This bulletin describes Metal-Clad Switchgear system experience and knowledge required in the 38,000 VOLT METAL-CLAD SWITCHGEAR.
Federal Pacific, through its specialized Powercon division, engineers and manufactures metal-clad switchgear for high-reliability utility and critical infrastructure applications. These systems feature strictly compartmentalized sections for circuit breakers, busbars, and cable terminations, delivering advanced switching, protection, and control across medium-voltage systems from 5kV to 38kV.
Powercon metal-clad switchgear is completely factory built, wired, and assembled to customer specifications. Every assembly features compartmentalization and utility-grade construction for high-fault current environments.
Powercon engineers metal-clad switchgear for environments that require draw-out serviceability, strict compartmentalization, and the highest fault-current performance.
Investor-owned utilities
Hyperscale and co-location facility power distribution
Advanced switching, protection, and control for critical operations
Large-scale manufacturing and municipal power distribution
Powercon metal-clad switchgear is custom-engineered to project requirements rather than restricted to standard catalog selections. Solutions are configured based on required voltage ratings, continuous current capacity, and interrupting ratings.
Site-specific layouts accommodate non-standard footprints, specialized relaying schemes, and integration with existing legacy infrastructure.
Voltage Range
5kV–38kV
Interrupting Capacity
Up to 75kA
Continuous Current
Up to 5000A
Seismic Rating
Seismically tested per IEEE 693 (except 38kV)
Enclosure Options
NEMA 1 indoor | NEMA 3R outdoor | Walk-in
Compliance Standard
ANSI / IEEE C37.20.2
Metal-clad and metal-enclosed switchgear each serve distinct roles in medium-voltage distribution. The right choice depends on the operational environment, fault current demands, and the level of serviceability required. Use the comparison below to determine which configuration best fits your project specifications.
Specification Factor
Powercon Metal-Clad Switchgear
Powercon Metal-Enclosed Switchgear
Applicable Standard
ANSI / IEEE C37.20.2
ANSI / IEEE C37.20.3 / C37.20.4
Voltage Range
5kV–38kV
5kV–38kV
Interrupting Capacity
Up to 75kA
Up to 100kA momentary
Continuous Current
Up to 5000A
Up to 4000A
Circuit Breaker Type
Draw-out vacuum circuit breaker
Torque-Lok fused or unfused switch
Compartmentalization
Fully segregated metal barriers
Enclosed construction
Transfer Capability
Protection & control schemes
Duplex, manual or auto transfer
Primary Environment
Utility substations, critical infra
Industrial, commercial distribution
Seismic Testing
IEEE 693 (except 38kV)
IEEE 693
Federal Pacific supports this product family with technical resources and application support to ensure proper system integration and long-term reliability.
Site-specific configuration support for tailored layouts and integration with existing infrastructure.
On-site guidance for proper equipment placement and system interconnection.
Support for a wide range of circuit configurations, fuse options, and bus arrangements to meet site-specific requirements.
Powercon’s differentiation lies in its specialized manufacturing approach and utility-grade construction. Every switchgear assembly is engineered to the specific challenges of the application rather than pulled from a standard catalog.
This engineering-centric model enables Powercon to accommodate unusual physical footprints, integrate advanced relaying schemes, and meet stringent seismic requirements, providing greater flexibility in design and superior serviceability for complex applications.
Contact our sales team to find the right solution for your application.