Switchgears: Best brands and selection criteria
- Grupo Edmar
- Sep 5
- 4 min read
September 5, 2025 - Switchgears
Switchgears: best brands and selection criteria.
In any electrical system, safety and reliability are essential. Switchgears are essential equipment that ensures a circuit can be safely isolated for maneuvers or maintenance work.
However, it's not enough to simply "have a disconnect switch"; it's also necessary to choose the right one for the application and opt for reliable brands.
In this article, we'll discuss what switchgear are, what types exist, what criteria to consider when selecting them, the most recognized brands on the market, and what mistakes to avoid when purchasing them.
What is a switchgear and what is it used for?
A switchgear is a mechanical switching device used to open or close an electrical circuit when no current is flowing. Its main function is to electrically isolate a section of the installation so that maintenance or repairs can be carried out without risk of accidents.
The interesting thing is that, although switchgear aren't designed to interrupt currents under load, they are essential in the daily operation of electrical installations. In substations, for example, they allow a transformer to be disconnected without having to shut down the entire network.
Simply put, the switchgear ensures that people work safely and that the electrical system continues to operate stably in the other sections.
Most common types of switchgear.
The market offers different types of switchgear, each one tailored to specific applications. Below are some of the most commonly used:
Indoor switchgear : installed inside electrical panels or cabinets, ideal for industrial and commercial spaces where protection against dust or external tampering is desired.
Outdoor switchgear : designed to withstand environmental conditions such as rain, dust, and humidity. They are manufactured with materials that resist corrosion and temperature variations.
Knife switchgear : widely used in overhead distribution networks. They are characterized by their simplicity and because they allow visible insulation, which increases technician confidence.
Load-break switches : Although they are not power switches, they can open a circuit under low-load conditions. They are useful for rapid maneuvers.
Earthing switches : Safely connect a circuit to ground, providing an additional level of protection during maintenance.
Each type fulfills a specific role. For example, on a rural distribution line , knife-edge switchgear are the most practical, while in indoor industrial installations, encapsulated or indoor switchgear predominate.
Basic criteria for selecting a switchgear.
Buying a switchgear isn't just a matter of choosing the one that's in stock or the most affordable. There are parameters that determine which equipment is right for you:
Voltage level : check whether the switchgear will be used for low, medium or high voltage.
Nominal current : ensure that it supports the current that will flow through the circuit.
Environmental conditions : whether it will be placed indoors, outdoors or in aggressive environments (chemical industry, coastal areas, deserts).
Technical standards : Compliance with international standards such as IEC or ANSI, ensuring safety and compatibility.
Maintenance and accessibility : Some models allow for quick visual inspection, which reduces project downtime.
Durability and materials : check the mechanical and electrical resistance, as well as the quality of the contacts.
Example: if a project is developed in a coastal area , a galvanized steel switchgear or one with special coatings will be more durable against corrosion.
Advantages of choosing prestigious brands.
When choosing a switchgear from a recognized brand, the user obtains important benefits:
Longer lifespan and material resistance.
Access to warranties and specialized technical support.
Spare parts and components available on the market.
Compliance with international safety standards.
Confidence in large-scale projects, where the continuity of electrical service cannot be jeopardized.
Although switchgear from recognized brands may be more expensive, in the long term they generate savings in maintenance, a lower risk of failure and greater safety .
Common mistakes when purchasing switchgear.
Some of the most common problems when purchasing electrical switchgear are:
Buy by price, not specifications . A cheap disconnect switch that doesn't meet the current rating can be a risk.
Ignoring the installation environment : Placing an indoor disconnect switch in outdoor conditions causes premature failure.
Failure to verify technical standards : Installing equipment that does not comply with IEC, ANSI, or Standard J may result in compatibility issues or audit failure.
Overlooking the short-circuit current : A common mistake is not checking the fault capacity of the switchgear.
Preventing these errors is key to having reliable equipment that will work for years.
Availability and delivery times.
In electrical projects, timing is often crucial. A project can't be held up for weeks because a disconnect switch isn't available.
Therefore, one of the most important aspects when choosing a supplier is that they can guarantee:
Immediate or short-term delivery .
Variety of options in stock .
Flexibility in models and specifications .
At Grupo Edmar, we offer switchgear of various brands and capacities. This allows customers to find a solution without having to wait long import times.
Edmar Group: your ally in electrical projects.
At Grupo Edmar, we know that every project requires precision and reliability. That's why we offer switchgear from various brands, ready for delivery and manufactured under standards that guarantee quality and safety.
Our goal is to facilitate the acquisition of reliable electrical equipment so customers can focus on their projects with the peace of mind of long-lasting equipment. With Grupo Edmar, your investment is backed by more than 40 years of experience in the electrical sector in Mexico.
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