Products
Professional switchgear manufacturer delivering reliable power solutions
Switchgear is one of Cotenele’s core electrical distribution products. Our product range includes low voltage switchgear, medium voltage switchgear, and ring main units (RMU), widely used in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
These products are applied in power plants, substations, mining projects, industrial enterprises, urban residential areas, commercial buildings, data centers, and other critical infrastructure environments.
Low voltage switchgear is designed for AC systems up to 1000V (DC up to 1500V), providing safe and reliable power distribution and protection at the terminal level.
Medium voltage switchgear covers voltage levels from 3.6kV to 40.5kV, commonly used in 12kV, 24kV, and 35kV systems, serving as key equipment in medium-voltage power distribution networks.
Switchgear plays an essential role in modern electrical systems, from low-voltage end-user distribution to high-voltage power transmission and transformation networks.
These products are applied in power plants, substations, mining projects, industrial enterprises, urban residential areas, commercial buildings, data centers, and other critical infrastructure environments.
Low voltage switchgear is designed for AC systems up to 1000V (DC up to 1500V), providing safe and reliable power distribution and protection at the terminal level.
Medium voltage switchgear covers voltage levels from 3.6kV to 40.5kV, commonly used in 12kV, 24kV, and 35kV systems, serving as key equipment in medium-voltage power distribution networks.
Switchgear plays an essential role in modern electrical systems, from low-voltage end-user distribution to high-voltage power transmission and transformation networks.
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JP Low Voltage Distribution Box LV Switchgear
The JP Low Voltage Distribution Box LV Switchgear is a power equipment "multi-functional integrated station" designed to adapt to outdoor environments. The Cotenele JP distribution box integrates multiple functional modules into a sturdy outdoor enclosure, mainly including power distribution, power metering, protection functions, as well as control and reactive power compensation.The function of control and reactive power compensation is one of the core functions of the JP series low-voltage integrated distribution box, which can automatically switch on and off capacitor banks according to the grid load to compensate for reactive power, thereby significantly improving the power factor of the grid, reducing line losses, and improving voltage quality.
JXM Transparent Anti-Tampering Service Connection Box
JXM Transparent Anti-Tampering Service Connection Box is a common distribution equipment in the market and also one of the conventional low-voltage series products of Cotenele.The JXM Transparent Anti-Tamper Urban Network Metering Box is a non-metallic transparent metering enclosure that integrates multiple power metering and protection components (such as miniature circuit breakers and electricity meters) into a compact terminal metering device.
Low Voltage Cable Junction Box
COTENELE is a stable supplier of Low Voltage Cable Junction Boxes for China State Grid and Southern Power Grid. Over the years, our products have won recognition from customers and markets both domestically and internationally. The cable branch box is a key equipment at the end of the distribution network, responsible for distributing electrical energy from the main cable to various end users. It is widely used in urban power grids, residential areas, industrial parks and other places, and is an important means to achieve cable network power supply.
XL-21 Low Voltage Motor Control Center LV Switchgear
The XL-21 Low Voltage Motor Control Center LV Switchgear is the most common type of low-voltage switchgear in low-voltage distribution systems,Cotenele is a large supplier of this type low-voltage switchgear.This XL-21 series low-voltage switchgear is widely used in the distribution and control of three-phase power equipment such as motors, fans, pumps, lighting systems, etc. in industrial and civil buildings.
GGD Low Voltage Switchgear LV Panel
In China's low-voltage distribution system,The GGD Low Voltage Switchgear LV Panel is a common distribution equipment. As a large power distribution equipment manufacturer, our products are reliable in quality, stable in performance, sturdy and durable, and have received high praise from customers at China and abroad market for a long time.
GCK Low Voltage Switchboard Withdrawable
GCK series drawer low-voltage switchgear is also one of Cotenele's main products,The GCK Low Voltage Switchboard Withdrawable consists of two parts: the power distribution center (PC) cabinet and the motor control center (MCC). It is suitable for power plants, substations, industrial and mining enterprises and other power users as an AC 50Hz maximum working voltage up to 660V and maximum working current up to 3150A in the distribution system. It is used for power distribution, motor control, lighting and other distribution equipment for energy conversion and distribution control.
What Is Switchgear?
Switchgear (also known as metal-enclosed switchgear or assembled distribution equipment) is an integrated electrical system primarily composed of circuit breakers and related control devices.
It combines components such as circuit breakers, load-break switches, disconnectors, fuses, instrument transformers, surge protection devices, busbars, and insulation systems within a metal enclosure.
These components are assembled according to a defined electrical single-line diagram, forming a standardized and modular distribution unit.
The main functions of switchgear include:
- Switching electrical circuits
- System control and protection
- Measurement and monitoring of electrical parameters
Low voltage switchgear is typically used in distribution networks up to 1000V AC, while medium voltage switchgear is applied in systems ranging from 3.6kV to 40.5kV.
Types of Switchgear
Switchgear can be classified based on voltage level, insulation technology, structural design, and application function.
