.

What should you consider when Buying Indoor Switchgear?

When buying an indoor switchgear, there are a number of factors that you need to take under consideration.

Here are the things that you need to consider before making a purchase>

· Power Requirements

You should actually look at the amount if power you will need to handle your electric equipment.

This will go a long way in the process of determining the type of indoor switchgear you will use.

· Safety

You will look for safest indoor switchgear to use especially with an increase in emphasis on the protection of arc flash.

Looking for the safest indoor switchgear will not only protect you but increase profit by reducing unnecessary expenditures.

You will spend less on insurance, reliability, and maintenance of your electrical equipment.

· Reliability

You should consider purchasing an equipment that is reliable with the need of limiting or eliminating cost of maintenance.

You should take into consideration all the efforts that will eliminate risk by looking for reliable indoor switchgear.

· Diagnostics

You should consider a machine that will be in service longer due to a limit in maintenance budget.

You will also have to look at the initial cost of purchasing the machine and the pressure for maintain particular standards.

You will look for an equipment that can perform self-diagnosis and alert you of any impending faults on the machine.

How does Circuit Breaker compare to Switchboard?

A circuit breaker and a switchboard have the capabilities of providing enough protection to the electrical appliances.

A circuit breaker or fuse will cut the flow of power in case of excess power that might damage the electrical system.

A switchboard will also switch off the supply off power n case of power surges thus protecting the system.

Apart from that, you will also depend on a switchboard to control the supply of power through an electrical system.

In many cases, you will find a circuit breaker as one of the components in a switchboard.

What is the difference between Circuit Breaker and Indoor Switchgear?

You will use both circuit breakers and indoor switchgear to protect the electrical equipment from damage.

In case of power surge, an electric circuit breaker and indoor switchgear will cut the flow of electric current.

In that case, both appliances cut the electrical circuit in a bid to protect other electrical appliances.

A circuit breaker is one of the components that you will find inside an indoor switchgear.

Despite the similarities, both devices also have some differences.

An indoor switchgear actually performs a lot more than just the protection of devices.

In comparison to circuit breakers, an indoor switchgear will protect, control, monitor and supply electric power through different devices.

Does Indoor Switchgear have Limitations?

Yes, Indoor switchgears have limitations and the greatest limitation is the high cost of installation.

You will spend a lot of money for the indoor installation as the cost of installation is high.

Economically, using the outdoor switchgear is better than using the indoor switchgear.

This is because during high voltages, the air insulated or outdoor switchgear becomes more viable.

Where can you use Indoor Switchgear?

You can use indoor switchgears in different places depending on the electrical requirements.

Here are some of the places where an indoor switchgear is necessary.

i. Inside Homes

You will use the indoor switchgear in a home to control the electrical flow of power.

This includes protecting the home devices from excess flow of power in case of power surges.

ii. Industrial Setup

You will use the indoor switchgear in an industrial setup to control the power flowing to the manufacturing process.

Apart from that, you can use the indoor switchgear to run and control the electrical grid.

iii. Commercial Buildings

You will use an indoor switchgear in commercial buildings to supply power to the electrical loads of the building.

Apart from that, it controls the flow of power going through the loads of the commercial building.

What’s more the indoor switchgear will also provide enough protection for the loads on the commercial buildings.

How do you Test Indoor Switchgear?

First, you need to take care of the safety considerations when testing an indoor switchgear.

You will have to engage the services of qualified personnel who understand the risks associated with the testing procedure.

Apart from that, you have to make sure that you de-energize the primary and secondary circuits before attempting the procedure.

You will go through two main testing procedure in testing the indoor switchgear which includes:

· Visual or Mechanical Inspection and Testing

In this case, you will look at the following parameters:

i. General mechanical and visual inspection

ii. Corona and moisture inspection

iii. Bolted and Wiring connection checks

iv. General checks on the wiring system

v. Checks on interlocks and moving parts

vi. Barrier and insulator checks

· Electrical Tests

In the electrical testing of indoor switchgear, you will look at the following:

i. Bolted Connection Electrical Tests

ii. Insulation Electrical Tests

iii. Dielectric Withstand Tests

iv. Control Wiring Electrical Tests

v. Instrument Transformers

vi. Circuit Breakers and Switches

vii. Control Power Transfer Scheme

viii. Metering Electrical Tests

ix. Current Injection Tests

x. System Function Test

xi. Cubicle Heaters

xii. Surge Arresters

xiii. Dual-Source Phasing Check

With the help of a qualified technician, you will perform all the above tests to ensure the switchgear works well.

How can you Troubleshoot Indoor Switchgear?

 Indoor switchgear

Just like any other machine, an indoor switchgear will also face a couple of problems.

To fix the problem, you will have to troubleshoot the indoor switchgear.

Here are some of the problems that you might find and how to solve them.

· Mechanical Failure

This can be a result of environmental conditions that do not favor proper working of the indoor switchgear.

This includes situations such as high humidity, or water in the system leading to short circuits, corrosion and insulation damage.

In that case, you should make sure that you maintain optimum environmental conditions within the indoor switchgear.

Apart from that, you will also replace the damages and come up with better ways of insulating the indoor switchgear.

· Partial Discharge

In this condition, partial electrical current passes through two different electrical electrodes.

It happens when the strength of the electrical current is stronger than that of the insulating layers.

You need to perform regular infrared inspections to detect any form of discharge in the indoor switchgear.

In case of a problem, you will have to control the amount of power flow and replace the faulty parts.

Which Auxiliary Systems do Indoor Switchgears come with?

Some of the most common auxiliary systems include:

· Automatic heating system

This is an auxiliary heating system that warms up the indoor switchgear when the temperatures are low.

It helps in maintaining a conducive working environment within the indoor switchgear enclosure.

· Automatic Ventilation System (optional)

You may find an indoor ventilation system with a ventilation system while others do not have.

An automatic ventilation system is an optional component of an indoor switch-gear.

It ensures that the air circulation within the indoor switchgear is conducive for normal operations.

· Internal, External, and Emergency Lighting System

In case of an emergency, you might need to fix a problem within the indoor switch box.

Most of them have an internal and external lighting system to illuminate the system in case of emergencies.

· Security Alarm (fire) System

Indoor switchgear also has security alarm systems that will alert you of any problems such as fire.

It will also act as a warning in case it is tampered with.

· Auxiliary Power Supplying System

An indoor switchgear relies on an internal power supplying system for it to operate successfully.

What is the Quality Standard Specifications for Indoor Switchgears?

It is important to look at the quality specifications of an indoor switchgear before purchasing.

This will determine the quality of the product, durability, as well as the safety of using such a product.

Some of the main quality specifications you need to take into account include:

• International Standards Organization Certification (ISO Certification) of quality
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
• CE certification of quality since it is an electrical appliance
• Certificate Completion And Compliance (CCC)
• RoHS
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).