SWITCHGEAR AND POWER CONVERTER

An object of the present invention is to provide a switchgear that reduces a cost of periodic replacement of a drive unit and ensures reliability. A switchgear of the present invention includes a fixed electrode (2), a movable electrode (3) provided to face the fixed electrode (2), the movable electrode (3) being contactable with and separable from the fixed electrode (2), a piston (11) provided opposite to the fixed electrode (2) to drive the movable electrode (3) via a movable shaft (4) connected to the movable electrode (3), a container (12) to accommodate the piston (11), and an arc generation mechanism (20A) bridging including metal and provided in the container (12) at a position opposite to the fixed electrode (2), the arc generation mechanism (20A) bridging a terminal unit (22) connected to an external circuit, the arc generation mechanism (20A) bridging opening a circuit with the terminal unit (22) when energized to generate an arc (23) at an opened portion.