New Retrofit Solutions for Switchgear in Middle East

SZM has manufactured more than 200 MV switch-trucks in Bad Muskau as part of a major retrofit order for the Gulf region for Siemens AG in Berlin.

SZM has successfully completed one of the largest retrofit orders in its corporate history. A total of 240 newly produced retrofit switch-trucks of Siemens types 8BD and 8BM20 in the voltage level up to 17.5 kV, equipped with Siemens VCB type 3AH5 were manufactured at SZM's headquarter in Bad Muskau and delivered to an end customer in Middle East.

The order was handled in 2020 /2021. The challenge in this project was to produce and deliver state-of-the-art switch-trucks with a relatively short time frame between prototype development, testing and final series production without having complete availability of all samples types, which were parts of this project.

SZM is an established player in the Retrofit segment of medium voltage and low voltage switchgear. This is due to the fact that, as switchgear gets older, retrofit solutions are increasingly popular around the world as a real alternative to a new switchgear acquisition, which is associated with much less effort and expense. In a Retrofit, only the circuit breaker is renewed as the core component of the switchgear, the "heart" so to speak. As a result, the maintenance measures are kept within limits and the shutdown time is minimized. The switchgear on the other hand benefits from the upgrade in the long term. This is because the installation of switchgear with the latest technology from renowned manufacturers extends its service life, reduces operating costs, and ensures the long-term supply of spare parts. In addition, the reliability and functionality of the switchgear and the safety of personnel and installations are improved. The operating staff also benefits from a retrofit, because the plant and its handling remain unchanged, since ultimately only the essentials are replaced.

The commissioning is ongoing and shall be completed  until the middle of 2021 due to the large volume involved. However, SZM has already received a follow-up order. 

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