Switchgear can be classified into two varieties: metal enclosed and metal clad.
| Metal Clad Switchgear | Metal enclosed Switchgear |
|---|---|
| More robust design | Not robust like metal clad |
| Requires shutters between the bus and the front of the equipment | Doesn’t require shutters between the bus and the front of the equipment |
| Compartmentalization of live parts exists | No compartmentalization of live parts |
| insulation of the bus and primary components | – |
| Switching and interruption devices should be drawout mounted | Switching and interruption devices are not drawout mounted |
| Devices can be removed without unwiring | Devices can be removed after unwiring |
| Higher interrupting rating | Lower interrupting ratings |
| Appropriate breaker duty cycle | Lower duty breaker cycle |
| Governed by IEEE standard C37.20.3 | Covered by multiple standards |
| Is always superior and will meet or exceed the requirements and capabilities of metal enclosed switchgear | Is inferior in terms of features, requirements and capabilities when compared to metal clad switchgear |
See video below on Metal clad switchgear:
Metal enclosed switchgear: