Metal Clad Switchgear and Metal Enclosed Switchgear are similar switchgears, which are divided into these two types according to their structural form and safety performance.

Although they look similar, they have obvious differences in internal structure, safety level and usage scenarios.

What Is Metal-Clad Switchgear

Metal Clad Switchgear is a medium voltage switchgear with a high safety level. Each functional unit inside – such as busbar room, circuit breaker room, cable room, and relay protection room – is completely separated by grounded metal partitions. This design ensures that when a unit fails, it will not affect the normal operation of other parts, thus significantly improving the safety and reliability of the system.

Metal-Clad switchgear typically utilizes a withdrawable unit (DRU) design, allowing for hot-swap and maintenance of circuit breakers. This design facilitates maintenance and offers strong scalability. It is commonly used in locations requiring high power continuity, such as power plants, substations, large factories, and data centers.

What Is Metal-Enclosed Switchgear

Metal-enclosed switchgear refers to electrical equipment in which live parts are housed within a metal casing. While the switchgear provides overall protection, the various functional areas within it may not be completely separated by metal partitions and typically employ a fixed structure.

This type of switchgear features a relatively simple structure and low manufacturing costs, making it suitable for general industrial, commercial, and residential power distribution systems. In applications where power continuity requirements are low and maintenance intervals are long, metal-enclosed switchgear is an economical and reliable option.

How to Choose the Right Type

When choosing the type of switchgear, the following factors should be considered comprehensively:

• System importance and power supply continuity requirements: Metal-Clad structures are recommended for critical power systems
• Budget and maintenance capability: If the budget is limited and the maintenance cycle is long, metal enclosed type can be selected
• Safety and standard requirements: If higher arc flash protection, isolation and interlocking standards are required, metal armor design should be used

For projects requiring the highest levels of power reliability and safety, such as energy, power grids, data centers, or mining systems, metal-clad switchgear is the preferred choice.
For general industrial or commercial power distribution systems, metal-enclosed switchgear offers a more economical and stable operation.

Conclusion

The difference between metal clad switchgear and metal enclosed switchgear is mainly reflected in the isolation method, safety level, maintenance convenience, etc.

In simple terms: Metal clad switchgears focus on safety and reliability, while metal enclosed switchgears focus on economy and practicality.

In modern power systems, the rational selection of switchgear types can not only improve power supply safety and stability, but also effectively optimize project investment and subsequent operation and maintenance costs.