The apparatus used for switching, controlling and protecting the electrical circuits and equipment is known as “Switchgear”.

The term ‘switchgear’ is a generic term that includes a wide range of switching devices like circuit breakers, switches, switch fuse units, off-load isolators, HRC fuses, contactors,miniature circuit breakers, ELCBs,GFCIs etc. 

It also includes the combination of these switching devices with associated control, measuring, protecting and regulating equipment. The switchgear devices and their assemblies are used in connection with the generation, transmission, distribution, and conversion of electrical energy.

We all are familiar with low voltage switches and re-wirable fuses in our homes. Switches are used for opening and closing an electric circuit while fuses are used for over-current and short-circuit protection. In such a way, every electrical device wants a switching and a protecting device.

Various forms of switching and protective devices have been developed. Thus switchgear can be taken as a general term covering a wide range of equipment concerned with the switching, protection, and control of various electrical equipment.