Manufactured Flex RangeMV-Flex Switchgear
Metal-clad, air-insulated medium-voltage primary switchgear — front-access, arc-vented and built around the ABB medium-voltage range, up to 17.5 kV and 2500 A.
MV-Flex is a free-standing, single-busbar metal-clad switchgear with withdrawable ABB VD4/VM1 breakers or VSC vacuum contactors, ABB Relion protection and integrated internal-arc ducting for confined spaces like E-Houses and container substations. Engineered and assembled by PPE Technologies to IEC 62271.
Built around cost and power qualityMetal-clad MV switchgear, front to back
MV-Flex provides a structured platform for medium-voltage distribution where compact design, system integration and dependable operation all matter. Its project-focused architecture allows the switchgear arrangement to be shaped around the electrical network, available space and long-term operating requirements.
Arc-proof, front-access safety
A complete front-access design with closed-door breaker racking, multi-point door locking and integrated internal-arc ducting that vents hazardous gases away from personnel.
Built on the ABB MV range
Withdrawable ABB VD4 or VM1 vacuum breakers and VSC vacuum contactors, ABB Relion protection relays and block-type CTs/VTs — configurable for radial or meshed networks.
Ready for confined spaces
Integrated arc venting and fully extendible cubicles make MV-Flex ideal for E-Houses, container substations and underground installations.
MEDIUM VOLTAGE. BUILT FOR DEMANDING POWER SYSTEMS.MV-Flex — Flexible Power Distribution. Proven Protection.
MV-Flex is PPE Technologies’ versatile Medium Voltage switchgear solution, engineered for reliable power distribution, protection, monitoring and control across demanding industrial applications.
Built around proven ABB technology, MV-Flex combines robust construction, flexible configuration and advanced protection features in a compact, fully extendible switchgear platform.
Typical project environmentsWhere MV-Flex can be positioned
MV-Flex is designed for projects where medium-voltage distribution must fit neatly into the wider site infrastructure without compromising system performance. Its adaptable platform supports a range of installation environments, giving engineers flexibility in how the switchgear is incorporated into each project.
Mining & metals
Robust metal-clad MV distribution for demanding mining operations.
Utilities & power generation
Incomer and feeder switchgear for distribution and generation.
Water & process industry
MV switchgear for water, wastewater and industrial processing.
E-Houses & container substations
Integrated arc venting suits confined and modular installations.
Technical overviewA clearer view of the MV platform
MV-Flex brings the main elements of a medium-voltage switchgear system into one coordinated engineering framework. The overview alongside provides a practical introduction to how the platform is structured, giving context to the decisions that shape each project before detailed design and specification begin.
Product category
Metal-clad, air-insulated medium-voltage primary switchgear (single busbar)
Configuration
Metal-clad, air-insulated medium-voltage primary switchgear (single busbar)
Protection & control
Withdrawable ABB VD4/VM1 vacuum circuit breakers or VSC vacuum contactors; ABB Relion Series 615 (REX615) protection with 50/51, 50N/51N, breaker-fail and internal-arc protection; ABB Arc Guard TVOC-2 option
Interfaces
Block-type CTs and 3-/5-limb VTs; local and remote control, metering and monitoring; Modbus or IEC 61850 for PLC/SCADA
Manufacturing
2.5 mm folded-steel panels, powder-coated RAL 7023, machine-manufactured for full interchangeability; engineered and assembled by PPE Technologies to IEC 62271
Project support
Design coordination, FAT (inspection and functional testing), installation support and commissioning
Documentation
Project drawings, test records, operating information and supporting product documents
Product resourcesExplore the MV-Flex resources
Supporting information provides a broader view of the MV-Flex platform and the engineering approach behind its medium-voltage switchgear design. The resource below adds useful context for understanding how the solution fits into project planning, system integration and long-term operation.
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MV Switchgear Terms at a Glance
Metal-clad describes switchgear in which the main electrical components are housed within a metal enclosure. Air-insulated identifies air as the insulating medium around the relevant conductors and apparatus, rather than another primary insulating medium. Single busbar refers to the busbar arrangement used to connect the associated switchgear circuits within the assembly.
A withdrawable apparatus is arranged so that it can be moved between defined positions in the assembly, subject to the applicable operating procedure. A vacuum circuit breaker interrupts current using vacuum interrupter technology and is intended for circuit-breaking duties. A vacuum contactor is a switching apparatus generally associated with repeated control of suitable loads. The correct apparatus and arrangement depend on the electrical duty and project requirements.
How Protection, Metering and Monitoring Relate
Protection, metering and monitoring describe different information and control functions within an electrical distribution arrangement. Protection concerns detecting defined abnormal conditions and initiating the applicable switching response. Metering concerns measuring electrical quantities for indication or recording. Monitoring concerns observing equipment or system conditions so that information can be reviewed by an operator or control system.
Current transformers (CTs) and voltage transformers (VTs) provide measurement signals associated with current and voltage. Those signals may be used by protection apparatus, metering functions or monitoring functions, depending on the selected arrangement. Local and remote control describe where an authorised switching command is initiated, while PLC and SCADA interfaces describe possible relationships between switchgear signals, control logic and supervisory visibility. The signal list, control philosophy and interface responsibilities are project-specific aspects of the selected arrangement.
Internal-Arc Ducting: Terminology and Purpose
In medium-voltage switchgear terminology, an internal arc is an unintended electrical arc occurring within an enclosure. Arc venting refers to the controlled release of hot gases and pressure from the enclosure through an intended path. Ducting is the physical route associated with that release path; it is distinct from the switchgear enclosure that contains the electrical apparatus during normal operation.
The location, direction and surrounding arrangement of a venting path vary with the equipment configuration, room layout and access arrangements. The terms themselves do not establish a particular arc classification, test result or personnel-safety outcome; those matters require confirmation against the applicable project information.
MV-Flex Brochure
A focused overview of MV-Flex, covering the switchgear platform, system capabilities and key project considerations.
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