MNS Withdrawable Switchgear
Main Busbar Current: 6300A
Short-Time Withstand: 100 kA
Protection Degree：IP40
Have questions? GNEE sales representatives are available for live chat now
Send E-mail: sales@gneeelectric.com
Tel: +8615824687445
Henan GNEE Electric Co., Ltd. is one of the most reliable manufacturers and suppliers of mns withdrawable switchgear in China. If you're going to buy customized mns withdrawable switchgear made in China, welcome to get quotation from our factory. Quality products and reasonable price are available.
What is MNS Withdrawable Switchgear?
MNS withdrawable switchgear is a modular low-voltage power distribution assembly , designed for AC systems rated up to 690V with main busbar currents up to 6300A.
The defining characteristic of the MNS platform is its withdrawable drawer-type functional units, which allow individual circuits to be safely isolated, inspected, and maintained without de-energizing the entire switchboard.
Design Origin and Evolution
The MNS switchgear system was originally engineered by ABB (based on the Swiss ABB technology platform) and has become one of the most widely deployed low-voltage switchgear architectures globally. Manufacturers worldwide produce MNS-compatible switchgear that meets the same IEC-verified design principles, offering project teams a mature, proven platform for power distribution and motor control center (MCC) applications.
Modern MNS withdrawable switchgear assemblies are verified in accordance with IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2 standards, which replaced the earlier IEC 60439 series. The design also satisfies internal arc fault testing per IEC TR 61641, providing passive arc protection across criteria 1 through 7.
Core Working Principle
Each circuit in an MNS switchgear cabinet is housed in a standardized drawer module that plugs into the vertical distribution busbar. The drawer can be moved between four positions:
- Connected: The drawer is fully inserted and energized; the circuit is in normal operation.
- Test: The drawer is withdrawn slightly so the main contacts disconnect, but control circuit contacts remain connected for functional testing.
- Disconnected: Both main and control contacts are separated; the circuit is safely isolated.
- Removed: The drawer is fully extracted from the cabinet for maintenance or replacement.
A mechanical interlocking mechanism ensures that the drawer can only be operated when the circuit breaker is in the OFF position, preventing dangerous live-load withdrawal and protecting maintenance personnel.
Planning an MNS switchgear project?
Get a free technical consultation and custom configuration proposal from our engineering team.
MNS Switchgear Technical Specifications
The following parameters define the electrical and mechanical performance envelope of MNS withdrawable low-voltage switchgear. All values are verified per IEC 61439-1/-2 type test requirements.
| Parameter | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Rated Operating Voltage (Ue) | V | 400 |
| Rated Insulation Voltage (Ui) | V | 690 |
| Rated Frequency | Hz | 50 / 60 |
| Main Busbar | ||
| - Rated Current | A | ≤6300 |
| - Rated Short-Time Withstand Current (Icw) | kA | ≤100 |
| - Rated Peak Withstand Current (Ipk) | kA | ≤220 |
| Distribution Busbar | ||
| - Rated Current | A | ≤1300 |
| - Rated Short-Time Withstand Current (Icw) | kA | ≤50 |
| - Rated Peak Withstand Current (Ipk) | kA | ≤105 |
| Power-Frequency Withstand Voltage (1 min, auxiliary/control) | kV | 1.89 |
| Rated Impulse Withstand Voltage (Uimp) | kV | 8 |
| Protection Degree | IP | IP40 (IP54 optional) |
| Electrical Clearance | mm | ≥10 |
| Creepage Distance | mm | ≥12.5 |
| Overvoltage Category | - | III / IV |
| Pollution Degree | - | 3 |
Key Features And Advantages of MNS Switchgear
The MNS withdrawable switchgear platform delivers engineered advantages in safety, maintainability, circuit density, and installation flexibility that make it the preferred choice for critical power distribution applications.
Combined Drawer Operating Handle
The drawer handle integrates operating, control, and mechanical interlocking functions into a single mechanism, ensuring fail-safe operation and preventing live-load withdrawal.
