KYN28-12 vs KYN61-40.5 in short: both are indoor, withdrawable, metal-clad switchgear cabinets built to IEC 62271-200, but KYN28-12 is designed for 3.6–12 kV distribution systems (most commonly 10 kV), while KYN61-40.5 is designed for 35 kV systems up to 40.5 kV. The higher voltage class of the KYN61 means larger insulation clearances, a bigger and heavier cabinet and a higher price. Choose by your system voltage first; size, cost and layout follow from that.
If you are picking equipment for a substation or a factory power room, you have probably met both names. This guide explains what sets them apart and how to choose the right one for your project.
What Is Metal-Clad Switchgear?
A metal-clad switchgear cabinet is a steel enclosure that holds the parts needed to control and protect a circuit — circuit breaker, busbars, current and voltage transformers — with each part in its own compartment separated by grounded metal barriers. This protects workers and stops a fault in one section from spreading to the others.
The model names follow Chinese switchgear conventions: K means metal-clad (armoured), Y means the breaker is on a withdrawable truck, and N means indoor use. The number after the letters is the design series, and the number after the dash is the rated voltage in kV. Both types are built to IEC 62271-200, the international standard for AC metal-enclosed switchgear from 1 kV to 52 kV.
KYN28-12: The Standard Workhorse
KYN28-12 is the cabinet you will see most often in 10 kV systems. It is rated for 3.6–12 kV, three-phase, 50/60 Hz, with rated currents up to about 4000 A depending on configuration.
- Compact size – a typical cabinet is about 800 mm wide, 1500 mm deep and 2300 mm tall, so it fits smaller switch rooms.
- Withdrawable vacuum circuit breaker – the breaker sits on a truck in the middle of the cabinet, which makes servicing easier and keeps the cable compartment clear.
- Five-prevention interlocking – stops operators from opening a live compartment or closing onto an earthed circuit.
- Lower cost – smaller insulation distances mean less steel and smaller components.
You will find it in factories, mines, commercial buildings and secondary substations. For full specifications see our KYN28-12 switchgear guide.
KYN61-40.5: Built for 35 kV Systems
KYN61-40.5 is rated up to 40.5 kV and is used where power is distributed at 35 kV — typically on the high-voltage side of large industrial sites, wind and solar collector systems, and 35 kV substations before the voltage is stepped down to 10 kV.
- Bigger clearances – at 40.5 kV the air gaps between phases and to earth are much larger, to keep flashover risk low.
- Larger footprint – more insulation distance means a wider, deeper and heavier enclosure.
- Ratings for higher-energy faults – breakers and busbars are selected for the fault levels found on 35 kV networks.
- Same compartment logic – busbar, breaker, cable and low voltage compartments, scaled up for the higher voltage.
KYN28-12 vs KYN61-40.5: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | KYN28-12 | KYN61-40.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated voltage | 3.6 – 12 kV | Up to 40.5 kV |
| Typical system | 6 / 10 kV distribution | 35 kV distribution and collector systems |
| Typical use | Factories, mines, buildings, secondary substations | Large industrial sites, 35 kV substations, renewable plants |
| Cabinet size | Compact | Larger, wider insulation gaps |
| Breaker | Withdrawable vacuum circuit breaker | Withdrawable vacuum circuit breaker (40.5 kV class) |
| Relative cost | Lower | Higher |
| Standard | IEC 62271-200 | IEC 62271-200 |
The core difference is voltage class. Size, weight, price and where the cabinet is installed all follow from that one number.
Installation and Room Planning
The voltage class also changes what the switch room must provide:
- Floor area and access – 40.5 kV cabinets need more width and depth per panel and larger front and rear clearances for breaker withdrawal and cable work, so plan the room early.
- Cable trenches and terminations – 35 kV cables are larger and stiffer, with longer termination kits and bigger bending radii; the cable compartment and trench must be sized for them.
- Floor loading – heavier cabinets and breakers may need a stronger slab or steel base frame.
- Ventilation and pressure relief – both types vent arc gases upwards; check the room height and the arc-gas path, especially for internal-arc-classified (IAC) panels.
- Protection and metering – the relay and metering philosophy is similar, but CT and VT ratings, and the protection settings, must match the different voltage level.
Which One Should You Choose?
Pick by where the equipment sits in your system, not by price alone.
Choose KYN28-12 if:
- Your system voltage is 12 kV or lower (for example 6 or 10 kV)
- You are distributing power inside a factory, mine or building
- You need a compact cabinet for a small switch room
Choose KYN61-40.5 if:
- Your system runs at 35 kV (rated up to 40.5 kV)
- The equipment is on the incoming high-voltage side of a large site or substation
- You have floor space for larger cabinets
Frequently Asked Questions
Separating the busbar, breaker, cable and relay sections with grounded metal barriers stops an arc or fire in one part from reaching the others, and lets operators work safely on one section.
No. Insulation clearances, busbar supports and the breaker are all designed for the 12 kV class. A 35 kV system needs a cabinet designed for that voltage, such as KYN61-40.5.
No. A cabinet rated far above your system voltage costs more and takes more space without adding real safety. Match the rating to your actual operating voltage and fault level.
KYN28-12 is far more common because most industrial and commercial distribution in many countries runs at 6–10 kV. KYN61-40.5 is used where a 35 kV supply is distributed on site.
Talk to an Experienced Manufacturer
The build quality behind the model number matters as much as the model itself. Look for a supplier that tests every panel, follows IEC 62271-200 and can advise on altitude, humidity and seismic requirements for your site. Danli builds KYN28-12 metal-clad switchgear and a full range of low-voltage switchgear and automation cabinets — request a quote with your single-line diagram.
