Your Leading Outdoor Switchgear Supplier and Manufacturer in China

KDM Outdoor Switchgear

KDM Outdoor Switchgear is designed to deliver outstanding reliability for all electric network system. Its solidly-built design makes it dependable, perfect solution for controlling and monitoring industrial electronic equipment. This outdoor switchgear requires limited maintenance, less space, and ease of operation. Our kind of switchgear for outdoor installations is the perfect solution for all establishment, business, end-to-end product needs.

KDM Outdoor Switchgear fabricated and developed in accordance to the international standard, ISO 9001 Quality Management System. With great attention to detail, we design units considering the intended application of it. As outdoor switchgear need strong protection for any harsh weather, environmental conditions, we design product, individually meet require standards for outdoor uses. NEMA, IEEE, CE, UL tested switchgear for superior environmental protection.

This outdoor switchgear offers maximal structural robustness, highly credible for any outdoor operation. Outdoor switchgear is manufactured from various materials such as stainless steel, marine-grade aluminum, mild steel equipment. Any work areas or control room, our outdoor switchgear provides optimal reliability. In KDM, we have a wide variety of outdoor switchgear that meets various industrial applications. Otherwise, to exactly meet your needs and requirements, we can design and developed equipment as you wish. Our well-trained engineers and technical staff will construct units according to your specifications.

Our switchgear intended for outdoor applications comes in an extensive range. Some of them are metal-enclosed switchgear, gas-insulated switchgear, SF6 switchgear, medium voltage switchgear. There were also suitable for substation application with a different voltage rating. With that, you can find what you need to support covering up your sensitive equipment, control station, and other remote field monitoring. Improving safety for personnel in charge, the plant, and the environment, our outdoor switchgear key features are focused.

For all your industrial electrical requirements, KDM has the perfect solution for you. Amongst the wide range of products, KDM will help you find the upgrade, innovative switchgear meets your requirements. As one of the reliable Electronic Switchgear Manufacturer in China, we offered products with competitive rates. Functional yet cost-effective switchgear designed by talented engineers and manufactured at our state of the art in-house equipment.

With broad experience with switchgear production, we can help you provide up to date products. Utilizing advanced technology, we can produce smoothly finish, quality outputs. This will allow you to make the most of switchboard installation.  A complete system application protects electronic equipment, electromechanical devices, and technology. Our Outdoor Switchgear structural reliability, energy efficiency, and safety make it one of our competitive products.

As one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of switchgear in China, we produce this product from any local and overseas customers. With our state of the art machines and 50 skilled workers, we are able to support the designing and development of your switchgear.

For any further information, you can contact us and get more buying guides!

Outdoor Switchgear: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

An outdoor switchgear should guarantee safety, withstand harsh weather conditions and ensure optimal performance.

In this guide, you will learn all the basic and advanced aspects of outdoor switchgears.

It will help you choose a suitable switchgear that guarantee optimal performance and reliability.

Let’s have a look.

What is an Outdoor Switchgear?

Outdoor switchgear is an electrical device which is found in the outdoor substation.

This gear has a tie breaker which is used to transfer load without disturbance.

The outdoor can have both high voltage and low voltage transformers hence, this device is significant in electrical transfers.

 Outdoor switchgear

How does Outdoor Switchgear compare to Indoor Switchgear?

Considerably, this two electrical equipment are comparable in a way.

Although, they serve almost purposes when it comes to applications.

Firstly, an indoor switchgear is mainly insulated by gas unlike the outdoor switchgear which is insulated by air.

In addition to that, indoor switchgear’s arrangement is majorly enclosed.

All its sides are walled with a grounded metal enclosure and openings are provided for purposes of ventilation.

To the contrary, the outdoor switchgear has its sides all open, placed in the open-air surface in a substation.

Similarly, the indoor type is majorly less than 66 kV and basically installed in enclosed environment due to economic concerns.

On the other hand, the outdoor switchgear is primarily above 66 kV, a very high voltage capacity.

This is of great ideal in substations in a power plant.

The high voltages are significant for energy supply in a wide range.

Therefore, outdoor switchgear is considerably beneficial.

It may require a large space for installation, but it becomes economical in the end due to lower cost of insulation.

