Classified by structural features and usage:
(1) Fixed panel switchgear, commonly known as switch board or distribution panel. It is an open type switchgear with panel shielding, which has a protective effect on the front and can still touch the live parts on the back and side. The protection level is low and can only be used for industrial and mining enterprises with low requirements for power supply continuity and reliability, as well as for centralized power supply in substations.
(2) Protective (i.e. enclosed) switchgear refers to a type of low-voltage switchgear where all sides, except for the installation surface, are enclosed. The electrical components such as switches, protections, and monitoring controls of this cabinet are all installed in a closed enclosure made of steel or insulating materials, and can be reliably installed on or off the wall. Each circuit inside the cabinet can be isolated without isolation measures, or grounded metal plates or insulation plates can be used for isolation. Usually, there is a mechanical interlock between the door and the main switch operation. In addition, there is a protective platform type switchgear (i.e. control console) with control, measurement, signal and other electrical appliances installed on the panel. Protective switchgear is mainly used as a power distribution device in process sites.
(3) Drawer style switchgear. This type of switchgear adopts a closed shell made of steel plate, and the electrical components of the incoming and outgoing circuits are installed in withdrawable drawers, forming a functional unit capable of completing a certain type of power supply task. The functional unit is separated from the busbar or cable by a grounded metal plate or plastic functional board, forming three areas: busbar, functional unit, and cable. There are also isolation measures between each functional unit. Drawer type switchgear has high reliability, safety, and interchangeability, and is a relatively advanced switchgear. Most of the produced switchgear are drawer type switchgear. They are suitable for industrial and mining enterprises and high-rise buildings that require high power supply reliability, serving as centralized control distribution centers.
(4) Power and lighting distribution control box. Mostly enclosed vertical installation. Due to different usage scenarios, the protection level of the casing also varies. They are mainly used as power distribution devices for production sites in industrial and mining enterprises.