Cutout-Mounted Recloser Reduces Scope and Duration of Power Outages
S&C Electric Co. now offers service center configurability for TripSaver II Cutout-Mounted Recloser, a self-healing solution that reduces the scope and duration of power outages on lateral distribution lines. The new feature will make it easier for utilities to apply this product on their systems.
TripSaver II is an economical solution for bringing self-healing capabilities to secondary overhead distribution lines. In the event of a short circuit, it will interrupt the fault current and then reclose up to three times to determine if the fault is still present. If the fault remains after the reclosing cycles, the device will open and provide a visible gap in the power system, helping to isolate the damaged section of the grid and making it easier for utility personnel to locate the fault physically and make repairs.
"Many utilities have difficulty justifying the expense of a full self-healing solution on lateral distribution lines, because the loads impacted by disruptions are much smaller than those served by their main feeders," says Phil Fahey, S&C vice president—Switching and Protection Product. "TripSaver II provides an economical approach to bring self-healing capabilities to secondary distribution lines, reducing the length and scope of many outages impacting this part of the power distribution system."
"With service center configurability, utilities can deploy TripSaver II units more efficiently. They do not need to have system protection studies completed before ordering units, they have the flexibility to change installation locations if needed, and they can adapt settings over time," says Fahey.
TripSaver II offers single-phase protection for lateral distribution lines with minimum current pick-up down to 5 A. The product installs quickly and easily, and can be installed in existing S&C or MacLean cutout mountings.
