Overview
The Ring Main Unit (RMU) is a compact, modular, and fully enclosed medium-voltage switchgear designed for reliable power distribution in 12kV and 24kV networks. It integrates load switches, vacuum circuit breakers, and earthing switches into a single metal-enclosed unit, ensuring safe and uninterrupted electricity supply for industrial, commercial, and utility applications.
The RMU is available in SF6 gas-insulated, solid-insulated, and SF6-free eco-friendly variants, so the insulation technology can be matched to project and environmental requirements.
Key Features
- Fully insulated and fully sealed design — primary circuits are enclosed in a sealed gas tank or solid insulation system, ensuring maintenance-free operation and high reliability.
- Compact and space-saving — minimal footprint with cabinet widths starting from 375mm, maximising space utilisation in substations and switch rooms.
- Flexible configuration — available in modular, extensible designs to support side-extension and top-extension configurations for easy system expansion.
- Robust construction — a shot-blasted, zinc-sprayed, and epoxy powder-coated enclosure ensures corrosion resistance and durability for harsh environments.
- Reliable interlocking system — mechanical interlocks between load switch, circuit breaker, and earthing switch guarantee safe operation and maintenance.
- Intelligent protection — equipped with self-powered electronic protection relays, earth fault indication, and remote control and signalling capabilities.
- Eco-friendly options — SF6-free models utilise environmentally friendly insulating gases, reducing carbon footprint and environmental impact.
- Three insulation technologies — SF6 gas-insulated, solid-insulated, or eco-friendly gas-insulated variants.
Technical Specifications
| Rated voltage | 12kV / 24kV (customizable) |
|---|---|
| Rated current | 630A / 1250A |
| Rated frequency | 50Hz / 60Hz |
| Rated short-time withstand current | 25kA / 3s |
| Rated peak withstand current | 50kA |
| 1min power frequency withstand voltage | 42kV (phase-to-phase / phase-to-ground) |
| Lightning impulse withstand voltage | 75kV |
| Rated active load breaking current | 630A |
| Rated closed-loop breaking current | 630A |
| Mechanical endurance | 10,000 operations (breaker) / 3,000 operations (isolator) |
| Enclosure protection rating | IP4X / IP55 (indoor / outdoor options) |
| Altitude | ≤ 2000m (customizable for higher altitudes) |
| Ambient temperature | -45°C to +50°C |
| Cabinet width | From 375mm |
Applications
- Urban residential areas — reliable power supply for housing complexes and communities.
- Commercial buildings — shopping malls, office buildings, hotels, and business centres.
- Industrial facilities — industrial plants, mining enterprises, and manufacturing sites.
- Infrastructure projects — airports, railways, subways, tunnels, and highways.
- Renewable energy — wind farms and solar power stations.
- Public facilities — hospitals, stadiums, schools, and government buildings.
- Small substations and switch rooms — compact distribution substations, cable branch boxes, and box-type substations.
Installation Conditions
- Confirm the altitude of the site — the standard rating covers ≤ 2000m, with customisation available for higher altitudes.
- Confirm the ambient temperature range — the unit is rated for -45°C to +50°C.
- Select the enclosure protection rating appropriate to the location: IP4X for indoor installation or IP55 for outdoor options.
- Allow for the modular extensible design — plan for side-extension or top-extension if future system expansion is expected.
- The sealed design means no routine internal maintenance is required; ensure the enclosure remains undamaged to preserve the protection rating.
How to Select
- The rated voltage required — 12kV or 24kV, with customisation available.
- The rated current required — 630A or 1250A.
- The system frequency — 50Hz or 60Hz.
- The insulation technology — SF6 gas-insulated, solid-insulated, or eco-friendly gas-insulated.
- The number of ways and the configuration required (for example 2-way, 3-way or 4-way), and whether extensibility is needed.
- The protection and control functions required, including self-powered relays, earth fault indication and remote signalling.
- The enclosure protection rating and whether the installation is indoor or outdoor.
FAQ
What voltage classes and currents are available?
The RMU is rated for 12kV or 24kV and is available with rated currents of 630A or 1250A, at 50Hz or 60Hz.
What insulation technologies can be specified?
Three options are available: SF6 gas-insulated, solid-insulated, and SF6-free eco-friendly gas-insulated models that use environmentally friendly insulating gases.
What is the short-circuit withstand capability?
The RMU has a rated short-time withstand current of 25kA for 3 seconds and a rated peak withstand current of 50kA.
What are the dielectric withstand ratings?
The 1-minute power frequency withstand voltage is 42kV phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground, and the lightning impulse withstand voltage is 75kV.
What is the mechanical endurance?
Mechanical endurance is 10,000 operations for the breaker and 3,000 operations for the isolator.
What ambient conditions can the RMU operate in?
It is rated for ambient temperatures from -45°C to +50°C and altitudes up to 2000m, with customisation available for higher altitudes.
How compact is the enclosure?
Cabinet widths start from 375mm, and the modular extensible design supports side-extension and top-extension configurations for easy system expansion.
What protection and control features are included?
The RMU is equipped with self-powered electronic protection relays, earth fault indication, and remote control and signalling capabilities, with mechanical interlocks between the load switch, circuit breaker and earthing switch.
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