Correct Installation of a Switchgear.
- Grupo Edmar
- Oct 17
- 4 min read
October 17, 2025 - Correct Installation of a Switchgear.
Correct Installation of a Switchgear.
Installing a switchgear requires precision, technical knowledge, and strict adherence to safety standards. These devices are essential for the control, protection, and isolation of electrical circuits, especially in medium- and high-voltage systems. Improper installation can lead to serious failures, loss of service continuity, and even electrical accidents.
In this article, you'll learn the most important steps to ensure a proper and safe installation, as well as the technical factors to consider before, during, and after the process.
What is a switchgear and what is its function?
A switchgear is a mechanical device that allows an electrical circuit to be opened or closed under no-load conditions , in order to isolate a part of the system and allow maintenance, inspection or repair work without the risk of current.
Their primary function is not to interrupt the electrical current, but rather to provide visible and safe isolation . In many installations, switchgears are combined with circuit breakers or distribution panels to ensure more efficient control and flexible system operation.
There are several types of disconnectors depending on their design and application:
Indoor: used in electrical panels, substations or industrial plants.
Outdoor: designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions.
Blade, pantograph or rotary: each with different mechanisms depending on the needs of the system.
The role of switchgears is key to operational continuity, as they facilitate the work of technical personnel by being able to isolate lines or transformers without completely halting network operations.
Importance of Proper Installation.
Proper installation of a switchgears ensures personnel safety and system stability . Improper installation of a switchgear can lead to problems such as excessive heating, false contacts, arcing, or even short circuits.
A well-executed installation offers advantages such as:
Greater electrical reliability and reduction of interruptions.
Longer lifespan of the switchgears and its components.
Compliance with IEC, IEEE and NOM standards.
Reduction of maintenance costs and unforeseen failures.
In addition, a properly installed switchgear helps maintain balanced voltage levels , ensuring more efficient distribution of electrical power, which translates into energy savings and improved performance of the entire system.
Pre-Review and Project Planning.
Before starting any electrical installation, it is essential to conduct a preliminary assessment of the environment and technical requirements . This step is crucial to avoid costly mistakes and ensure the equipment operates within design parameters.
Some key points at this stage are:
Check site conditions : temperature, humidity, pollution level, altitude, space and ventilation.
Confirm the compatibility of the disconnector with the voltage and current level of the system.
Check the mechanical maneuvering capacity (manual, motorized or automated).
Determine the type of installation (indoor or outdoor).
Plan grounding and wiring routes.
Good planning also involves defining safety protocols and designating qualified personnel for installation, since working with medium- or high-voltage equipment requires technical experience and regulatory knowledge.
Mounting the Switchgear.
The assembly must be carried out precisely, following the manufacturer's specifications and the electrical project recommendations. The structure must be perfectly level and secured to a solid base.
General assembly steps:
Installing the structural support: Make sure the base is level and firm to avoid vibrations.
Placement of insulators: they must be clean, aligned and without cracks.
Assembling the contact arms and blades: Check that the parts slide smoothly and close with even pressure.
Checking the connection points: the joints must be clean and free of grease or dust.
Lubrication and final adjustment: Apply conductive or dielectric lubricant to moving points as directed by the manufacturer.
Poor alignment or poor adjustment of the contacts can cause an electric arc when opening or closing, so this phase requires careful inspection before energizing the system.
Electrical Connection and Initial Testing.
Once the switchgear is installed, the corresponding electrical connections must be made, ensuring the correct polarity and tightening torque on the screws.
Before energizing, it is recommended to run the following tests:
Electrical continuity test: ensures that connections are complete and without false contacts.
Insulation resistance test: checks the condition of the insulation between phases and ground.
Mechanical operation test: performs several openings and closings to check the fluidity of the mechanism.
Final visual check: Make sure there are no foreign objects, metal debris, or tools inside the area.
In industrial facilities or substations, these tests are usually performed with specialized measuring equipment, such as megohmmeters or circuit analyzers , and must be recorded in a technical report for quality control.
Installation Standards and Safety.
The installation of a swithchgear must comply with the regulatory and electrical safety requirements established by national and international organizations. In Mexico, NOM-001-SEDE-2022 regulates electrical installations, while IEC 62271 and IEEE C37.30 establish the technical parameters for switching equipment.
Good security practices:
Ensure the equipment is completely de-energized before beginning.
Apply lockout/tagout (LOTO) at disconnect points.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) : dielectric gloves, helmet, face shield, and insulated boots.
Have supervision by qualified personnel and an emergency plan.
Perform temporary grounding before starting testing.
Complying with these measures not only protects personnel but also ensures the integrity of the electrical system during operation.
Post-Installation Maintenance.
After installation, the switchgear must receive periodic preventive and corrective maintenance. This ensures its continued reliable operation and prevents unexpected shutdowns.
Maintenance tasks include:
Cleaning insulators and contacts.
Checking the tightness of connections.
Lubrication of moving mechanisms.
Dielectric review with specialized equipment.
Replacement of worn or sulfated parts.
In environments with dust, humidity, or contamination, maintenance frequency should be increased. A well-structured maintenance program reduces operating costs and extends equipment life.
At Grupo Edmar , we understand the importance of reliable electrical equipment to maintain the operational continuity of your projects. In addition to supplying medium-voltage electrical switchgears, we manufacture electrical transformers with high standards of quality and efficiency.
Our commitment is to offer safe, customized solutions with competitive delivery times , complying with the strictest standards in the electrical sector. With Grupo Edmar, you have the guarantee of working with a Mexican company with more than three decades of experience in energy and electrical distribution.
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