Moreover, it mainly needs air insulation unlike the indoor type that requires gas insulation.

The gas for insulation in indoor switchgear makes it expensive hence higher expenditure in terms of management.

What isOutdoor Switchgear used for?

Outdoor switchgear is used in an electrical power system in the outdoor substation.

It has fuses, switches which are electrical disconnect or rather circuit breakers that are useful in protection and isolation of electrical equipment.

It is equally important in de-energizing equipment to clear out defects downstream and enable work to be executed efficiently.

With an outdoor switchgear, you can switch ON or OFF the following:

• Generators
• Transmission lines
• Power equipment
• Distribution systems

Again, in case a failure occurs in the system such as short circuit that may arise from any section of electrical infrastructure, a large magnitude of current will flow via the equipment.

As a result, it jeopardizes possible destruction of equipment or even intrusion of any service to consumers.

Nevertheless, the outdoor switchgear in the substation will eventually detect the fault and disconnect the unhealthy section from the power system.

Furthermore, outdoor switchgear has several functionsin an electrical system:

• Performs the work of making, breaking and carrying the usual load current just like a switch.
• Has a role in freeing fault current where you have deployed:

i. Sensing gadgets potential transformers

ii. Current transformers

iii. Relays, etc.

Outdoor switchgear comprises of protecting and switching gadgets like fuses, switches, auto reclosures, lighting arrestors, potential transformers, protective relays, current transformers, control panels, circuit breakers and variety of associated electrical equipment.

Are there Advantages of Outdoor Switchgear?

• Since this kind of equipment is located outside in an electrical substation, it is therefore to the advantage. Some of the benefits are:
• Continuously, less capacity of infrastructure or buildings is required.
• The major erection work needed is much lesser than that is required in an indoor substation.
• There is lower cost of insulation required for the switchgear and other electrical devices.
• Enough space in the middle of two separate bordering equipment can be offered.This can be very helpful in reduction of the possibilities of any kind of flaws.
• Construction and Commission for the substation can be concluded in a considerably lesser time.
• There is ease in the upcoming expansion of the scheme whenever need be.
Are there Disadvantages of Outdoor Switchgear?
• Cost of maintenance is always high since the outdoor switchgear is ever exposed to the outside environment. There is deposition of dust and dirt on the contact of the switches and other equipment.
• There is need for larger space for proper arrangement of the outdoor switchgear in the outdoor substation.

What are the Components Outdoor Switchgear?

 Outdoor switchgear

A switchgear is the device used in controlling, shifting and protection of the electrical circuits and other equipment.

The outdoor switchgear is based in the outdoor substation but similar usage just like other switchgears.

Therefore, the difference manifests when it comes to application, depending on the place of installation.

A switchgear is composed of an array of switching gadgets.

For instance, it comprises of switches, miniature circuit breakers, off-isolators, circuit breakers, contactors, units of switch fuse, GFCIs, Earth-leakage circuit breakers (ELCBs), surge arrestors and so on.

For case of outdoor switchgear, there is great need to install beyond 66kV in the outdoor substation since high voltages are involved.

Therefore, it means that outdoor switchgear should be beyond 66kV.

• Circuit Breaker

It isa big deal in an outdoor switchgear.

It opens the circuit in cases of abnormalities and protecting the system from risks.

Similarly, the work of a circuit breaker is to insulate the defective point of the energy system under unusual circumstances such as flaws.

In addition, circuit breakers can be of high voltage or low voltage, depending on the application.

For the case of outdoor switchgear, a high voltage circuit breaker is required since at the substation, high voltages are involved.

Some of the high voltage circuit breakers applied in the electrical system in the substation are:

• Vacuum circuit breaker, and

• SF6 circuit breaker.

Additionally, a protective relay is another significant gadget in a circuit breaker.

The relay has a role in detecting abnormal circumstances and sending back tripping signals to the circuit breaker.

Hence, the protective relay makes a circuit breaker more efficient.

 Circuit breaker

The Working Law of Circuit Breaker

A circuit breaker has both moving and stationary parts.

When there is a faulty condition, the contacts of a circuit breaker open.

Consequently, an arc will strike between the contacts.

