What Are Switchgear Installations — And Why Are They Essential for Mission-Critical Facilities?

When it comes to mission-critical infrastructure, every component of your electrical system plays a role in keeping operations safe, stable, and uninterrupted. At the center of this system is one of the most important—and often overlooked—components: switchgear.

At Albarell Electric, we specialize in designing and installing switchgear systems that power hospitals, data centers, manufacturers, government buildings, and other facilities that can’t afford downtime.

So what exactly is switchgear, and why does your facility need it? Let’s break it down.

What Is Switchgear?

Switchgear is a general term for the electrical disconnect switches, fuses, and circuit breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. It’s usually installed in a metal enclosure and can be found in both high-voltage and low-voltage systems.

Its main functions include:

• Controlling power flow to different parts of a facility

• Protecting equipment from overloads or short circuits

• Allowing for maintenance without shutting down the entire system

• Isolating faults in the system to minimize damage and downtime

Think of switchgear as the "command center" of your electrical infrastructure.

Why It’s Crucial for Mission-Critical Environments

In industries like healthcare, data management, manufacturing, and public safety, even a momentary power loss can have serious consequences—from lost data to life-threatening risks. That's why reliable switchgear is essential.

Key benefits for mission-critical facilities include:

• Uninterrupted power supply through smart power routing and redundancy

• Fast fault isolation, reducing the risk of cascading failures

• Seamless integration with backup generators and UPS systems

• Improved safety for maintenance teams and facility operators

• Scalability for future power needs and facility expansions

Types of Switchgear We Install

At Albarell Electric, we tailor switchgear installations to the unique demands of each facility. We work with:

• Low-voltage switchgear (up to 600V) for commercial buildings and industrial systems

• Medium-voltage switchgear (up to 38kV) for large facilities and campuses

• Custom-built systems with remote monitoring, automatic transfer switches (ATS), and more

We also integrate arc flash protection, ground fault monitoring, and redundant systems as needed.

Our Switchgear Installation Process

We provide end-to-end service, including:

1. Site evaluation and load analysis

2. System design and equipment specification

3. Procurement and custom fabrication

4. Installation, integration, and testing

5. Commissioning and ongoing maintenance

All of our work adheres to NFPA 70E, NEC, and any site-specific regulatory standards.

Dependability You Can Trust

Switchgear isn’t just hardware—it’s a safeguard for your operations. At Albarell Electric, we’ve spent decades working with mission-critical clients who can’t afford surprises.

Our team has deep experience in high-stakes environments, and we approach every installation with the attention to detail, safety, and reliability your facility demands.

Ready to Upgrade or Install Mission-Critical Switchgear?

Whether you’re building a new facility or upgrading aging infrastructure, Albarell Electric is here to design and install a switchgear system built for uptime, safety, and scalability.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or site assessment.

Let’s power your mission—without interruption.