switchgear

American  

[swich-geer] / ˈswɪtʃˌgɪər /

Or switch gear

noun

Electricity.

1. switching equipment used in an electric power station.

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switchgear British  

/ ˈswɪtʃˌɡɪə /

noun

1. electrical engineering any of several devices used for opening and closing electric circuits, esp those that pass high currents

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Etymology

Origin of switchgear

First recorded in 1900–05; switch + gear

Example Sentences

Formed as a private-equity roll-up by Neos Partners, the Dayton, Minnesota-based company manufactures transformers, medium-voltage switchgear, transfer switches, panelboards, and other equipment to move electricity from substations into data centers and utilities.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

About 60% of the company’s investment will go toward grid equipment such as transformers and switchgear, and 40% will be spent on the gas generation side of the business, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

He also likes companies linked to power distribution, switchgear, uninterruptible power supply, breakers and busways, such as Eaton Corp.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 29, 2025

Carrillo said damage to an electrical line caused power to go out for some residents and that a new switchgear panel has to be replaced before restoring power.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2025

It is primarily used in electrical circuit breakers and high-voltage gas-insulated switchgear.

From Scientific American • Mar. 13, 2023