7 Common Myths About Medium Voltage Switchboards – Debunked

In power infrastructure projects, few components are as critical-and as misunderstood-as the medium voltage switchboard. Often viewed as a purely technical element hidden inside substations or industrial facilities, switchboards play a decisive role in safety, reliability, and long-term operational performance.

Yet, despite their importance, several myths continue to shape how businesses, project managers, and even engineers perceive medium voltage switchboards. These misconceptions can lead to poor design choices, higher lifecycle costs, and avoidable risks.

Let’s debunk the seven most common myths surrounding medium voltage switchboards and set the record straight.

Myth 1: Medium Voltage Switchboards Are Just Bigger Low Voltage Switchboards

This is one of the most widespread-and costly-misunderstandings.

While low voltage switchboards and medium voltage switchboards may appear similar at a glance, their design philosophy, safety requirements, and operational behavior are fundamentally different. Medium voltage systems operate at significantly higher voltage levels, which introduces greater electrical stress, arc flash risk, and insulation challenges.

A medium voltage switchboard is engineered with:

  • Advanced insulation systems

  • Higher fault-withstand capacity

  • Strict arc containment measures

  • Precise coordination with protection relays

Treating a medium voltage panel as a scaled-up low voltage solution often results in underestimating safety and reliability requirements.

Reality: Medium voltage switchboards demand specialised engineering, testing, and compliance far beyond low voltage systems.

Myth 2: All Medium Voltage Panels Perform the Same Function

Another common misconception is that all medium voltage panels are functionally identical and interchangeable.

In reality, medium voltage switchboards are highly application-specific. Their configuration depends on factors such as:

  • Network topology

  • Load type and variability

  • Short-circuit levels

  • Environmental conditions

  • Integration with protection and control systems

For example, a switchboard designed for an industrial manufacturing plant will differ significantly from one used in a utility substation or renewable energy evacuation system.

Reality: Performance, safety, and lifespan depend on how well the medium voltage switchboard is tailored to its specific application.

Myth 3: Medium Voltage Switchboards Don’t Impact Energy Efficiency

Switchboards are often seen as passive components that simply route power. This perception overlooks their influence on system efficiency and losses.

A poorly designed medium voltage switchboard can lead to:

  • Increased heat generation

  • Higher contact resistance

  • Voltage drops

  • Unnecessary energy losses

Modern switchboards are engineered to minimise losses through better conductor design, improved ventilation, and optimised layout. Over time, these design improvements contribute to measurable efficiency gains-especially in large power distribution networks.

Reality: A well-designed medium voltage switchboard supports energy efficiency and long-term operational savings.

Myth 4: Safety Is the Same Across All Medium Voltage Switchboards

Safety standards vary widely across manufacturers and project specifications. Assuming that all medium voltage switchboards offer the same level of protection can expose operators and assets to serious risk.

Key safety differentiators include:

  • Arc fault containment design

  • Interlocking systems

  • Degree of internal segregation

  • Compliance with international standards

High-quality medium voltage panels are tested to withstand internal arc faults and protect personnel from catastrophic failures. These features are not optional-they are essential.

Reality: Safety levels differ significantly, and investing in robust switchboard design directly protects lives and infrastructure.

Myth 5: Medium Voltage Switchboards Are Maintenance-Free

It is often assumed that once installed, a medium voltage switchboard can operate indefinitely without attention. While modern systems are designed for durability, they are not maintenance-free.

Over time, factors such as:

  • Thermal cycling

  • Environmental exposure

  • Mechanical wear

  • Dust and humidity

can impact performance. Regular inspection, condition monitoring, and preventive maintenance ensure reliability and extend the service life of the switchboard.

Advanced designs now support predictive maintenance through digital monitoring, helping operators detect issues before failures occur.

Reality: Proper maintenance is essential to ensure safe and reliable operation over the switchboard’s full lifecycle.

Myth 6: Medium Voltage Switchboards Are Only Relevant to Utilities

Medium voltage infrastructure is often associated exclusively with utilities or large substations. In reality, many industries rely heavily on medium voltage systems.

Sectors where medium voltage switchboards are critical include:

  • Manufacturing and heavy industry

  • Data centres and IT parks

  • Airports, metros, and rail infrastructure

  • Renewable energy plants and evacuation substations

As industrial power demand grows, medium voltage systems are increasingly becoming the standard rather than the exception.

Reality: Medium voltage switchboards are essential across industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects-not just utilities.

Myth 7: The Switchboard Supplier Doesn’t Matter

Perhaps the most dangerous myth is that the switchboard is just a commodity and the supplier choice is irrelevant.

In reality, the expertise of the manufacturer and integrator has a direct impact on:

  • System reliability

  • Compliance with grid codes

  • Integration with protection schemes

  • Long-term service support

Reputed suppliers and EPC partners understand how switchboards interact with the broader power system. A reliable power transmission company ensures that medium voltage switchboards align seamlessly with substations, transformers, and grid infrastructure.

Reality: Choosing the right supplier is as important as choosing the right switchboard design.

Why These Myths Persist-and Why They Matter

Many of these myths stem from outdated assumptions, cost-driven decision-making, or lack of system-level understanding. However, modern power networks are becoming more complex, interconnected, and performance-sensitive.

As renewable integration increases and grid reliability expectations rise, the role of the medium voltage switchboard is more strategic than ever.

Understanding the truth behind these myths helps businesses:

  • Reduce operational risk

  • Improve system reliability

  • Optimise lifecycle costs

  • Enhance safety and compliance

Powering Smarter Medium Voltage Infrastructure

Designing and deploying reliable medium voltage switchboards requires deep engineering expertise and system-level insight. Hartek Group brings decades of experience as a leading power transmission company, delivering advanced medium voltage panels and integrated power solutions for industrial, utility, and renewable energy projects.

With strong capabilities across medium and low voltage switchboards, substations, and grid infrastructure, Hartek helps organisations build power systems that are safe, efficient, and future-ready.

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