MV switchgear order for Network Rail
Network Rail has awarded ABB an order worth around £3.2 million for 115 panels of ZX1.2 metal-clad gas-insulated MV (medium voltage) switchgear for substation and feeder sites in the Kent/Sussex and Wessex service areas. It is part of a project to renew existing assets in the South East territory. This is ABB’s first contract with Network Rail’s major projects and investment department.
The ABB ZX1.2 switchgear, which has technical acceptance from ENA (the Energy Networks Association) and Network Rail for use at 33kV for ratings up to 31.5kA and 2000A, will be installed at 26 sites to replace time-expired oil-filled switchgear that is now becoming unreliable. One of the key factors that enabled ABB to win this order was the ZX1.2’s unique busbar plug-and-socket assembly. This enables fast installation on site, combined with a high level cabling arrangement at a convenient, easy to use height of 1.25m, hence reducing Network Rail’s overall installation costs.