An extensive range of withdrawable medium voltage (MV) switchgear is available and offers a choice of vacuum or SF6 gas insulated circuit breakers.

Merlin Gerin has launched MCset, the most extensive range of withdrawable medium voltage (MV) switchgear available, offering more options to meet the demands of more applications in more markets and with a shorter delivery time. MCset switchgear is available in ratings up to 3150A and with a choice of vacuum or SF6 gas insulated circuit breakers. MCset is also available with SF6 contactors for motor starting applications.

Vacuum based contactors will be available for the range shortly.

MCset provides the MV section of HV/MV substations and high power MV/MV substations.

Typically, MCset can be delivered in 12 weeks, one of the shortest delivery times available for withdrawable MV switchgear and half that of its predecessor, the Merlin Gerin YSF6 range.

Wide range of applications - the major applications for MCset are in the heavy industrial sectors such as chemicals, petrochemicals, power generation, pulp and paper, steel and water, which have high power demands and an overriding concern to minimise downtime.

Such industries typically specify withdrawable switchgear because faulty circuit breakers can be replaced quickly, unlike switchgear with fixed circuit breakers in which the whole panel would need to be replaced, taking much longer.

MCset is also aimed at the demanding building services sector, such as data centres that require withdrawable switchgear for their main incoming board to protect against downtime.

Marine versions of MCset for merchant shipping and offshore applications, and a seismic version are also available.

Typically, the nuclear power industry would demand earthquake-resistant switchgear.

Safe and easy to maintain - MCset offers full protection for operators against internal arc faults.

Protection is achieved by venting hot gases and particles away from the operator in accordance with IEC 60298-AA: AC Metal-enclosed Switchgear and Controlgear for Rated Voltages above 1kV and up to and including 52kV.

Other safety features include all switching being prevented unless the doors are closed; shutters to prevent access to live parts even when the switchgear is opened; and compartments being locked against opening unless circuit breakers are in the test position and the earthing switch is closed.

MCset circuit breakers use the same mechanism as the Merlin Gerin MasterPact range of low voltage circuit breakers.

Not only are parts for Masterpact low cost, but they are easily obtained from low voltage distributors worldwide, enabling users of MCset to reduce their spares parts stockholding, further saving costs.