Schneider Electric MVnex medium-voltage switchgear units. Medium-voltage switchgear is a critical component in power distribution for industrial and mission-critical facilities like data centers. Schneider Electric’s MVnex series is a family of indoor, metal-clad medium-voltage (MV) switchgear designed to provide safe, reliable, and digital-ready power distribution up to 24 kV. In this guide, we’ll explain what MVnex is, how it works, its components, advantages, certifications, maintenance needs, and how it’s used in real-world projects (with a focus on data centers). We will also highlight how FATENG Electric – a Schneider-authorized manufacturer – supports MVnex deployments with its global supply chain and engineering expertise.

Understanding Medium-Voltage Switchgear

Medium-voltage switchgear is the equipment used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment in power systems typically between 1 kV and 52 kV. In data centers and other large facilities, MV switchgear forms the primary electrical distribution point between utility feed (or generators) and downstream transformers and panels. It contains circuit breakers, switches, and protection relays that can interrupt high fault currents and safely isolate sections of the network. Compared to low-voltage switchgear (below 1 kV), MV switchgear operates at higher voltages and is designed for heavier-duty applications. Modern MV switchgear like MVnex is often arc-resistant, has draw-out circuit breaker modules, and supports digital monitoring for advanced maintenance.

Key functions of MV switchgear include: switching feeders on/off; interrupting fault currents; and protecting connected equipment via relays and fuses. In a typical data center power system, MVnex units might be used at the utility entrance, between generators and switchgear, or between the main bus and transformers. Their robust design and high interrupting ratings make them suitable for ensuring the continuous uptime demanded by data center operators.

What Is MVnex Switchgear?

MVnex is a metal-clad, indoor medium-voltage switchgear platform developed by Schneider Electric. It is offered in 12 kV and 24 kV voltage classes and is available through Schneider Electric’s authorized OEM partners (like FATENG Electric). The term “MVnex” encompasses a range of configurations for primary power distribution and motor control. MVnex switchgear features withdrawable vacuum circuit breaker units, segregated compartments, and integrated protection relays. It meets international standards (IEC and ANSI) and Chinese standards for MV switchgear.

Authorized Schneider partners describe MVnex as “metal-clad withdrawable switchgear… with full support from Schneider Electric” that is “engineered for high-performance MV applications”. Its design is based on Schneider components, including high-performance HVX/VXG vacuum circuit breakers with sealed pole interrupters. MVnex is used in substations, power plants, and large infrastructure projects. For example, MEC Group (a Chinese switchgear manufacturer) notes that MVnex is found in “substations, power stations, industrial and mining enterprises and cement plants” up to 12 kV. In practice, MVnex assemblies can handle main incoming lines, outgoing feeders, transformer feeds, and bus-coupling.

Because it is a Schneider-authorized design, MVnex fully complies with IEC 62271-200 (internal arc testing) and other switchgear standards. It is also UL-891 listed for switchboards, enabling global deployment including North America. Typical specifications include short-circuit ratings up to 40 kA (for 1 s) and withstand levels up to 125 kV (impulse). The enclosure protection is IP4X (front) with IP2X in the breaker compartment. In short, MVnex is a Schneider Electric medium-voltage switchgear platform – made by authorized OEMs – that offers high performance and safety for critical power distribution.

MVnex Design and Components

MVnex switchgear is a compartmentalized, modular system. Each section (or cubicle) can perform different functions: for example, incoming line, feeder distribution, bus coupler, or cable isolating. Typical components include:

• Draw-out vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs): Schneider’s HVX or VXG vacuum breakers are used. These breakers are housed in a removable “truck” or trolley that can be drawn out for maintenance or racking out. Their solid-seal vacuum interrupters provide reliable interruption for high fault currents.
• Busbar and feeder compartments: The busbars are fixed in one section and feeders or outgoing breakers in others. All live parts are fully screened so that service personnel have access only to de-energized compartments. Each compartment typically has its own door (often grounded), and interlocks prevent dangerous access.
• Protection relays and metering: Schneider’s protection devices and digital relays can be installed in MVnex panels for functions like overcurrent protection, arc-flash detection, and metering. In particular, MVnex can integrate with Schneider’s PowerLogic™ or other SCADA/EMS systems, enabling online monitoring and intelligent control. This allows operators to track voltages, currents, temperatures, and receive alarms remotely.
• Control and auxiliary components: Each bay has control power (typically 110–220 VDC) for operating relays and breakers. Auxiliary contacts, controllers, and interlocks ensure safe operation (e.g., preventing a breaker from racking in with the busbar energized). Manual local controls are often simplified by clear analog mimic diagrams on the front panel.
• Safety features: MVnex implements mechanical and electrical interlocks for safety, preventing incorrect operations. The switchgear can be designed to an arc-resistant classification (AFLR A or similar) per IEC 62271-200, meaning it can contain and channel internal arc faults safely. Each enclosure is also weather- or dust-resistant (e.g. IP4X).

