A switchyard is a switching station that connects generating plants to transmission systems. It steps up or down voltage levels depending on the network. Switchyard equipment includes transformers, circuit breakers, isolators, and instrument transformers. Circuit breakers make and break circuits under load, while isolators do so under no load. Relays detect faults and trigger circuit breakers to isolate faulty elements. Different types of circuit breakers use various methods like air, oil or SF6 to extinguish arcs during fault clearing. Other equipment like current transformers, voltage transformers, lightning arrestors, and earthing switches also play important roles in switchyards.