High Circuit Density
A single MNS cabinet can accommodate up to 36 circuit units depending on the functional-unit arrangement, maximizing space utilization in compact electrical rooms.
Back-to-Back Busbar Sharing
MCC units can be configured in back-to-back arrangements with shared busbars, optimizing floor space when installation layout permits.
Five Standard Drawer Heights
8E/4, 8E/2, 8E, 16E, and 24E drawer units can be freely combined within a single cabinet, supporting configurations from 26 small units down to three large 24E units.
Flexible Cable Outlet Modes
Primary cable outlets support side-out, back-out, and hybrid side-and-back configurations, giving project engineers layout flexibility for cable routing.
Independent Adapter Maintenance
The improved primary adapter design allows independent installation and replacement, reducing power outage time and delivering significant economic benefits during maintenance.
Mixed Assembly Capability
Power-center, drawer-type, and fixed MCC arrangements can be combined in a single cabinet, allowing tailored configurations for incoming, feeder, and motor-control functions.
Wall or Back-to-Back Installation
Cabinets can be arranged against a wall or back-to-back, giving project teams flexible options for electrical room layout and busbar routing.
Not sure which configuration fits your project?
Send us your single-line diagram and load schedule - we'll engineer the optimal MNS layout for free.
MNS Switchgear Applications & Use Cases
MNS withdrawable switchgear is deployed across a broad range of industries where reliable low-voltage power distribution and motor control are critical to operational continuity.
- Power Plants & Substations:Primary and auxiliary power distribution, receiving and distributing electrical energy from generators and transformers.
- Industrial & Mining Enterprises:Motor control centers for manufacturing lines, process control, and mining operations requiring high circuit density.
- Commercial Buildings & Hotels:Main distribution and sub-distribution for HVAC, lighting, elevators, and critical power systems in large facilities.
- Airports & Transportation Hubs:Power supply and distribution for terminal lighting, baggage systems, runway lighting, and ground support equipment.
- Data Centers:Critical power distribution for server rooms, cooling systems, and UPS infrastructure with high reliability requirements.
- Oil, Gas & Petrochemical:Power distribution and motor control for pumping stations, refineries, and processing facilities in hazardous environments.
- Metallurgical & Steel Industry:Heavy-duty motor control and power distribution for furnaces, rolling mills, and continuous casting lines.
- Water Treatment & Utilities:Pump station control, water treatment facility distribution, and municipal utility infrastructure power management.
Verification and Testing
Modern MNS withdrawable switchgear assemblies undergo comprehensive verification per IEC 61439, which requires type testing and/or calculation-based verification of:
- Short-circuit withstand strength of busbars and protective conductors
- Temperature rise limits under rated current
- Clearance and creepage distances
- Protection against electric shock and fault protection
- Internal arc fault resistance (IEC TR 61641)
- Mechanical operation and interlocking reliability
- Seismic qualification (IEC 60980) for critical installations
MNS Withdrawable vs Fixed Switchgear: Key Differences
Understanding the operational and maintenance differences between withdrawable and fixed-type switchgear is essential for selecting the right configuration for each application.
| Comparison Criteria | MNS Withdrawable Switchgear | Fixed-Type Switchgear |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Isolation | Individual drawer withdrawal isolates each circuit independently | Requires busbar de-energization for circuit isolation |
| Maintenance Downtime | Minimal - replace drawer while system stays live | Extended - full section must be powered down |
| Operational Safety | High - mechanical interlocking prevents live-load withdrawal | Moderate - depends on operator procedures |
| Circuit Density | Up to 36 circuits per cabinet (8E/4 configuration) | Lower density due to fixed mounting requirements |
| Flexibility & Scalability | Drawers can be reconfigured or swapped as needs change | Fixed configuration; changes require physical rewiring |
| Initial Cost | Higher (drawer mechanisms add cost) | Lower (simpler construction) |
| Best Suited For | Critical facilities, MCC applications, frequent maintenance needs | Budget-constrained projects, simple distribution with minimal maintenance |
| Standards Compliance | IEC 61439-1/-2, IEC TR 61641, GB7251, JB/T9661 | IEC 61439-1/-2, GB7251 |
Note: MNS switchgear uniquely supports mixed assemblies, allowing both withdrawable and fixed-type units within a single cabinet. This enables cost optimization by using withdrawable drawers only where maintenance access is critical, while fixed units handle simpler feeder circuits.
