Changes in switchgear design: a manufacturers experience

Switchgear designers are constantly striving to produce smaller, better, lower cost equipment to win orders and improve their position within the industry. They do this by making use of the latest technology in interruption, materials, design aids and manufacture. Whilst it is possible for manufacturers to produce novel designs of switchgear in various technologies, trends in switchgear are determined by the user. It has been shown that users are increasingly moving towards vacuum and SF₆ from oil, in order to reduce the cost of ownership which includes the costs associated with maintenance. The author discusses the design of both vacuum and SF₆ switchgear, standards, protection and control, and future trends