Electrical Cells within a Pedestal (Switchgear)
- Grupo Edmar
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
September 23, 2025 - Cells within a Pedestal
Electrical Cells within a Pedestal (Switchgear)
Pad-mounted switchgear, also known as pedestal switchgear or pad-mounted switchgear , are electrical devices designed for switching, controlling, and protecting power in medium-voltage systems. The entire assembly is installed inside a metal enclosure at ground level, providing accessibility and safety, especially in urban or industrial environments where space is limited.
Today, this type of solution is found in residential developments, shopping centers, hospitals, industrial plants, and public spaces because it allows for the integration of a reliable electrical grid without the need for a large and complex substation.
Main Function of Pedestal Cells
The primary function of pedestal switchgear is to ensure the continuity and reliability of the power supply , even under fault conditions. These cells allow for:
Perform circuit opening and closing maneuvers.
Isolate sections of the network for maintenance work.
Protect equipment and users from short circuits or overloads.
Allow decentralized electrical distribution , improving grid efficiency.
A very common example is in a housing development : if a fault occurs on a street, pedestal cells allow that section to be isolated without affecting all the houses in the complex.
Difference between conventional and pedestal switchgear
Although both perform similar functions, there are clear differences:
Conventional switchgear: installed indoors, usually in electrical rooms or substations.
Pedestal Switchgear: Designed for outdoor use, protected in a compact, rugged enclosure.
Additionally, pedestal-mounted switchgear is often more accessible and cost-effective in urban projects , as it eliminates the need for a full electrical room. It also offers a more maintenance-friendly design, as maneuvers are performed at ground level and with reinforced safety systems.
Types of Pedestal Cells.
There are various configurations according to the needs of the electrical project:
Disconnecting pedestal: allows opening or closing circuits without additional protection.
Pedestal fuse: adds overcurrent and local fault protection.
Pedestal with circuit breakers: offers greater robustness and flexibility, useful in industrial parks or large complexes.
Combination pedestal: integrates multiple functions into a single cabinet for more complete protection.
The choice depends on the load, voltage level, network design and available budget .
Most Common Applications.
Pedestal cells are a very versatile option that adapts to different environments:
Residential subdivisions: guarantee a continuous and secure supply of energy.
Shopping centers: allow for isolating faults without disrupting all stores.
Hospitals and schools: ensuring stable power in critical facilities.
Industrial parks: allow energy to be distributed between different warehouses in an orderly manner.
Public spaces: They are ideal for urban lighting or recreational parks.
A concrete example: in a hospital, a pedestal switchgear can separate sensitive areas such as operating rooms or emergency rooms, avoiding total outages due to minor failures.
Advantages of a pedestal switchgear.
This type of installation offers multiple benefits:
Security: Protects both network operators and users.
Compact design: takes up less space than an electrical room.
Durability: Its cabinet is designed to withstand moisture, dust and extreme temperatures.
Ease of operation: simple and quick maneuvers at ground level.
Electrical continuity: by isolating faults at specific points.
Optimized costs: less additional infrastructure than other systems.
Because of these advantages, it's common for real estate developers and industrial parks to include it in their project planning.
Criteria for Selecting a Pedestal Cell.
Selecting the right switchgear requires evaluating several technical and practical factors:
Operating voltage level (generally between 15 kV and 34.5 kV).
Interrupting capacity (to withstand faults and overloads).
Environmental conditions of the installation site.
Physical space available.
Compatibility with other network equipment , such as transformers (link to transformer articles).
Ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts.
A common mistake is choosing a cell with a lower capacity than required, which increases the risk of failure and future costs.
Switchgear on pedestal as part of the integral electrical system.
Pedestal switchgear is just one part of the electrical ecosystem. It works in conjunction with transformers, medium-voltage cables, disconnectors, reclosers, and additional protection systems .
Therefore, when designing an electrical grid, it's not enough to simply select a cell; the entire system must be analyzed to ensure efficiency and reliability. This comprehensive view reduces losses, avoids prolonged outages, and extends the lifespan of all equipment.
Challenges and Trends in the Use of Pedestal Cells.
The use of pedestal-mounted cells has been growing in Latin America and other regions due to urbanization and the need for more compact and safer electrical systems. However, challenges remain, such as the correct selection of materials , training personnel in safe operations , and compatibility with existing equipment in each network.
In terms of trends, smart solutions are increasingly being integrated, such as remote monitoring, fault sensors, and communication systems that allow problems to be anticipated before they affect service. These innovations are transforming pedestal switchgear into a key element of modern, automated electrical networks .
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