switchgear

plural switchgears · alternative switch gear

1. countableuncountablebusinessA device used to control, meter, protect, and regulate electronics as part of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.

   The track-sectioning cabins house not only switchgear for the traction current, but also transformers to provide power supplies to the signalling equipment.

   1961 December, “Planning the London Midland main-line electrification”, in Trains Illustrated, page 722

   1 more example

   The Crewe-Weaver Junction section still relies on oil-filled switchgear and older transformer arrangements which Network Rail (NR) says were "never designed to handle today's operational pressures".

   2026 September 16, David Stubbings, “Warning of significant WCML power outages”, in RAIL, number 1070, page 6