switchgear

or switch gear

[ swich-geer ]

noun

, Electricity.

1. switching equipment used in an electric power station.

switchgear

/ ˈswɪtʃˌɡɪə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of switchgear¹

First recorded in 1900–05; switch + gear

Example Sentences

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

From Scientific American

For example, switchgear, the electronics control systems at the center of every building, requires the same chips used in auto production, leading to shortages as the two industries competed for them.

From New York Times

“The atmosphere in Boden is crackling, just like that switchgear.”

From Washington Post

This piece of land next to the switchgear was bought for that express purpose.

From Washington Post

“It can range from a tractor you see in the field or on a job site, to a piece of furniture, a firearm or industrial switchgear used to power mobile sites,” he said.

From Washington Times