The current is consequently able to proceed till the discharging process stops.

Caution: Great care should be taken since when the arc is produced, enormous heat is also generated at the same time.

The produced heat may cause adverse effect to the entire system or to the circuit breaker itself.

Hence, the challenge is how to terminate the arc within the quickest possible time.

Since it is important to get rid of the arc to avoid predicaments, there is need of finding solutions to this challenge.

Ways of Arc Elimination in Circuit Breaker

Some of the two techniques of eliminating arcs include:

• Low Resistance Technique/Method
It is a suitable technique for AC circuits.

In this method, you will keep resistance low to a point where this zero current.

Here, the arc eliminates instinctively and is blocked from re-striking despite of the escalating voltage across the contacts.

• High Resistance Method
In this technique, you will allow the arc resistance to increase with respect to time.

At the same time, current will begin to decrease to a point which can sustain the arc.

Consequently, the process disrupts the current or obscures the arc.

The major drawback of high resistance approach is that immense energy is dispelled in the arc.

Thus, it is used in low-capacity AC circuit breakers andDC circuit breakers only.

• Fuses

Fuses are pieces of thin strips, which are normally short in design and melt when current above the rated value flows through them within a period of time.

In situations where there is short circuit, there will be a surge in current across the fuse element beyond its rated capacity.

As a result, the temperature will increase thereby causing fuse to blow out.

As a result, it will detach the circuit thereby protecting the entire system.

• Switches

There are many types of switches which you can classify as:

• Air switches
• Isolator switches
• Oil switches

Switches are devices that open or close electrical circuits.

When you detach the contacts, it generates an arc.

• Current Transformer and Potential Transformer.

They are useful in installations in measuring electrical parameters for metering and protection purposes.

Similarly, are categorized as instrument transformers.

In current transformers (CT), current in the secondary coil is proportional to the current in the primary coil.

On the other hand, a potential or voltage transformer (VT) has voltage in the secondary coil proportional to voltage in the primary coil.

• Surge Arrestors

Are very important component in outdoor switchgear.

They are useful in protection of outdoor switchgear in the outdoor substation from transitory lightning impulses, over-voltages, and switching impulses and some extent, very rapidly temporary over-voltages.

What are the Specifications of Outdoor Switchgear?

There are significant specifications that consumers should look for in outdoor switchgear.

The specifications are some the major features that qualify outdoor switchgear to attain the NEMA and IEC standards.

For instance, outdoor switchgear should either be high voltage or medium voltage.

For the case of medium voltage: the switchgear should have a rating of between 3.3 kV up to 36 kV.

Similarly, High voltage switchgear should have a rating higher that 36 kV.

In case of not meeting such ratings, then the switchgear is below standards of IEC and NEMA quality standards.

What are Outdoor Switchgear Quality Standards?

The key features of Outdoor Switchgear make it efficient for usage in the power system.

It is highly recommended that high quality standards of IEC and NEMA should be met by the manufacturer and the consumer should be keen on such qualities.

The significant features of outdoor switchgear that should be identified are:

• Should be fast in operation
• Should show completely certain discrimination
• Should provide for manual control
• Should be completely reliable
• Fast in operation

In case of faults in the power system, outdoor switchgear should respond faster to prevent possible damage to other components such as transformers or generators.

Completely Certain Discrimination

Mostly, the outdoor switchgear can discriminate between the health and faulty section of the systems.

They play a critical role in most power systems.

Under normal circumstances, it will isolate the faulty section from the systems without interfering with healthy section.

It should detach the defective part from the system without altering the healthy part.

This will guaranteesteadinessin power supply.

Provision of Manual Control

The outdoor switchgear should have stipulation for manual contro

The provision is essential since it can be of great deal in case there isfailure with the electrical control.

Entire Reliability
The necessity of having a wholly reliable outdoor switchgear is become of paramount significance.

This is as a result of increased trends in the interconnection, alongside the capability of generating stations.

In the event of a fault on a specific point of the power system, the outdoor switchgear should function to isolate the defective section from the rest of the circuit.

How do you Test Quality of Outdoor Switchgear?

Outdoor switchgear

Caution: Only qualified persons with electrical expertise and acquainted with the gear, its correlated hazards and the operation should be authorized to work on the outdoor switchgear.

