Mistake to Avoid When Choosing Switchgear for Transmission and Distribution

 Buying on prime cost is the biggest problem. We see companies frequently purchase the lowest-priced option upfront, driven frequently by their rates commission or budget constraints. This often leads to problems in the long run such as higher maintenance, higher installation costs, and operations costs, and lower reliability. Utilities should scrutinize the entire ownership cost model to choose the best solutions for their applications.

Choosing switches not tested to ANSI/IEEE standards is another big mistake we often make. Many manufacturers test market responses to switchgear. These responses pass their own set of tests, and their marketing departments do a good job of persuading customers to accept low standard equipment. Industry standards are established to ensure the proper product applicability and operating staff’s safety. Many customers assume all manufacturers abide by the ANSI/IEEE standards. That’s not true. You should insist on it.

Major changes utilities will see in switchgear in the coming years?

•  Several big changes are coming. Switchgears that are not arc-resistant will be eliminated because liability for the engineers and manufacturers is too high. As companies become more aware of the risks associated with arc flash events and that all the major manufactures will provide arc-resistant switchgear, the regulatory bodies and market will make it mandatory to use safer products.

•  Requirements for automated switchgear will increase. With the demand for reliable service, switches will continue to play an important role in smart grid and distribution automation project implementations. Switchgears will be required to sense current and voltage and to work with controls to make decisions and function automatically in response to preprogramed customer parameters. Whether required for automatic power restoration or automatic transfer, switchgear will become smarter to meet the needs for reliable service.

Contact Power Grid Components for high-quality power gridequipment!

We are serving the North American power grid with quality products for many years. We are well-known suppliers of high voltage disconnect switchgear, high-quality porcelain, and glass insulators, as well as instrument transformers for revenue metering and protective relaying to electric utilities, original equipment manufacturers, and other customers who support the grid.

Want to learn more? Please visit https://www.powergridcomponents.com/