The fundamental difference between switchgear and controlgear lies in their primary function within an electrical system and the components they comprise. Switchgear is primarily focused on protecting, isolating, and distributing electrical power, while controlgear is used for controlling, regulating, and managing the operation of electrical circuits and equipment.
According to a reference from 25-May-2018, the distinction can be seen in the specific devices included in each category:
- Switchgear consists of components designed to switch power on or off, isolate circuits for maintenance, or protect against faults.
- Controlgear consists of components used to control the operation of loads (like motors), automate processes, or provide circuit protection based on specific operating conditions.
Here's a breakdown of the components associated with each, as listed in the reference:
Components Comparison
| Switchgear Components | Controlgear Components |
|---|---|
| Switch disconnectors | DOL/Star,delta contactors |
| Fused Switches | Time clock/switches |
| Switch fuses | Relays |
| Isolators | Overload |
| Stop buttons | |
| PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) |
As illustrated in the table, switchgear includes devices for interrupting or isolating the main power flow (like disconnectors and isolators), often incorporating protection (fused switches, switch fuses). Controlgear, on the other hand, includes devices like contactors for starting/stopping motors, relays for logic, overloads for motor protection, buttons for manual input, and PLCs for automated control sequences.
In essence, switchgear handles the power delivery and protection infrastructure, while controlgear manages the operation and behavior of the downstream electrical loads connected to that power.
