Metal-Enclosed Switchgear
Metal-enclosed switchgear has its components housed inside a metal enclosure. Beyond that, the internal arrangement can vary: compartments are not necessarily separated by earthed metal barriers.
Metal-Clad Switchgear
Metal-clad is a more strictly defined construction. Major components such as the breaker, busbars, and cable connections sit in separate earthed metal compartments, the breaker is typically withdrawable, and shutters cover the live contacts when it is withdrawn. Internal barriers reduce the chance that a fault in one compartment spreads to another.
Why It Matters
- Safety - compartmentalisation and shutters reduce exposure to live parts during maintenance. See arc flash safety.
- Service continuity - IEC standards classify panels by loss of service continuity, describing how much of the switchboard must be shut down to access a compartment.
- Maintenance - withdrawable breakers can be removed for service without disturbing the rest of the board.
Choosing
Metal-clad designs are common where safety and continuity matter most. Always match spares to the exact panel and breaker model. See panel interlocks explained.
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