Views: 0 Author: Luna Publish Time: 2026-09-08 Origin: Zhejiang Shengxian Electric Technology Co., Ltd
When purchasing medium voltage switchgear, customers often face a choice: withdrawable (trolley type) or fixed type?
Both types may look similar from the outside, but their internal structures are fundamentally different. The right choice depends on your priorities — cost, maintenance convenience, or reliability.
This article compares the two options from three dimensions: structure, cost, and maintenance, and provides selection guidance.
Withdrawable (Trolley Type)
The circuit breaker is mounted on a withdrawable trolley
The trolley can be pulled out of the cabinet for maintenance — no need to de-energize the entire switchgear
The trolley has three positions: Service Position, Test/Isolation Position, and Withdrawn Position
Fixed Type
The circuit breaker is permanently fixed inside the cabinet
Maintenance requires disconnecting wires and removing the breaker
Simpler structure, lower cost
Feature | Withdrawable (Trolley Type) | Fixed Type |
|---|---|---|
Breaker mounting | Mounted on a removable trolley | Permanently fixed inside the cabinet |
Busbar system | Trolley connects via plug-in contacts | Breaker connects directly to busbars |
Maintenance method | Pull out the trolley | Disconnect wires, remove breaker |
Space requirement | Deeper cabinet | More compact |
Typical models | KYN series | XGN, HXGN series |
Feature | Withdrawable (Trolley Type) | Fixed Type |
|---|---|---|
Fault handling | Pull out faulty trolley → insert spare trolley | Power off → disconnect wires → replace breaker → rewire |
Repair time | Typically 10–30 minutes | Typically several hours or longer |
Replacement difficulty | Any worker can do it | Requires a skilled electrician to rewire |
Outage scope | Only the faulty circuit is affected | Entire busbar section or whole panel must be de-energized |
Feature | Withdrawable (Trolley Type) | Fixed Type |
|---|---|---|
Enclosure cost | Higher (trolley mechanism, plug-in contacts add cost) | Lower |
Component cost | Same (same brand, same model) | Same |
Manufacturing cost | Higher (requires higher precision) | Lower |
Long-term maintenance cost | Lower (quick replacement) | Higher (each repair takes time) |
How big is the cost difference?
For a 12kV medium voltage switchgear, the withdrawable type typically costs 30–50% more than the fixed type. The extra cost buys you maintenance convenience and reduced downtime.
Scenario | Recommended Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
Small substation with few circuits | Fixed type | Simple structure, lower cost |
Distribution system with many circuits | Withdrawable | Easier to manage with more circuits |
Projects with high reliability requirements | Withdrawable | Smaller fault impact, faster recovery |
Tight budget projects | Fixed type | Lowest cost — acceptable if downtime is tolerable |
Export projects or locations with limited spare parts access | Withdrawable | Spare trolleys can be kept in stock for immediate swap |
Choose fixed type if:
You have few circuits (typically fewer than 6)
Your budget is limited
You can tolerate downtime for maintenance
You have skilled electricians available for rewiring
Choose withdrawable type if:
You have many circuits (6 or more)
You have high reliability requirements
You want fast recovery from faults
Local technical skills are limited (replacing a trolley is much simpler than rewiring)
Neither type is absolutely "better" — it‘s about what fits your project.
Withdrawable (KYN series): Costs more, but offers peace of mind, fast maintenance, and minimal downtime
Fixed type (XGN series): Lower cost, simpler, gets the job done
We supply both types. If you are still unsure which one fits your project, send us your project details — number of circuits, load type, budget, and local electrician availability — and we will recommend the most suitable option.
Both types available. We help you find the right fit.
Contact us:
Web: https://yqsxdl.en.made-in-china.com/
WhatsApp: +195 1818 9858
Mail: lunahe927@gmail.com
English
简体中文
