Today´s Marine Vessel Require More Electric Power and Higher Voltages Safe Medium Voltage Switchgear is Needed

The power requirements on modern marine vessels are increasing. Many of the loads are changing from mechanical to electrical and the propulsion system are becoming all electric. Traditional low voltage 480V systems do not have the ratings to handle these large power requirements. This requires power to be generated at higher voltages, typically 4,160 volts, 6,600 volts or above. These voltages require medium voltage rated switchgear. Presently, commercial marine standards require this equipment to be commercial ´off the shelf type switchgear. Medium Voltage Switchgear is not common in today´s marine industry. The isolation of being in open waters demands that personnel onboard perform some maintenance and repair to the switchgear to maintain operation of the vessel. The inexperience of the personnel on such equipment can be life threatening if the proper safety devices are not provided. Focus must be placed on the operation, repair and maintenance of medium voltage marine switchboards and the variables that differentiate it from land based applications. This paper will review effective apparatuses that can be installed in commercial ´off the shelf Medium Voltage Switchgear that would enhance the safe operation and maintenance of the equipment. Some of the apparatuses to be considered are remote controls, arc resistant switchgear, glow tubes, earthing switches, G&T (ground and test) devices, and remote electric racking.