Metal-Enclosed Load Interrupter Switchgear by Federal Pacific
Federal Pacific metal-enclosed switchgear delivers reliable medium-voltage switching, protection, and distribution for industrial, commercial, and utility applications. These air-insulated systems feature the Auto-jet II load-break interrupter switch and power fuses or circuit breakers, engineered for 5kV through 38kV in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Technical Overview
Metal-enclosed assemblies feature integrated switches and fuses housed within heavy-duty, 11-gauge steel enclosures to ensure reliable performance and operator safety.
- Air-insulated interrupter switch with visible disconnect gap.
- Quick-make/Quick-break manual or motor-operated mechanisms.
- Heavy-duty 11-gauge steel construction with baked-on polyester powder finish.
- Integrated power fuses — current limiting or expulsion type with exhaust control.
- Mechanical interlock prevents opening the door with the switch closed.
- Dead-front construction for enhanced personnel safety.
- Main bus rated 600A standard, 1200A optional, up to 61kA asymmetrical momentary.
- UL Listed on many 5kV and 15kV configurations.
Typical Applications
Federal Pacific metal-enclosed switchgear is ideal for facilities requiring reliable circuit protection with minimal maintenance requirements.
Type ME — Manual Metal-Enclosed Switchgear
The industry-standard air-insulated interrupter switchgear designed for primary service entrance and sub-distribution.
- Available with a wide range of fuse mounting options.
- Customized bus arrangements for site-specific needs.
- Close-coupling options for direct connection to transformers.
Type MEA — Automatic Metal-Enclosed Switchgear
Adds motor-operated Auto-jet switches for automated operation and source transfer.
- Configurable for automatic transfer, SCADA control, and protective relaying
- Supports run-and-trip or fast-trip transfer operation
- Available for indoor or outdoor installation through 27kV
Ratings at a Glance
Characteristic
5kV
15kV
25kV
35kV
Max Design Voltage
4.76kV
15.0kV
27kV
38kV
BIL (Basic Impulse Level)
60kV
95kV
125kV
150 kV/200kV
Continuous Current
600A / 1200A
600A / 1200A
600A / 1200A
600A / 1200A
Momentary (3-time fault close)
40kA
40kA
40kA
40kA
- Enclosure options: NEMA 1 /3R
- Compliance standard: IEEE C37.20.3
Is Metal-Enclosed Right for Your Project?
Federal Pacific and its Powercon division each manufacture distinct medium-voltage switchgear solutions. Use the comparison below to determine which product best fits your project requirements.
Specification Factor
Federal Pacific Metal-Enclosed
Powercon Metal-Clad
Applicable Standard
ANSI / IEEE C37.20.3 / C37.20.4
ANSI / IEEE C37.20.2
Voltage Range
5kV–38kV
5kV–38kV
Interrupting Capacity
40kA momentary (3-time); 61kA (1-time)
Up to 75kA
Continuous Current
Up to 1200A standard; 2000A optional
Up to 5000A
Circuit Breaker Type
Auto-jet II load-break switch, fused or unfused
Draw-out vacuum circuit breaker
Compartmentalization
Enclosed construction
Fully segregated metal barriers
Transfer Capability
Manual or automatic transfer
Protection & control schemes
Primary Environment
Industrial, commercial distribution
Utility substations, critical infrastructure
Not sure which applies to your project?
Documentation and Resources
Access technical specifications, installation manuals, and support resources for our products and systems.
Lifecycle Support
Federal Pacific supports this product family with technical resources and application support to ensure proper system integration and long-term reliability.
Custom Engineering
Site-specific configuration support for tailored layouts and integration with existing infrastructure.
Installation Support
On-site guidance for proper equipment placement and system interconnection.
Application Engineering
Support for a wide range of circuit configurations, fuse options, and bus arrangements to meet site-specific requirements.
Engineered for Performance
Federal Pacific brings decades of engineering experience and application knowledge to every product it manufactures. Each assembly is completely factory built and operationally tested before shipment, ensuring consistent performance and reliability from the moment it arrives on site.
Whether selecting from standard configurations or requiring a custom-engineered solution, Federal Pacific provides the application support needed to ensure the right fit for your project.
Discuss Your Application Requirements
Contact our sales team to find the right solution for your application,