Control & Switchgear Distributor in Cork

In an electric power system, switchgear is the combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses or circuit breakers used to control, protect and isolate electrical equipment. Switchgear is used both to de-energise equipment to allow work to be done and to clear faults downstream.

Power stations originally used simple open knife switches, but as power levels and voltages increased, it was necessary to create safer systems where energy could be contained and reliably controlled. Oil-filled switchgear was a safer starting point, although this has now mainly ceded to air-blast, vacuum or SF equipment. These modern innovations allow large currents and power levels to be safely managed.

There are two types of components in a switchgear assembly:

• Control systems. These include current transformers, potential transformers, control panels, protective relays, and associated circuitry. The function of a control system is to monitor, control, and protect the power-conducting components of the switchgear.
• Power-conducting components. These include items such as switches, circuit breakers, fuses and lightning arrestors. They all conduct or interrupt the flow of electrical power.

Switchgear is a key factor in the reliability of the electricity supply. It is therefore essential, when building an electrical power system, to ensure you use switchgear components of the highest quality.

At Long Distributors in Cork, we are proud to stock and supply only the very best in switchgear and control system elements. Our range features components manufactured by leading names in global electronics such as Omron and Eaton, ideal for creating bespoke systems and building safe and reliable industrial applications.