Metal-Enclosed Load Interrupter Switchgear by Powercon
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.
Technical Overview
Powercon metal-enclosed switchgear is completely factory built, wired, and assembled to customer specifications, featuring heavy-duty load-break switches and rugged all-welded steel construction for reliable performance in demanding environments.
- Torque-Lok load-break switches with quick-make/quick-break stored energy mechanism.
- Fused or unfused switch configurations.
- Porcelain switch insulators for superior dielectric performance.
- Silver-to-silver contact surfaces for optimum current carrying and reduced heating.
- Tungsten arcing contacts with arc chute interruption for clean, consistent fault clearing.
- Weatherproofed outdoor construction with sealed doors, rust-resistant treatment, and filtered louvers.
- Interiors equipped with lighting, heaters, and convenience outlets.
- Built to customer specifications per NEMA, ANSI, and IEEE standards.
Typical Applications
Standard Metal-Enclosed Switchgear
Custom-configured for primary service entrance, sub-distribution, and feeder switching applications.
- Fused or unfused switch configurations
- Manual operation with customized bus arrangements
- Site-specific layouts to meet project requirements
Automatic Transfer Metal-Enclosed Switchgear
Adds automated source switching for facilities requiring reliable transfer between preferred and alternate power sources.
- Motor-operated switches for automatic transfer
- Configurable for SCADA control and remote operation
- Compatible with protective relaying schemes
Ratings at a Glance
Voltage Range
5kV–38kV
Interrupting Capacity
Up to 100kA Momentary
Continuous Current
Up to 4000A
Seismic Rating
Seismically tested per IEEE 693
Enclosure Options
NEMA 1 Indoor / NEMA 3R Outdoor
Compliance Standard
ANSI / IEEE C37.20.3 / C37.20.4
Is Metal-Clad Right for Your Project?
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 C37.20.3 / C37.20.4
ANSI / IEEE C37.20.2
Voltage Range
5kV–38kV
5kV–38kV
Interrupting Capacity
Up to 100kA momentary
Up to 75kA
Continuous Current
Up to 4000A
Up to 5000A
Switch Type
Torque-Lok fused or unfused switch
Draw-out vacuum circuit breaker
Compartmentalization
Enclosed construction
Fully segregated metal barriers
Transfer Capability
Duplex, manual, or automatic transfer
Protection & control schemes
Primary Environment
Industrial, commercial distribution
Utility substations, critical infrastructure
Seismic Testing
IEEE 693
IEEE 693 (except 38kV)
Not sure which applies to your project?
Documentation and Resources
Access technical specifications and installation manuals for Powercon metal-clad switchgear systems and components.
Lifecycle Support
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
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.
Discuss Your Application Requirements
Contact our sales team to find the right solution for your application.