Overall, MVnex is highly modular. Schneider-authorized sources note that it includes “circuit breaker cubicles, contactor cubicles and other special cubicle types,” allowing a variety of functional modules in one lineup. Standardized frames mean MVnex can be built to custom layouts, mixing different breaker types and protection schemes as needed. For example, configurations are available in “1+3” or “2-bus” arrangements to accommodate redundancy. This flexibility makes it easy for facility designers to scale and adapt the distribution scheme.

Advantages of MVnex Switchgear

MVnex offers several key advantages over older or less advanced switchgear designs:

• High safety (arc-resistant design): MVnex switchgear undergoes IEC 62271-200 internal arc testing. Fateng Electric’s MVnex units provide “advanced arc-resistant protection (up to 40 kA)”, significantly reducing risk to operators in the event of an internal fault. Containing arc flashes protects both personnel and critical equipment.
• Robust fault tolerance: MVnex can handle large short-circuit currents. Typical models are rated for 25–40 kA (1 s) and peak currents up to 100 kA. Compared to many legacy designs (20 kA class), this higher capacity allows tighter coordination and more reliable clearing of faults.
• Compact, modular footprint: The system’s high modularity means designers can optimize space. In fact, the MVnex platform supports “200+ configurations” of components. Its form factor is relatively compact (for example, approx. 600×2200×800 mm per 2-pole breaker bay vs. 800×2500×1000 mm in older designs). In one case study, replacing 15 kV switchgear with MVnex reduced floor footprint by ~35% while increasing performance. For data centers where electrical room space is at a premium, this saving can be significant.
• Digital integration: MVnex is designed for modern “smart” power networks. Schneider Electric emphasizes seamless integration with PowerLogic™ and EcoStruxure™ platforms. The switchgear can include sensors and I/O for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics. This intelligence can lower total cost of ownership by catching problems early (e.g. detecting loose connections or overheating) and reducing unplanned downtime.
• Global compliance and certification: MVnex is type-tested to international standards. Schneider-authorized documentation lists IEC 62271-200 certification for arc flash performance, UL891 listing for assembly, and compliance with ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1 in some versions. It also meets all relevant IEC (IEC 60298, 60694, etc.) and Chinese (GB3906) standards. This means MVnex solutions can be deployed worldwide without re-engineering, crucial for multinational data center operators.
• Ease of maintenance: Withdrawable breakers and front-access design make servicing straightforward. Breaker units can be racked out fully (away from bus), enabling maintenance on a single section without de-energizing the whole lineup. The “full front access” design means cables and breakers are all reachable from one side. Combined with online monitoring, maintenance intervals can be planned well in advance, reducing unplanned work. In one comparison, IoT-enabled monitoring in an MVnex installation reduced maintenance costs by 20%.
• Proven track record: MVnex has been adopted by industry-leading customers and projects. Schneider Electric’s Asia and Africa marketing notes that their medium-voltage portfolio (including products like MVnex) explicitly targets data centers, oil & gas, utilities, and other critical sectors. Fateng Electric itself reports MVnex being “trusted by industrial plants and data centers worldwide”. This widespread use is testament to its reliability.

By contrast, traditional or older switchgear may lack arc-resistant construction, modern digital features, or compact design. Some competitors’ fixed switchgear have lower interrupting ratings or occupy more space. In summary, MVnex brings Schneider’s latest MV technology to bear, offering a best-in-class solution for critical MV distribution.

Certifications and Standards

MVnex and its Fateng Electric OEM variants are built to meet rigorous standards required in global power systems:

