What is this document?
INDG372 is a guide for owners and operators of electrical switchgear in industrial and commercial organisations, particularly those with limited electrical expertise in-house. The full title is "Electrical switchgear and safety: A guide for owners and users."
The leaflet covers three-phase electrical equipment operating between 1,000 and 33,000 volts alternating current. This includes circuit breakers, switches, switch fuses, isolators, and contactors commonly found in factories, commercial premises, and larger buildings.
Who needs to read this?
- Facilities managers responsible for high-voltage electrical systems
- Property owners with HV switchgear on their premises
- Industrial site managers overseeing electrical installations
- Commercial building owners with electrical substations
- Maintenance managers arranging switchgear servicing
- Health and safety advisors assessing electrical risks
- Anyone responsible for HV electrical equipment without specialist electrical knowledge
Key points covered
The guidance addresses key aspects of switchgear safety:
Equipment covered
- Circuit breakers that interrupt fault currents
- Switches for normal load switching
- Switch fuses combining switching and protection
- Isolators for safe isolation during maintenance
- Contactors for motor control and similar applications
Selection considerations
- Choosing appropriate equipment for the application
- Voltage and current ratings
- Fault level requirements
- Environmental conditions
Safe use
- Operating procedures and training
- Understanding equipment limitations
- When specialist assistance is needed
Care and maintenance
- Routine inspection requirements
- Planned maintenance schedules
- Record keeping
- When to arrange servicing
How this applies to you
Understand your responsibilities
If you own or operate HV switchgear, you have duties under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to ensure:
- Equipment is suitable for its purpose
- Systems are properly maintained
- Work on or near equipment is carried out safely
- Only competent persons work on HV equipment
Arrange competent maintenance
High-voltage switchgear requires specialist maintenance:
- Establish a planned maintenance programme
- Use contractors with proven HV competence
- Keep records of all maintenance and inspections
- Act on recommendations from maintenance reports
Know your equipment
Maintain records of:
- Location and identification of all HV switchgear
- Age and condition of equipment
- Maintenance history
- Operating instructions
- Safety documentation
Plan for emergencies
Have procedures in place for:
- Reporting electrical faults
- Emergency isolation
- Access for emergency services
- Contact details for specialist contractors
Get specialist advice
For detailed technical guidance, refer to HSG230 "Keeping electrical switchgear safe" which provides more comprehensive information on:
- Detailed maintenance requirements
- Testing and inspection procedures
- Fault investigation
- Obsolete equipment management
Safe working practices
Ensure that anyone working on or near HV switchgear:
- Is competent for the work they are doing
- Follows safe isolation procedures
- Uses appropriate safety documentation
- Has access to necessary safety equipment
Related Safety Clarity content
- Electrical Safety Requirements - General guidance on workplace electrical hazards
Source: This page summarises HSE guidance document INDG372. For the full official guidance, visit the HSE website.