Always be sure that the secondary and primary circuits are deprived of electrical energy before trying any maintenance or test.

Therefore, it is significant to test for the quality of an outdoor switchgear, if it meets the standards of ANSI/NETA. Some of the basic qualities can be:

1. Dielectric Withstand Testing

With reference to ANSI/NETA Table 100.2, dielectric withstand is to be performed on every bus section, every phase-to-ground with the phases not beneath test grounded.

Secondly, employ voltage testing for one minute.

In case there is no proof of failure in insulation or distress by the end of overall time of application of voltage.

Then the sample outdoor switchgear is deemed to have met the quality standards.

2. Electrical Testing of Control Wiring

Firstly, regarding earth, insulation-resistance testing should be performed on control wiring.

Employ 1000 volts to DC for 600-V rated cable and 500 V DC for 300-V rated cable, for every one of them per minute.

Followed by, least amount of insulation-resistance rate of control wiring must be equivalent to formerly attained results but not lower than 2 megohms.

Although, the test is not obligatory for preliminary acceptance just like it is stated in section 7.1.B.4 of NETA-ATS/MTS.

3. Testing of Switches and Circuit breakers

Electrical testing on switches and circuit breakers should be conducted in agreement with the Section 7 of ANSI/NETA.

4. Testing of System Function

This kind of testing must be conducted in agreement with the section 8 of ANSI/NETA-ATS during the preliminary assent.

The results achieved similarly, should conform to those that are stipulated in the section 8 of ANSI/NETA-ATS.

Where can you Install Outdoor Switchgear?

The outdoor switchgear can be installed in the open-air substation in electrical power system.

This is because it is basically designed for such environment, with a wide space.

The switchgear does not require roofing, it is suitable for adverse weather conditions.

How does Outdoor Switchgear Work?

An outdoor switchgear is composed of numerous apparatus which are essential for its functionality.

The computerized protective outdoor switchgear in an electrical system mainly comprises of the relay and circuit breaker.

The relay gets to work when a defect occurs, and it regularly completes the trip circuit which mechanically disengages the defective line.

Thereafter, the healthy and operational segment runs the usual and necessary supply load.

Therefore, there is no evidence of destruction to the system and no interference of supply.

Whilst the incidence of any defect or error in the electric power system, all electric devices are susceptible to have a strong current.

This suggests that the equipment could get harmed and the supply as well gets interrupted.

What are the different Types of Outdoor Switchgear?

Outdoor switchgear comprises of different types.

Namely:

• High Voltage Outdoor Switchgear

This system is majorly rated above 66 kV, popularly acknowledged as high voltage.

Regarding high voltage in this system, it becomes vulnerable to high risk of arcing that is produced during transitioning when operating.

• Medium Voltage Outdoor Switchgear

This switchgear has its voltage rating is to a maximum of 66 kV.

Its medium of interruption may be SF6, vacuum or oil.

What are the Common Faults in Outdoor Switchgear?

The common faults in outdoor switchgear are majorly contributed by the routine of management and maintenance, manufacturing process, environmental factors and so on.

Some of the faults are:

• Wrong position of opening and closing or high force of resistance
• Continuous rotation of the driven motor
• Three poles non-synchronizing
• Superficial flashover on insulator
• High contact opposition in central circuit

How do you Troubleshoot Outdoor Switchgear?

Outdoor substation switchgear

There is always need for troubleshooting since sometimes the common faults in the outdoor switchgear can be caused by deposition of dirt or oil on certain parts.

Alert: It is highly recommended that no person should be allowed to work on the outdoor switchgear without acquiring authorization and work consent from the accountable individual.

Once work is executed on the system, no re-connection to the power supply or any accidental connection to any related plant.

The reconnections are only allowable after the work is done on the system and the work consent is withdrawn responsible authority.

Whenever there is case of tracking, it is advisable to check on barrier and insulators.

Tracking phenomenon is mostly contributed by much electrical stress on insulating surfaces.

The stress can happen phase-to-ground or phase-to-phase.

Electrical insulators must be checked for proof of physical damage.

Similarly, shutter assemblies and barriers should also be inspected for appropriate operation.