• IEC 62271-200 (Internal Arc Test): All MVnex cubicles undergo arc fault testing. The “internal arc classification” for MVnex is certified per IEC 62271-200, indicating its effectiveness in handling arc-flash events. Fateng also emphasizes this in their product literature (e.g. “built with arc-proof design and inner metallic partitions (complying with IEC 62271)”).
• IEC 60298, 60694 (MV switchgear general conditions): MVnex construction meets these standards for metal-enclosed switchgear and general requirements. This includes criteria for insulation, mechanical strength, and safety.
• IEC 60470, 60056 (CB and disconnectors): Individual components (vacuum circuit breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers) comply with relevant IEC and GB standards.
• IEC 60529 (Enclosure protection): The switchgear enclosures carry an IP4X rating (front side protection against solid objects) and each internal compartment is IP2X (protection from finger contact). This ensures personnel safety and equipment durability.
• ANSI/IEEE and UL Standards: For North American applications, MVnex assemblies can be arranged in configurations that meet ANSI C37.20.1 (metal-enclosed switchgear) and UL89/UL891 (switchboards) standards. Fateng notes UL891 listing on its MVnex offerings, which is a UL standard for low-voltage switchboards, signaling compliance with UL requirements. In effect, MVnex cabinets are rated for use in NEC-compliant installations.
• Type Testing and Approval: FATENG Electric holds over 40 national product-type test certifications, reflecting extensive third-party validation. For example, their MVnex assemblies may undergo type tests for temperature rise, short-circuit withstand, and dielectric tests in a laboratory. An authorized Schneider partner, Fateng also follows Schneider’s stringent assembly and quality procedures.

Altogether, customers can trust that MVnex is certified for safe operation under defined conditions. The design documentation, test reports, and quality systems ensure compliance in regions from Asia to Europe to Africa. This global compliance is critical for data center operators and EPCs who must meet multiple jurisdictional requirements.

Maintenance and Lifecycle Support

Medium-voltage switchgear like MVnex is designed for decades of service, but proper maintenance is key to its longevity. Routine maintenance typically includes visual inspections, insulation resistance tests, contact resistance checks, and exercising movable parts (as recommended by standards and OEM manuals). Because MVnex breakers are withdrawable, a maintenance crew can individually service a breaker or section (after de-energizing that bay) without shutting down the entire switchboard. This design enables online maintenance strategies in parallel systems.

MVnex’s modularity also simplifies repairs: spare breakers or protection units can be pre-configured for “hot-swap” replacement. The units’ resistance to corrosion, sealed vacuum interrupters, and quality manufacturing mean they generally require less frequent maintenance than older designs. Moreover, modern MVnex setups can include digital sensors (temperature, partial discharge) that feed into building management or Schneider’s EcoStruxure platform. This predictive maintenance approach alerts operators to developing issues (loose connections, abnormal heating, etc.) so that planned maintenance can be scheduled during downtime, reducing unscheduled outages.

FATENG Electric’s approach emphasizes lifecycle support. They note that all products are built with exceptional responsiveness from design through post-installation service. For example, FATENG offers extended warranties and predictive maintenance plans as part of its Schneider partnership. In practical terms, FATENG’s technical team (20+ engineers) can support clients with maintenance planning, spare parts, and rapid troubleshooting globally.

It is common for well-maintained MV switchgear to serve 20–30 years or more. The availability of Schneider’s global network for parts and FATENG’s local production means that even long-term replacement parts and support are ensured. In summary, MVnex switchgear is user-friendly for maintenance, and combining it with FATENG Electric’s after-sales service results in a robust lifecycle plan for mission-critical power infrastructure.

MVnex in Data Centers and Other Applications

Data centers demand nearly 100% uptime, making power reliability paramount. MVnex’s high safety and availability features match data center requirements. Schneider Electric explicitly includes data centers among the primary markets for its MV switchgear solutions. Typical data center configurations might use MVnex for the utility feed substation, distributing power into redundant transformer/UPS systems.

Key benefits in data centers include the switchgear’s arc-flash protection (critical for safe maintenance on energized systems), compact footprint (valuable in space-constrained electrical rooms), and digital monitoring (integrated with DCIM tools). For example, Schneider’s EcoStruxure for data centers can incorporate MVnex data into facility management dashboards, providing real-time analytics on medium-voltage feeders. A case study reported that a Schneider switchgear solution (MVnex plus Prisma-E panels) delivered 99.99% uptime in a German data center, with zero downtime incidents over 3 years. (Although that example highlights LV distribution, it reflects Schneider’s end-to-end approach, of which MVnex is a part.)

Beyond data centers, MVnex is used wherever critical power is needed. FATENG Electric cites MVnex deployments in rail transit, airports, hospitals, and industrial parks. Langsung FZE notes data centers alongside electric utilities, petrochemical plants, and infrastructure projects as typical applications. In heavy industries (like oil & gas or manufacturing), MVnex’s robust interrupting capability and modular layout allow operators to configure N+1 or 2N power feeds. For example, replacing aging 15 kV switchgear at an oil & gas plant with MVnex cabinets reduced physical footprint by 35% and increased fault tolerance, while integrated monitoring cut maintenance costs by ~20%.