MNS Switchgear Operating Conditions & Environmental Requirements
Confirm site conditions before specifying MNS switchgear. All parameters must be within the following limits; consult the manufacturer for installations outside standard ranges.
Ambient Temperature
- -15°C to +40°C; 24-hour average temperature not exceeding +35°C.
- Storage and transport range: -25°C to +55°C.
Altitude
- Indoor use only;installation altitude not exceeding 2,000 meters above sea level.
- Higher altitudes require derating.
Humidity
- Daily average relative humidity not above 95% RH; monthly average not above 90% RH.
- Moderate condensation may occur due to temperature changes.
Site Environment
- Seismic intensity not above 8 degrees.
- Avoid fire or explosion hazards, serious pollution, chemical corrosion, and violent vibration.
Get Your Custom MNS Withdrawable Switchgear Quote
Our engineering team is ready to help you configure the optimal MNS switchgear solution for your power distribution project. Send us your requirements and receive a detailed technical proposal within 48 hours.
Free consultation · Custom configuration · IEC 61439 verified · Global shipping
FAQ
MNS withdrawable switchgear uses five standard drawer sizes based on the 8E (200mm) height module: 8E/4 (four units in one 8E space), 8E/2 (two units in one 8E space), 8E (one unit in 200mm), 16E (one unit in 400mm), and 24E (one unit in 600mm). A single cabinet can accommodate up to 36 circuit units depending on the drawer configuration selected.
What is the rated current of MNS switchgear main busbar?
The main busbar of MNS withdrawable switchgear is rated up to 6300A (some configurations support up to 7300A), with a rated short-time withstand current (Icw) of up to 100kA and a rated peak withstand current (Ipk) of up to 220kA. The distribution busbar is rated up to 1300A with an Icw of up to 50kA.
What is the difference between withdrawable and fixed type switchgear?
Withdrawable switchgear features removable drawer units that can be individually extracted for maintenance or replacement without powering down the entire switchboard, offering higher safety and maintainability. Fixed type switchgear uses permanently installed circuit breakers that require the busbar to be de-energized for maintenance. MNS switchgear supports both configurations and mixed assemblies in a single cabinet.
What protection degree is available for MNS switchgear?
MNS withdrawable switchgear is available with IP40 as standard protection degree. Custom designs can achieve IP54 for environments with higher dust or moisture exposure. The enclosure protection level should be selected based on the specific installation environment and operational requirements.
How to choose the right MNS switchgear configuration for a project?
To select the right MNS switchgear, determine: (1) rated voltage and current requirements, (2) short-circuit withstand level needed, (3) number and type of circuits (incoming, feeder, motor control), (4) drawer module sizes based on circuit ratings, (5) installation type (power center, drawer, fixed, or mixed), (6) protection degree, and (7) applicable standards. Consult the manufacturer's technical team with project load schedules for optimal configuration.
Can MNS switchgear drawers be replaced while the system is energized?
Yes. The withdrawable drawer design allows individual circuits to be isolated and their drawers extracted for maintenance or replacement while the rest of the switchboard remains energized. The mechanical interlocking mechanism ensures that the circuit breaker must be in the OFF position before the drawer can be moved from the connected position, preventing dangerous live-load withdrawal.
What is the maximum number of circuits per MNS cabinet?
A single MNS cabinet can accommodate up to 36 circuit units when using 8E/4 drawer configuration. With larger drawers, the capacity decreases: up to 18 units with 8E/2, 9 units with 8E, 4 units with 16E, and 3 units with 24E drawers. Mixed configurations allow flexible combinations to match project load schedules.
Hot Tags: mns withdrawable switchgear, China mns withdrawable switchgear manufacturers, suppliers, factory
You Might Also Like
Send Inquiry