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Switchgears have a very important role to play in ensuring that electrical systems run without any problem. Switchgears protect electrical equipment from overloading and short circuit damage. Although switchgear failures are rare, they can turn out to be catastrophic. Switchgear failures can lead to a fire that can damage property, lead to downtime and even cause serious injury to workers.

The safe operation of switchgear depends on:

• how the switchgear is operated,
• its condition, and
• several external factors

Safety rules to be followed in case of switchgear failure: list curated by one of the leading switchgear suppliers

1. Identify risks: Risk assessment can help you identify the actions you need to take to keep switchgear running safely. Identify all risk factors such as:
• Overstressing the switchgear
• Low maintenance
• Very few means of protection against fire
• Lack of anti-reflex control handles
2. Regular maintenance of switchgear: Maintain the switchgear at regular intervals. Although some of the switchgears are designated as low maintenance, that does not mean you don’t need to maintain them.

Decide the frequency of maintenance based on:

• Type of switchgear
• Age of the switchgear
• Instructions from the manufacturer
• Maintenance history
• What does it contain - oil, sulphur hexafluoride or a vacuum
• How often do you operate it?
3. Educate and train employees: The people operating or testing your switchgears should be aware about safety procedures.

Here are a few techniques to mitigate effects of a fire in case a switchgear fails:

1. Use fire-resisting barriers: Always employ fire-resisting barriers or use compartments to separate substation plant items. This will limit the spread of fire to nearby areas. However, make sure that you do not reduce the ventings - as these outlets help in preventing explosions.
2. Use fire-extinguishing systems: Fire-extinguishing systems flood the compartment where there is fire. They operate automatically if they detect fire. Put warning notices and instructions on how to deactivate or re-arm the fire-extinguishing systems in the access area. Include the safety rules in the instructions. Check the use and provision of portable fire extinguishers. Ensure that correct actions such as relocation and replacement are taken when you see or identify any problem in the design or operations.
3. Fire prevention and detection: The most effective control measure is prevention. You should ensure that a fire detection system is in place.

As one of the leading switchgear manufacturers, we offer switchgears to provide protection in case of voltage fluctuation and electrical leakages. Our switchgears are used across residential, commercial and industrial sectors.