Accrued dirt, grease or oil might need a suitable liquid solvent or another optional method for removal.

Again, when there is a failure in the system, ensure that the sequencing of mechanical and electrical interlocks is properly done.

Key lock arrangement

In addition, make key exchanges by testing key interlock systems with all the apparatus incorporated in the interlock arrangement as pertinent.

All the systems are significant for protection of the equipment and the operator.

What is the Backup Protection of Outdoor Switchgear?

The outdoor switchgear being of varied applications in HV and MV, the backup protection is offered by the protection relays from the overcurrent.

The protection relays in the system provides reliability and safety required to operate with high confidence.

Which Safety Features should an Outdoor Switchgear have?

The safety features that outdoor switchgear have are the components like the circuit breakers, protective relays, switches and so on.

They offer great protection to the system since they are designed to operate in both abnormal and normal conditions. Hence, they provide safety to the equipment.

What is Outdoor Metal Enclosed Switchgear?

It is a type of outdoor switchgear designed in that the cables, buses and main switches are isolated from the external environment.

It allows for insignificant maintenance and utilization of the interior barriers.

Unlike the outdoor switchgear, which has these features non-isolated.

What is a NEMA Rated Outdoor Switchgear?

The NEMA rated outdoor switchgear should meet standards like protection and safety.

Also, the outdoor switchgear rated by NEMA should be one that is not damaged by ice or rain, dust, windblown or hose directed water.

The switchgear is expected to be strong enough to overcome diverse environmental conditions.

Is Outdoor Switchgear an Arc Risk?

Arc flash is caused by interaction of electric current flowing through air gap between electrodes.

Outdoor switchgear is at risk of arc flash since its components are exposed to air.

Again, the chances are accelerated by high voltage in the system.

 Arc

What is the Difference between Circuit Breaker and Outdoor Switchgear?

The electrical devices are closely related in various ways.

Both the circuit breaker and outdoor switchgear offer similar assistance in the electrical system.

Hence, significant in a power system. Although, they equal have differences when it comes to functionality and design.

A circuit breaker is designed in a way that it operates automatically aimed at protecting and electrical circuit from destruction caused by short circuiting or from excessive current overload.

On the other hand, outdoor switchgear is designed in manner that its work is to de-energize electrical gear to permit work to be accomplished and to clean up defects downstream.

Another difference can be that a circuit breaker can work independently while an outdoor switchgear cannot function efficiently without a circuit breaker.

The outdoor switchgear is made up of several circuit breakers and therefore, they have essential usage to the equipment.

Hence, without a circuit breaker, an outdoor switchgear can be very risks of electrocution, electrical shocks and even electrical fires.

Again, there are several types of circuit breakers.

The categories basically based on applications.

That is, they may be centered on place of installation, peripheral design, interruption mechanism or voltage.

1. Interruption Mechanism

• Miniature Circuit breaker (MCB): its current ratings are below 100A and its over-current protection is just one, which is built inside it.
• Vacuum circuit breaker: it is a kind of circuit breaker which utilizes vacuum as a medium of interruption as a result of its high diffusive and dielectric properties.
• Oil circuit interrupter: it applies oil as a medium of insulation or interruption.
• Air circuit breaker: this circuit breaker utilizes air as a medium of insulation or interruption.
• Arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI): this circuit breaker can only interrupt a circuit when there are excess arc conditions and preventing fire.

2. Peripherical Design

• Live tank circuit breaker: it has its enclosure whose potential is beyond the ground and capable of much interruption.
• Dead tank circuit breaker: basically, its walled tank is shortened to dead potential or ground level.

3. Voltage

• High voltage circuit breaker: it is rated to be used at voltages beyond 2 kV.
• Low voltage circuit breaker: it is rated to be used at voltages that are low and a maximum of 2kV.

Majorly used in small-scale businesses.

4. Place of Installation

• Outdoor circuit breaker: this kind of circuit breaker is designed to be used in the outdoors.

The advantage is that it is rigid and can endure different conditions.

Similarly, good enough for use in outdoor switchgear.

• Indoor circuit breaker: it created to be used indoors or in conducive environments.

Mostly used in medium voltages.