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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Outdoor Cable Distribution Box
Cotenele DFWK type Outdoor Cable Distribution Box Adopts prefabricated live touchable silicone rubber cable heads, fully sealed, fully insulated, maintenance free, and reliable to ensure personal safety; Compact structure, compact and beautiful appearance, stainless steel double-layer box, with a service life of over 20 years; Without affecting the operation of the main network. Implement regional power outage maintenance to reduce the scope of power outages; Can be equipped with one or more SF6 load break switches. The wiring methods are flexible and diverse, with a maximum of eight branch lines; Optional lightning arresters, short-circuit fault indicators, current limiting fuses, etc. are available to meet various user requirements.
33KV Electrical Joint Box Cable Distribution Switchgear
In the 33kV distribution system, the 33KV Electrical Joint Box Cable Distribution Switchgear is a very important electrical equipment, and Cotenele is an excellent representative of producing this equipment.Our European style Cable Distribution Switchgear is widely used in cable engineering in power distribution network systems. Its main features are bidirectional opening of doors, use of through wall sleeves as connecting busbars, and significant advantages such as compact struction, clear cable arrangement, and no need for large-span crossing of three core cables.
22KV Wiring Box Junction Cable Distribution Panel
Cotenele is a large manufacturer of medium-voltage cable branch boxes,22KV Wiring Box Junction Cable Distribution Panel manufactured by us has exported lots of oversea countries and areas.The 22KV Wiring Box Junction Cable Distribution Panel is a key node device in power distribution networks, mainly used for power transfer and distribution. It is widely applied in urban cableization projects and residential power supply. It features fully-insulated, fully-sealed, and maintenance-free characteristics.
11KV Outside Electrical Junction Cabinet Cable Termination Box
Cotenele is a major supplier of cable engineering equipment in China's power distribution network system. Our European style 11KV Outside Electrical Junction Cabinet Cable Termination Box have been widely used in distribution system engineering projects of the State Grid in recent years. The main features of the Outside Electrical Junction Cabinet are bidirectional opening of doors, using through wall sleeves as connecting busbars, and having significant advantages such as small length, clear cable arrangement, and no need for large-span crossing of three core cables.
Low Voltage Distribution Box
Cotenele is a large manufacturer of low voltage distribution box. Our low-voltage distribution boxes not only have a high market share in China, but also export to overseas markets, especially in Africa and South America. In Europe, we have established long-term and stable cooperation with some Greek agents.The low-voltage distribution box is a critical link in the electrical system, delivering power from the main grid to end-use equipment. It can be considered the final gateway for power distribution.Our low-voltage distribution boxes complies with relevant international standard for example IEC 61439.
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.
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.
