A voltage label is only a starting point
“34.5 kV switchgear” is a research phrase, not a complete specification. Start with the project’s system voltage and the utility interface, then have the responsible engineer establish the equipment class and insulation requirements. Product families and regional standards can use different naming conventions.
Collect the system information first
- Nominal and maximum system voltage, frequency and grounding method.
- Normal load current and future loading assumptions.
- Available fault current, X/R information where needed, and required duty duration.
- Incoming, tie and feeder functions with an operating sequence.
- Protection, metering, control power and communications requirements.
- Indoor/outdoor location, environmental conditions and enclosure needs.
- Maintenance access, cable routing, delivery route and physical clearances.
- Applicable jurisdiction, project standards and required test documentation.
Separate ratings from safety studies
An interrupting rating, a withstand rating and an arc-resistant construction designation answer different questions. One label cannot replace a coordination or arc-flash study. Do not infer a PPE category from an equipment marketing page or this website.
Compare documentation, not adjectives
For each candidate product, keep a dated copy of its relevant data sheet and identify the exact configuration. Write “not provided” when a value is missing. A product-family brochure may cover options that are not included in the configuration under discussion.
Where AI data center context matters
Explain the intended power paths, maintenance strategy and loads that must remain energized. Make operational scenarios explicit. A two-path drawing by itself does not demonstrate that the protection and switching sequences achieve the intended outcome.
Sources & further reading
- Eaton: medium-voltage distribution and control ↗
- Schneider Electric: medium-voltage switchgear and automation ↗