Switchgear is the core of any facility’s electrical system, which could provide power to technologies that propel businesses to success. To enhance operational efficiency, it is important to keep switchgear updated with the latest technology advancements, this also helps to drive better results, improve performance and ensure safety, specifically in data-driven facilities where outdated switchgear can jeopardize business continuity. Intelligent switchgear is an integrated and smart system that incorporates circuit breakers, fuses, and switches, together with microprocessor-based relays, sensors, and intelligent electronic devices(IEDs). The purpose of the system is to offer anticipatory maintenance, and sophisticated analysis, and guarantee exceptional safety, dependability, availability, and extended equipment life span. 

Intelligent switchgear consists of some of the following:

• Smart circuit breakers: These has the capability to support a wide range of major communication protocols, which is why there is no requirement for a gateway or protocol converter. Circuit breakers can function on o nodes on a network and be assigned unique device addresses. A sensor bus is incorporated within the circuit breaker, with the help of this it is possible to continuously monitor key environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and vibration. This information can then be utilized as input to facilitate advanced predictive diagnostic analysis.
• Thermal monitoring: The installation of thermal sensors to oversee bolted joints like cable lugs, bus duct connections, and bus joints provide real-time information to users. The data collected from the sensor system can be saved and subsequently inspected to recognize any patterns.
• Meters and relays: The usage of network-connected meters and relays enable users to remotely examine their distribution system. This type of facility provides the ability to view their system from a remote location.
• Arch flash detection: The detection and mitigation of arc flash is a crucial element of ensuring arc flash safety. However, in this process to achieve maximum safety and uptime, speed and intelligence play a significant role. Specific arch flash detection systems have the potential to trigger even in the absence of an actual arc fault occurring within the safeguarded equipment. Providing supplementary intelligence to the arc detection relay can eliminate the possibility of nuisance operations caused by external sources of light or the high current and light generated during the clearance of a downstream fault by an air circuit breaker. This maximizes the uptime of the process.

 Smart switchgear is developed to perform functions such as;

• Enable lighting control: smart switchgear can be configured to control lighting systems, which can help to reduce energy consumption and cost.
• Asses energy consumption at different centers: smart switchgear can analyze the electrical load at different points in the system, which allows for more accurate energy management and load balancing.
• Interrupt circuit overloading and short-circuiting: smart switchgear can detect and segregate electrical faults, averting causing damage or disruption.
• Give surge safeguarding: switchgear can protect electrical systems from voltage surges that could cause equipment damage and operational disruptions.
• Regulate the circuit as needed and provide power supply isolation: smart switchgear can be configured to regulate the circuit based on demand and furnish the circuit disconnection from power sources to enhance safety and prevent equipment damage.  
• Generate condition information: smart switchgear can offer real-time data on the state of the electrical setup. including data about energy consumption, equipment performance, and maintenance needs. This information can be utilized to improve system efficiency, minimize expenses, and enhance dependability

The design of switchgear is mainly to provide an enormous degree of safety for electrical equipment. In today’s working atmosphere, it is important to have a stable power system. Modern switchgear has energy-saving features wherein it minimizes the consumption of energy and can preserve the quality of the electrical supply. Modern switchgear incorporates advanced technology and safety mechanisms which require high levels of experience in terms of properly configuring and installing. This enhances safety. One of the significant factors of modern switchgear is that it is armed with advanced controlling and detecting properties that effectively manage energy consumption. Modern switchgear is equipped to meet the needs of today’s heavy electric system intelligent monitoring systems, automatic switches, etc that could help to be reliable.