Medium Voltage Switchgear

Medium voltage switchgear for primary distribution up to 27 kV suitable for indoor or outdoor installations

Advance® is ABB’s ANSI platform for 5, 15, and 27 kV rated metal-clad switchgear featuring a narrow footprint and designed and tested according to IEEE C37.20.2. Featuring galvanized steel construction, hem bending techniques, and Delrin arc-quenching contacts, Advance is designed with safety, reliability, and durability in mind.

Digital metal-clad switchgear is an advanced medium voltage switchgear solution whose hallmarks are reliability and simplicity. Digitalization of the protection and control system simplifies construction while increasing safety and versatility. This innovative technology is now offered across the full ABB product portfolio of medium voltage switchgear and are UL certified. ABB is taking the next dramatic leap forward in advancing the technology of switchgear solutions.

The digital switchgear design incorporates current sensors, which do not saturate, and voltage sensors instead of bulky PTs which require compartments, directly reducing inventory, maintenance and overall operational costs. This design increases personnel safety and fewer equipment failures providing the most reliable solution on the market.

BreakMaster™ LIS, featuring the advanced interrupting technology of the VersaRupter® switch, provides dependable, economical load switching and protection for medium voltage circuit applications from 2.4 kV through 15 kV in 600 A and 1200 A load ratings and 40 kA and 61 kA load interrupting ratings.

Used mainly as a primary or secondary disconnect switch for transformers, the BreakMaster LIS is available in a variety of configurations that also make it useful for specific distribution needs. It can be inserted as a main or feeder switch in Advance® switchgear or MV motor controller lineups. Fault current protection is available using a complete line of current limiting or expulsion fuses.

For facilities that are concerned with Arc Flash Safety Standards, the options may seem daunting, and the costs out of reach. The fuses used by load interrupter switches to protect the transformer in an over current situation are no longer adequate. Current LIS may provide poor fault current interrupting times, resulting in high arc flash incident energy.

ABB’s BreakMaster V solution provides reduced arc flash incident energy levels for customers on their existing MV equipment. This new solution includes either a fixed-mount VD4 indoor vacuum circuit breaker or a VM1 indoor vacuum circuit breaker in the fused compartment of LIS. Operating in three cycles, the fast-acting VD4 VCB offers a new ac flash mitigating solution designed in response to Arc Flash Safety Standards.

SafeGear® and SafeGear® HD arc-resistant switchgear products meet or exceed the IEEE C37.20.2 standard for metal-clad switchgear and the IEEE C37.20.7 standard for arc-resistant testing guidelines. Both medium voltage switchgear products have been seismically tested to IBC Region D. SafeGear is also qualified for Ip1.5.

SafeGear rated up to 50kA, and SafeGear HD, rated for 63kA, not only meets the conventional standards for metal-clad switchgear but goes beyond the metal-clad standards to provide the added protection of arc-resistant construction. The arc-resistant design reduces life-cycle costs through equipment protection and improves safety for operations and maintenance personnel.

SafePlus is a metal-enclosed compact switchgear system for distribution applications from 6 to 40.5 kV. The switchgear has unique flexibility due to its extendibility and the possible combination of fully modular and semi-modular configurations.

SafePlus uses SF6 (Sulfur hexafluoride) as an insulation and quenching medium. The SF6 is contained in a welded, stainless steel, sealed-for-life enclosure with an operating lifetime of better than 30 years. The leakage rate is less than 0.1% per year!

The switchgear is type tested according to ANSI/IEEE C37.20.3, C37.58, C37.54, and UL listed. It is rated 38kV / 20kA / 600A, non-arc resistant. Solutions up to 25kA are available. Panels include a cable switch, vacuum circuit breaker, and air-insulated cable riser.

Flexible combinations, reliability, availability, and safety are just some of the attributes that make it easy for our clients in industry and utilities to decide in favor of primary gas insulated switchgear products from the ZX series.

The use of plug-in technology for busbar and power cable connection enables safe, fast, and easy installation without the need for special tools. No gas work is required on site during installation, operation, or maintenance!