Electrical Cells for CFE.
- Grupo Edmar
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
September 29, 2025 - Electric Cells for CFE.
Electrical Cells for CFE.
Electrical cells are an essential part of Mexico's electrical infrastructure. The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) uses them to protect, disconnect, and switch medium-voltage circuits. Without these cells, it would be impossible to guarantee the safety and reliability of the electricity supply to millions of homes, businesses, and industries. Furthermore, they allow the CFE to reduce outage times and quickly isolate faults to minimize disruptions.
What are power cells?
Electrical cubicles are metal cabinets designed to house control, protection, and measurement equipment in medium-voltage networks. They act as interconnection nodes between distribution lines, transformers, and other installations. Their modular design allows them to be installed in small spaces, which is critical in urban substations or in areas where there is no space for large installations. Internally, they can include:
Circuit breakers.
Earthing switches.
Current and potential transformers for measurement.
Protection relays
CFE Regulations and Specifications.
To ensure the safety of the electrical system, the CFE establishes very detailed specifications that all manufacturers must comply with. These specifications include:
Nominal voltage and current levels.
Interrupting and short-circuit capacity.
Insulation level and distance between phases.
Dielectric, mechanical and thermal tests.
Interlocking systems to prevent unsafe maneuvers.
Compliance with these standards ensures that the cells can be easily integrated into any substation in the country and that their operation is safe and consistent for technical personnel.
Types of Electrical Cells used by the CFE.
The CFE uses different types of cells depending on the characteristics of the project:
SF6 gas cells : provide very fast switching and excellent interruption capacity, ideal for demanding systems.
Vacuum cells : more sustainable and require less maintenance, recommended when seeking to reduce environmental impact.
Modular cells : facilitate the gradual expansion of substations as demand grows.
Measuring and protection cells : used to monitor electrical parameters and detect overloads or short circuits.
Each type offers specific advantages in safety, size, cost, and maintenance, and is selected based on the environment where it will be installed.
Applications of Electrical Cells for the CFE.
Power cells are essential in:
Urban substations where space utilization is critical.
Rural areas to distribute energy over long distances.
Industries with high energy consumption that require safe maneuvers.
Renewable energy projects such as wind and solar farms to connect to the CFE grid.
By allowing damaged circuits to be isolated, the cells facilitate maintenance without completely interrupting service. They also protect transformers and sensitive equipment from faults or lightning strikes.
Key Factors for Selecting Power Cells.
When planning a project with CFE or under its specifications, it is essential to consider:
Nominal voltage and current level (to match the grid).
Compatibility with CFE standards and certifications.
Technology type (vacuum, gas, modular).
Environmental conditions (humidity, temperature, dust, corrosive atmospheres).
Ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts .
Security and accessibility for technical staff .
Proper selection not only saves money in the long run, but also prevents acceptance problems and reduces operational risks.
Maintenance and Safe Operation.
Preventive maintenance is crucial to extending cell life and avoiding serious failures. Recommended practices include:
Periodic visual inspections to detect wear or corrosion.
Internal and external cleaning to avoid accumulation of dust or moisture.
Dielectric tests to verify insulation integrity.
Verification of protection relays and calibration of instruments.
Ongoing staff training in safe maneuvers and emergency protocols.
These actions ensure that the cells operate with the reliability for which they were designed.
Innovations and Trends in Cells for the CFE.
The market is evolving toward smarter and more compact solutions. Cells are currently being developed with:
Remote monitoring that reports the status of the equipment in real time.
Early warning systems to prevent failures before they occur.
More ergonomic and modular designs that optimize space and facilitate installation.
More sustainable components to reduce environmental impact and comply with new regulations.
These innovations allow CFE to increase the reliability of its networks, improve staff safety, and optimize operating costs.
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