Install medium voltage switchgear in front of the cabinet

With the increasing application of new energy and data centers, there are more and more prefabricated warehouse power modules. Precise prefabrication of modules reduces on-site construction time and makes quality and project progress more controllable.

For prefabricated cabin switch stations and other occasions, it is necessary to install switch cabinets against the wall. Many manufacturers claim that switchgear can be installed against the wall. It can be said that any switchgear can be installed against the wall, but in reality, how to install, operate, maintain, and even replace current transformers, grounding switches, and other operations can be completely carried out at the front of the cabinet? It's just a problem, it can be big or small, and the distance against the wall also varies. Some can be directly against the wall, while others require a gap of 100-200mm. To meet the requirements of ventilation and heat dissipation.

Firstly, installation, positioning of the switchgear, fastening of anchor bolts, connection between cabinets, connection of primary and grounding busbars, connection of primary and secondary cables, all require operations from the front and top, with many differences.

Some can be installed as a whole on the base and busbar, and then placed in place as a whole, with only the base fixed. This method has high installation quality, but the overall weight and volume are large, making on-site installation difficult, and it will be very difficult to replace components in the future.

Single cabinet consolidation requires one unit to be in place before connecting to the next, which usually requires a certain distance from the wall for easy installation. A busbar can be installed on the top of the cabinet, but for equipment with grounding switches, voltage transformers, etc. on the top, it is difficult. Some operations are carried out in front of the cabinet by removing the upper middle partition and entering the busbar room for connection.

Generally, switchgear is operated and maintained in front of the cabinet, but the status of grounding switch contacts and cable head inspections can be inconvenient, requiring special design to ensure clear visibility in front of the cabinet.

The biggest issue with installing in front of the cabinet is how to proceed in case of the need to replace components. Some can enter from the front of the cabinet to replace current transformers and grounding switches. Some require the entire switchgear to be pulled out of the arrangement, and the two side switchgear can still be operated. However, the workload of the middle switchgear is very huge, requiring the removal of the foundation, cabinet bolts, pressure relief channels, cables, horizontal busbars, and grounding bars. After replacement, they need to be rebuilt, which is harmful to people. Some require the removal of prefabricated cabin covers for replacement.

The true installation of switchgear against the wall requires full consideration of on-site installation, operation and maintenance, as well as component replacement needs. It is completely operated in front of the cabinet without the need to remove a large number of components, reducing workload.

There are several solutions available:

For applications installed in outdoor boxes, the switch cabinet can be fixed and the cables connected first, and then the ring net box sealing plate can be installed;

2. Referring to the application of ship switch cabinets, 3-5 switch cabinets are installed in parallel, and a group of switch cabinets is completed for cabinet connection, main busbar connection, grounding busbar connection, and secondary line connection between cabinets. The overall installation is carried out.

3. The front cabinet partition can be disassembled. By pulling out the horizontal partition and removing the upper partition, the horizontal busbar can be installed in the busbar room. The lower part can directly inspect current transformers, grounding switches, and connect high-voltage cables and other equipment. Of course, this requires reasonable design to ensure that all components can be accessed, removed, and replaced in front of the cabinet.