Bakelite material Applications in Switchgear

Applications of Bakelite in Switchgear Bakelite board is a thermosetting insulating material based on phenolic resin...

Applications of Bakelite in Switchgear

Bakelite board is a thermosetting insulating material based on phenolic resin. It features excellent electrical insulation, high mechanical strength, good heat resistance, strong machinability, and competitive cost, making it one of the most widely used structural insulation materials in low-voltage switchgear.

In switchgear, Bakelite is mainly used for electrical insulation, component support, mechanical fixing, and arc isolation, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the equipment.

1. Main Applications of Bakelite in Switchgear

Insulation Barriers

Used to separate busbars, functional units, and live parts, preventing phase-to-phase short circuits and ground faults.
Commonly used in MNS, GCK, GCS, XL-21 and other low-voltage switchgear assemblies.

Busbar Support Blocks

Due to its excellent compressive and bending strength, Bakelite is suitable for fixing and supporting busbars, ensuring stable spacing and safe operation.

Mounting Boards

Used as mounting bases for breakers, contactors, thermal relays, capacitors, and other components.

Arc Barriers / Insulating Arc Shields

Installed near breakers or between functional units to isolate electric arcs and enhance operational safety.

Mechanism and Auxiliary Structural Parts

Such as:Electromagnetic coil brackets,Mechanism end supports,Guide blocks, locating parts, C/U-shaped custom pieces

These parts can be precisely machined from Bakelite.

MCC Drawer Unit Partitions

Used in motor control center (MCC) drawers to separate each functional unit, ensuring independent operation and preventing interference.

2. Advantages of Using Bakelite in Switchgear

Excellent Electrical Insulation

High dielectric strength and insulation resistance make it ideal for isolating live conductors.

High Mechanical Strength and Dimensional Stability

Resistant to long-term mechanical stress; suitable for busbar supports and large component mounting plates.

Good Heat Resistance and Arc Resistance

As a thermosetting material, Bakelite will not melt or drip under high temperatures or arc impact.

Superior Machinability

Supports drilling, slotting, threading, CNC machining, and the fabrication of complex shapes.

Low Cost and High Cost-Performance Ratio

Much more economical than FR4 or SMC, making it the mainstream choice for low-voltage switchgear.

3. Common Specifications & Selection Guide

Common colors: brown, red, black  Common processing: CNC, laser cutting, threading, chamfering, slotting

4. Applicable Switchgear Types

Low-voltage switchgear: MNS, GCK, GCS, BMX

Distribution boxes, power distribution cabinets, control cabinets

MCC motor control centers

Instrument and control panels

In medium-voltage switchgear, Bakelite is mainly used for auxiliary structural components; primary insulation usually uses FR4, SMC, or DMC materials.

5. Summary

Bakelite is one of the most common, economical, and well-established insulation materials used in switchgear.
With its excellent insulation performance, high strength, good heat resistance, flexible machinability, and outstanding cost-effectiveness, Bakelite plays an essential role in low-voltage switchgear manufacturing.