Switchgear refers to a wide range of switching devices that all serve the same purpose: controlling, safeguarding, and isolating power systems. This term could be broadened to encompass equipment that regulate and metre a power supply, as well as circuit breakers and other comparable technology.

Electrical protection, electrical isolation, and control are the three primary roles of switchgear power systems. Switchgear power systems are made up of a number of different electrical disconnects that are used to isolate electrical equipment. Fuse or circuit breakers can be used as electrical disconnects. A switchboard is a component of an electrical distribution system that separates an electrical power feed into branch circuits while also providing each circuit with a protective circuit breaker or fuse in a single enclosure.