Switchgear RFQ Checklist: Specifications, Drawings and Documents Buyers Should Provide

Requesting a switchgear quotation without complete technical information often leads to incorrect pricing, design revisions, and project delays.

For EPC contractors, utilities, and industrial buyers in Ethiopia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Myanmar, and Russia, an accurate RFQ should include electrical ratings, protection requirements, installation conditions, and approved drawings.

This guide explains what to provide before contacting a medium-voltage or low-voltage switchgear manufacturer.

1. Confirm the Switchgear Type and Application

Start by identifying the equipment required:

• Medium-voltage metal-enclosed switchgear
• Low-voltage distribution switchgear
• Ring Main Unit (RMU)
• Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS)
• Motor control or industrial distribution panels

Specify whether the equipment serves a utility substation, transformer feeder, industrial plant, renewable energy project, or commercial distribution system.

Different applications require different protection, switching, and testing arrangements.

2. Twelve Essential Switchgear RFQ Specifications

Specification	Example / Buyer Input
1. Rated Voltage	12 / 24 / 36 / 40.5kV
2. System Frequency	50 / 60Hz
3. Rated Current	630 / 1250 / 2000A
4. Short-Circuit Breaking Current	20 / 25 / 31.5kA
5. Short-Time Withstand	_____ kA / _____ s
6. Insulation Level	Power-frequency / impulse withstand
7. Switchgear Type	AIS / GIS / RMU
8. Circuit Breaker	Vacuum / Other
9. Protection Relay	Functions and approved model
10. CT / VT	Ratios, accuracy and burden
11. Enclosure / Internal Arc	IP rating, IAC classification
12. Quantity / Layout	Number of panels and arrangement

These are illustrative values, not a universal product specification.

For projects in Vietnam and Tailandia, confirm the utility’s actual voltage and protection requirements.

For Ethiopia and Nigeria, provide site altitude, temperature, dust exposure, and operating conditions.

For Ukraine, Russia, and Uzbekistan, low-temperature operation may require additional design review.

3. Drawings Buyers Must Submit

Technical drawings help manufacturers identify configuration errors before production.

Drawing	Why It Matters
Single-Line Diagram (SLD)	Defines feeders, busbars and protection
Switchgear Layout	Confirms panel quantity and arrangement
Electrical Room Layout	Verifies access and maintenance space
Cable Schedule	Defines cable size and termination
Protection Diagram	Establishes relay and trip requirements
Control Schematic	Defines interlocks and auxiliary circuits
Transformer Datasheet	Confirms upstream/downstream compatibility

Hidden risk: A switchgear lineup may meet the electrical ratings but still require expensive site modifications because of incorrect cable-entry positions or panel dimensions.

4. Real Project Reference: DHDL Thailand Industrial Park

DHDL’s published Thailand industrial park expansion project involved an 8,000kVA, 33/0.416kV oil-immersed transformer for an existing industrial distribution network.

The project illustrates the importance of confirming voltage interfaces, installation conditions, and equipment coordination before delivery.

However, it is a documented transformer supply project, not verified evidence of a switchgear delivery.

For a comparable 33kV industrial installation, switchgear buyers should additionally confirm the approved SLD, fault level, feeder arrangement, CT/VT specifications, and protection coordination.

5. Hidden Costs That Affect Switchgear Quotations

Two suppliers may quote the same rated voltage but offer different technical scopes.

Check whether pricing includes:

• Protection relays and communication modules
• CTs, VTs, meters and auxiliary power
• Internal arc classification and required evidence
• Busbar arrangements and cable termination accessories
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Spare parts, export packaging and commissioning support

For projects in Myanmar, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, transport, storage, installation access, and maintenance resources should also be evaluated.

Buyer tip: Request an itemized quotation with a deviation list rather than comparing equipment prices alone.

6. Switchgear RFQ Checklist: Copy and Send

Before requesting a quotation, complete the following information.

RFQ Item	Buyer Input
Project / Destination	_____
Switchgear Type	AIS / GIS / RMU / LV
Rated Voltage / Frequency	_____ kV / _____ Hz
Rated Current	_____ A
Short-Circuit Rating / Duration	_____ kA / _____ s
Circuit Breaker Type	_____
Protection Relay / CT / VT	_____
Number of Panels	_____
Installation / IP Rating	_____
Applicable Standards	IEC 62271 / IEC 61439 / Local
Required FAT / Certificates	_____
Delivery / Quantity	_____

Attach: SLD, technical datasheet, panel layout, cable schedule, protection settings or philosophy, site photographs, and required document list.

7. Request a Switchgear Quotation from DHDL

DHDL provides KYN28 metal-clad switchgear, gas-insulated switchgear, transformers, and related power distribution equipment. Its published KYN28 range covers 3.6–12kV systems, with project-specific configurations available.

For projects in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Nigeria, submit your electrical specifications, drawings, destination, and delivery schedule for technical review.

Send your RFQ: Contact DHDL

Preguntas frecuentes

1. What information is required for a switchgear quotation?

Provide voltage, current, short-circuit rating, SLD, panel quantity, protection requirements, standards, and installation conditions.

2. Is an SLD necessary for switchgear procurement?

It is strongly recommended because it identifies the electrical connections, feeders, busbars, and protection arrangement.

3. What standards apply to switchgear?

IEC 62271 is relevant to high-voltage switchgear, while IEC 61439 applies to low-voltage switchgear assemblies. Confirm the applicable parts and local requirements.

4. Can DHDL customize switchgear?

DHDL publishes project-specific customization options for KYN28 and GIS switchgear, including circuit configuration, protection, layout, and electrical ratings.