Schneider Electric’s Premset Outdoor switchgear awarded Notice of Conformity by the Energy Networks Association

Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management has announced its smart-grid-ready MV switchgear, Premset Outdoor, has been awarded a Notice of Conformity by the Energy Networks Association (ENA) for use on the UK distribution and transmission networks. The newly awarded ENA assessment gives reassurance to customers and adds credibility to the offer following the rigorous specifications Premset Outdoor is required to meet.

With its three-in-one design, Premset switchgear is the safest and most intuitive switchgear in its class, offering customers breaking, disconnection, and earthing functions integrated into a single compact three-position device, making it easier to operate. Its SF6-free design uses; vacuum, solid insulation, earth screening and air technologies and it ensures enhanced safety with its built-in failsafe interlocks.

The assessment is a benchmark against the requirements of ENA Technical Specification 41-36, which applies to distribution switchgear for service up to 36kV (cable and overhead conductor connected), and led by the ENA Switchgear Assessment Panel. It takes into account the following criteria:

•  Quality of manufacturer
• Type of test to relevant standards
• Performance or functional test to agree criteria
• Site tests or trials

Premset has been designed in a modular format to facilitate easy installation, upgrading, and maintenance. It uses the Shielded Solid Insulation System (2SIS), a breakthrough innovation that protects all the switchgear’s live parts to help ensure a safe, trouble-free service life for both operator and equipment.

While solid insulation has previously been used, Premset switchgear is the first global product using earth-screened solid insulation from bushing to busbar. This system reduces the risk of internal arcing, enhances safety and reliability in any environment, and extends the equipment life by up to 30 per cent, with no preventive maintenance nor intrusive servicing necessary.

Additionally, through advanced monitoring, control, and smart-grid functionality, Premset switchgear helps ensure networks are at peak performance level, featuring feeder automation, with switchgear including built-in communication and local intelligence. It offers load management, with integrated smart metering and asset management, with advanced switchgear and transformer monitoring along with VIP self-powered protection and communication relay for higher MV network availability.

With its standardised dimensions, reduced footprint, and simple front power connections, both time and money spent installing Premset switchgear is greatly reduced. Every aspect of the system is designed with the intention of reducing total cost of ownership as well as making installation and adaptations as seamless as possible, including straightforward assembly as identical busbar and cable connections are used for the entire range, easy-to-install patented universal flat power connection system. It includes extended possibilities for cables entry, with easy connection at a height of 700mm and a single type of bushing.

Upgrading is made simpler, with the same auxiliaries, accessories and monitoring devices being used for the entire range. In fact, this “plug and play” design also allows for on-site additions that do not require any special training, tools or adjustments.

Since the 1920s, Schneider Electric has been at the forefront of switchgear innovation, including the entire evolution of MV switchgear technology to date. Premset switchgear is the result of this extensive knowledge and experience, representing the kind of leap forward only seen in switchgear technology about once every 20 years.