Switchgear Archives - Southwest Electric

Switchgear

5 Questions to Ask Before Replacing or Upgrading Switchgear

Replacing or upgrading switchgear can be overwhelming, especially when you have limitations on footprint, downtime, access, and budget. Here are 5 questions to ask before making the decision to spend money on your equipment. 1 – What is Driving the Need to Replace or Upgrade? The reason behind your need to replace or upgrade your […]

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Why Are Key Locks on Our Switch Enclosures?

A common question we get regarding our switchgear is : “Why are key locks so common on our switch enclosures?” Key locks serve the important function of preventing improper, dangerous operation of equipment while providing safety for the operating personnel.   In this example, the non-load break selector switch up top is feeding a load […]

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Why Are IR Windows So Important?

A common question we get regarding our custom switchgear is “Why are IR windows so important”? This video shows what the IR (Infrared) window looks like on one of our custom-made switches. The windows are small and easy to install while serving a very vital function. They allow you to see inside the switchgear while […]

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Top 5 Switchgear Preventative Maintenance Must-do’s

  If your facility’s priorities involve safety, extending equipment life, or meeting a budget, mastering switchgear preventative maintenance is essential to achieving your goals. This article will guide you through the five most important things to consider for switchgear PM.   1- Properly Isolate Your Switchgear Nothing is more important than safety, so knowing how […]

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A Guide to Understanding Arc Flash Assessment Results

Perhaps your assignment is to make sure your facility is meeting NFPA 70E compliance or someone hands you arc flash assessment results and asks to provide your manager a “quick summary” or you’re just curious of the arc flash risk in your facility and want to understand it better. In any case, they hand you […]

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The Difference Between Metal-enclosed & Metal-clad Switchgear

Metal-clad switchgear is typically considered top-of-the-line equipment, offering the most safety features, higher current interrupting, and more voltage options. All these options also mean that the equipment is usually larger in overall footprint. Meaning it costs significantly more than non-metal-clad switchgear or metal-enclosed switchgear. When deciding what is best for your new build or equipment […]

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5 Reasons to Consider Medium-Voltage Hybrid Switchgear

Production systems continue to grow and evolve, but the electrical equipment providing them safe power eventually runs out of circuit breakers. The facility’s original switchgear, installed over 40 years ago, requires an upgrade. However, none of the new lineups appear to be a fit.  Traditional switch-and-fuse protection used for decades now seems to create greater […]

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3 Effective Electrical System Upgrades

Managing facilities with old equipment can be tough, especially when trying to keep up with production needs, safety, reliability, regulations, and balancing all of that with cost and budget constraints. Age of equipment leads to increased downtime, scarcity of replacement parts consumes budgets, and neglected equipment drawings (usually red-lined scribbles at best) make troubleshooting an […]

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Arc Flash: Everything You Need to Know in 5 Minutes

What is Arc Flash? Electrical systems are designed for electrical current to flow through conductors. However, when this current travels through air, an arc is formed. This event is called arc flash and poses significant risk toward the safety of personnel, property, and productivity. At 480V (the voltage that powers the majority of equipment in […]

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