In utility substations and microgrids, MVnex can function as the main bus sectionalizer or feeder switchgear, benefiting from Schneider’s transformer protection and automation. In renewable energy plants, MVnex can feed large generators (wind/solar) into the grid. The consistent theme is that MVnex’s reliability, safety, and configurability suit any large-scale power distribution setting. For data center executives and purchasing managers, MVnex offers a proven solution that aligns with Tier III/IV availability targets and modern digital infrastructure.

Why Choose FATENG Electric for MVnex Solutions

FATENG Electric is a leading Chinese manufacturer of low- and medium-voltage switchgear, and a certified Schneider Electric partner. This means FATENG is licensed to design and build MVnex assemblies using Schneider-authorized drawings, components, and quality systems. As one of Schneider’s longest-standing OEM partners, FATENG brings over a decade of experience delivering Schneider switchgear globally.

Manufacturing Capabilities: FATENG’s manufacturing base in Yancheng, Jiangsu spans over 34,000 square meters with 240+ employees in R&D, production, and quality teams. The plant features advanced robotics, CNC punching, and automated busbar forming. An embedded image below shows rows of switchgear cabinets under assembly at FATENG’s factory:

FATENG Electric production facility in Yancheng, China, assembling MVnex switchgear cabinets. FATENG’s in-house production line and ISO-like quality control (complete with final-stage inspection labs and ERP traceability) ensure every MVnex unit meets design specifications. With a built-in factory (many processes kept internal), FATENG can tightly control quality and lead times. The company reports an annual output of 3,500–4,000 switchgear cabinets.

Global Delivery & Support: Located near Shanghai Port, FATENG provides efficient global shipping and logistics. It has an international footprint: FATENG switchgear has served clients in the U.S., Oman, Russia, Mozambique, Southeast Asia and beyond. The company understands regional codes (NEC, IEC, AS/NZS, etc.) and can document switchgear designs in English/CAD formats for export projects. FATENG also emphasizes rapid responsiveness: it claims “fast delivery” (orders shipped in 21–90 days depending on quantity)and close post-sale support. End-to-end, FATENG handles everything from engineering and manufacturing to on-site commissioning and training if needed.

Experience with MVnex: As a Schneider-authorized OEM, FATENG has extensive experience building MVnex switchgear. The company’s team includes Schneider-certified engineers and technicians who follow Schneider’s global safety and performance benchmarks. FATENG’s collaboration with Schneider dates back many years, and it actively promotes MVnex in its product line. For instance, FATENG’s product page highlights MVnex’s arc-resistant protection (40 kA), PowerLogic integration, and UL/IEC certifications. FATENG engineers can therefore customize MVnex solutions – from cabinet layout to digital control interfaces – to fit a project’s needs.

Trusted Supplier Credentials: FATENG Electric markets itself as a “premier manufacturer” and “trusted partner” for Schneider switchgear. It holds over 100 intellectual property patents (including 10 invention patents), underscoring its technological capability. The company maintains Type Test and quality certifications (40+ national test reports) for its products. FATENG also collects customer testimonials praising its quality and service (e.g. project developers note FATENG’s on-time delivery and customized solutions for tight spaces). All told, FATENG offers the combination of Schneider backing with Chinese manufacturing scale and agility.

Global Collaboration: Finally, FATENG positions itself as a green, digitally-enabled manufacturer committed to global collaboration. For large MV projects, this means FATENG can be the single supplier of MVnex cabinets and panels (along with complementary products like Schneider LV switchboards). Its multilingual documentation, engineering support, and local partnerships help international clients navigate local regulations. In short, FATENG Electric is well-suited as a trusted supplier for MVnex switchgear – especially in data center projects where vendor experience and reliability are paramount

Conclusion

MVnex switchgear represents Schneider Electric’s state-of-the-art medium-voltage distribution solution, combining modular design, digital intelligence, and high safety. It is an excellent fit for data centers, infrastructure, and industrial sites requiring 24/7 power reliability. By working with FATENG Electric – a Schneider-authorized MVnex OEM – buyers gain the benefits of Schneider’s technology plus FATENG’s manufacturing prowess and global support network. FATENG’s large manufacturing facility, rigorous quality control, and track record of international delivery mean that MVnex switchgear can be tailored, built, and supplied efficiently for projects worldwide.

Purchasing managers in the data center and power industries should consider MVnex for medium-voltage distribution needs. With arc-resistant construction, high fault capacity, and integrated monitoring, MVnex helps meet strict uptime and safety standards. Coupled with FATENG Electric’s expertise and full turnkey support – from engineering to delivery – customers get a turnkey medium-voltage solution they can trust.

Sources: Authoritative product and company sources from Schneider Electric and FATENG Electric have been cited throughout. Additional information on medium-voltage switchgear comes from industry publications and standards.

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