Basic design criteria for switchgear and MCC selection

Different technologies are available for switchgear and controlgear for use in industrial applications. Some are based on using withdrawable switching devices, others on using fixed devices. The choice of what type of equipment to use should be fundamentally based on two essential criteria, followed by other criteria specific to the application. The fundamental criteria for which there should be no compromise are safety of operators and maintenance personnel and the availability of the power supply. Other criteria such as cost of the equipment and space required should be considered only after the two fundamental criteria have been met. The purpose of this paper is to review the two fundamental criteria that have to be met and what these criteria imply for the design of the power distribution system, the choice of equipment, and their installation.