Meet the ZX switchgear family
Whatever the primary switchgear application, from utility networks, industry, public buildings, rail infrastructure to offshore, ABB’s ZX family of gas-insulated MV switchgear has it covered.
Meet the ZX switchgear familyABB’s ZX family of compact modular metal-clad gas-insulated switchgear meets the growing demand from Distribution Network Operator and industrial customers for cost-effective, flexible and expandable, primary medium voltage (MV) substation solutions.
The ZX range covers single busbar (ZX0 and ZX1.2) and double busbar (ZX2) configurations. With rated voltages from 12kV to 40.5kV, rated short circuit currents up to 31.5kA (40kA for the ZX2) and rated currents up to 2500A, it is ideally suited for a wide variety of utility and industrial applications wherever electricity is generated or distributed.
The key features of the ZX family include laser-welded stainless steel enclosures, compact modular construction and the introduction of plug-in technology that facilitates simple, controlled connections of busbars, cables, test bushings and voltage transformers.
All maintenance-free live components, such as switching devices and busbars are contained under SF6 in gas-tight enclosures. This eliminates the effects of ageing processes and environmental influences to ensure maximum operator availability and a long service life, even at high altitudes or in harsh conditions such as offshore platforms.
The ZX design also offers easy cable access - accessible from the rear in the ZX1.2 and ZX2 versions, generous provision for conventional control and protection devices, dedicated cable test sockets and full mechanical interlocking between the disconnector/earthing selector and the circuit breaker. Current transformers can be mounted either in the circuit breaker gas compartment or externally on the HV cables. Alternatively, options are available for current and voltage sensors.
INSTALLATION TIMES CUT
While installing a conventional panel often takes up to two days, a ZX plug-in panel can be installed in less than half a day. So in typical primary distribution substations, comprising 10 to 20 panels, customers can expect major installation savings with the ZX. Each ZX panel is supplied as a complete factory-tested unit, so there is no need to work inside high-voltage compartments or handle gas on site. In fact, the ZX reduces the normal 50 installation steps to five. And users can upgrade their network gradually, simply by plugging in more units, at minimum cost. Furthermore, maintenance times are very short compared to conventional switchgear as there is no need to disconnect parts, clean the compartment or refill gas on site.