1. Classification by Voltage Level
| Aspect | Low-Voltage Switchgear | Medium-Voltage Switchgear |
| Voltage range | ≤1000V | 3.6kV-40.5KV |
| Primary task | Distribution and control (terminal) | Receiving and protection(mainline) |
| Core component | Moulded case circuit breaker(MCCB), Air circuit breaker(ACB) | Vacuum circuit breaker(VCB),SF₆ circuit breaker |
| Typical models | GGD,GCK,GCS,MNS | KYN28,XGN,C-GIS |
| Safety focus | Shock protection,arc flash | Strict five-prevention interlocking,insulation distance control |
2. Classification by Insulation Medium
Air-Insulated Switchgear
It uses air as the primary insulation medium. It features a mature structure, easy maintenance, and is widely used in traditional distribution systems. Typical examples include low voltage cabinets and medium voltage metal-enclosed switchgear systems.
Gas-Insulated Switchgear
It encloses all high-voltage components inside a sealed compartment filled with SF₆, nitrogen, or dry air. It offers excellent insulation performance, compact structure, and strong environmental adaptability.
Solid-Insulated Switchgear
It uses epoxy resin to encapsulate live components, providing strong resistance to harsh environments such as humidity, dust, and pollution.
3. Classification by Structure
Fixed Type Switchgear
All components are fixed inside the cabinet. It features a simple structure and cost-effective design, commonly used in standard distribution systems.
Withdrawable Switchgear
The circuit breaker or functional unit is installed on a movable trolley, allowing easy maintenance and replacement. This structure improves modularity and operational flexibility. Medium voltage center-mounted switchgear is a typical example.
Typical Switchgear Types
Ring Main Unit
Ring main units are compact distribution systems designed for ring network power supply. They use load-break switches combined with fuse protection to control and isolate faults.
RMUs are widely used in urban distribution networks, residential communities, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. They are available in air-insulated and gas-insulated designs, offering compact size, simple operation, and reliable performance.
Center-Mounted Switchgear
Center-mounted switchgear is a metal-clad withdrawable medium voltage distribution system, typically used at 3.6kV–12kV.
Its structure is divided into three compartments:
- Busbar and instrument compartment
- Circuit breaker compartment
- Cable compartment
This design improves safety and isolation between functional units. It is widely used in power plants, industrial facilities, substations, and for starting high-voltage motors. It also supports interlocking protection functions to ensure safe operation of the system.
Gas-Insulated Switchgear
Gas-insulated switchgear encloses all electrical components inside a sealed metal housing filled with insulating gas.
It is highly resistant to environmental influences such as humidity, dust, pollution, and corrosive atmospheres. It is widely used in urban rail transit, petrochemical plants, metallurgy, and high-altitude regions.
Compared with air-insulated systems, C-GIS is more compact, requiring significantly less installation space and offering a long service life with minimal maintenance requirements.
Application Areas of Switchgear
Switchgear is widely used in:
- Power generation systems
- Transmission and distribution substations
- Industrial and mining facilities
- Urban residential and commercial buildings
- Data centers and infrastructure projects
RMUs are commonly used in distribution networks and compact substations. Center-mounted switchgear is mainly applied in medium voltage control and motor starting systems. Gas-insulated switchgear is preferred in harsh environments with space limitations.
| Scenario | Suitable Cabinet Type | Typical Use |
| Power plants,large substations | Center-mounted(KYN28),MVswitchgear | Generator delivery,maintransformer reception |
| Industrial parks,medium-sizedenterprises | Center-mounted,RMU | Distribution,power reception |
| Urban residential areas,high-rise buildings | RMU,LV distribution cabinets | Ring network power supply,finaldistribution |
| High-altitude,humid,pollutedareas | C-GIS | Distribution in harshenvironments |
| Mining,petrochemicals,railtransit | C-GIS | Power supply in severeconditions |
| Commercial buildings,hospitals,data centers | LV switchgear(GCK/GCS/MNS) | Lighting,HVAC,equipmentdistribution |
How to Select Suitable Switchgear
Selecting the right switchgear requires evaluation of several key factors:
1. Electrical Operating Conditions
Voltage level, current capacity, frequency, and load characteristics must be considered to ensure stable and safe operation.
2. Environmental Conditions
Temperature, humidity, altitude, seismic level, and pollution degree directly affect insulation performance and equipment lifespan.
3. Short-Circuit Requirements
Rated short-time withstand current and breaking capacity must match system fault levels. Medium voltage systems typically use a 3-second rating, while low voltage systems often use 1-second ratings.
4. Load Characteristics
Different load types require different configurations, such as circuit breaker panels or load-break switch systems.
5. Application Environment
- General inland areas: air-insulated switchgear
- Space-limited areas: compact or gas-insulated systems
- Secondary distribution: RMU systems
- Industrial Expansion: Utilizes a modular and pull-out system.
6. Project Type
New installations typically use modern, high-efficiency systems, while retrofit projects may follow existing configurations.
7. Maintenance Requirements
Equipment design should allow easy maintenance, with strong anti-corrosion and anti-pollution performance.
Switchgear in Prefabricated Substations
A prefabricated substation integrates high voltage switchgear, transformers, low voltage switchgear, and control systems into a compact enclosure.
High Voltage Side
Includes medium voltage switchgear such as KYN28A-12 or RMU systems, equipped with protection relays and communication systems.
Transformer
Typically uses oil-immersed or dry-type transformers with low loss and high efficiency.
Low Voltage Side
Uses draw-out type low voltage switchgear systems for easy maintenance and reliable power distribution.
