English description of the differences between switchgear cabinets and box‑type substations

Function:
Switchgear cabinetsare primarily used for control, protection and switching of electrical circuits; they contain Circuit Breakers, disconnectors, instrument transformers, etc. They do not perform voltage transformation.
Box‑type substationsintegrate a distribution transformer together with high‑voltage and low‑Voltage Switchgear, thus providing both voltage conversion and distribution functions.

Structure:
A Switchgear Cabinet is a stand‑alone metal enclosure that houses only the switching devices.
A box‑type substation is a compact, fully enclosed unit that combines a transformer, high‑voltage switchgear, low‑voltage switchgear and auxiliary equipment in a single box.

Rated voltage and application range:
Switchgear cabinets are usually employed in low‑voltage (e.g., 380 V, 660 V) or medium‑voltage distribution networks.
Box‑type substations cover a broader voltage range (e.g., 6 kV, 10 kV, 20 kV, 35 kV) and are suitable for medium‑ to high‑voltage distribution, especially in urban grids, small substations, or renewable‑energy sites.

Installation & maintenance:
Switchgear cabinets are relatively simple to install and maintain, following standard procedures.
Box‑type substations, being integrated units, require factory‑prefabricated installation, but offer advantages such as small footprint, quick deployment, and reduced on‑site construction.

Typical usage scenarios:

Switchgear cabinets: low‑voltage distribution in industrial plants, commercial buildings, or as part of larger substations.
Box‑type substations: urban residential/commercial distribution, small‑scale power stations, wind‑farm or photovoltaic step‑up stations, and other applications where a compact, all‑in-one solution is needed.

Summary (one‑sentence translation):
“A switchgear cabinet provides only switching and protection functions for low‑voltage or medium‑voltage circuits, whereas a box‑type substation  combines a transformer with high‑ and low‑voltage switchgear to achieve voltage conversion and distribution in a compact, pre-assembled enclosure.”