What is a Sectionalizer?
A sectionalizer is a protective device that automatically isolates a faulted section of line from the rest of the distribution system. A sectionalizer should not be confused with a recloser; it does not interrupt fault current.
How does a recloser work?
How does a recloser operate? The recloser senses when trouble occurs and automatically shuts off the power. An instant later (the length of time may be noticeable only as a lightbulb flicker), the recloser turns the power back on, but if the trouble is still present, it shuts it off again.
How do reclosers and Sectionalizers work?
After a preselected number of recloser openings, and while the recloser is open, the sectionalizer opens and isolates the faulty section of line. This permits the recloser to close and re-establish supplies to those areas free of faults. If the fault is temporary, the operating mechanism of the sectionalizer is reset.
What is a smart recloser?
The Smart Distribution Recloser (SDR) 3AD is a flexible outdoor vacuum switching device – pole or structure-mounted – that can trip and reclose up to nine times in case of a temporary line fault, thus avoiding longer network interruptions.
How do I select overcurrent protection?
The voltage rating of the overcurrent protective device must be at least equal to or greater than the circuit voltage. The overcurrent protective device rating can be higher than the system voltage, but never lower. For instance, a 600V fuse or circuit breaker can be used in a 208V circuit.
How does an automatic recloser work?
The operating principle of an auto-recloser is equally simple: when a fault is detected, the breaker trips. The controller then waits for a predetermined time before reclosing the breaker.
What is a recloser in electricity?
A recloser is an automatic, high-voltage electric switch. Like a circuit breaker on household electric lines, it shuts off electric power when trouble occurs, such as a short circuit.
What is A sectionalizer and how does it work?
Sectionalizers are (beside overcurrent relays, reclosers and fuses) one of the most used for distribution system protection. A sectionalizer is a device that automatically isolates faulted sections of a distribution circuit once an upstream breaker or recloser has interrupted the fault current and is usually installed downstream of a recloser.
What happens when the sectionalizer of the control unit closes?
After the sectionalizer closes, the eliminating time of the control unit starts. If a fault occurs, and the recloser opens during the eliminating time, the sectionalizer will open and will be locked out In fault of permanent nature, the recloser at the substation will interrupt again, when the sectionalizer that is faulty closes.
Can A sectionalizer be used to break fault current?
Since sectionalizers have no capacity to break fault current, they must be used with a backup device that has fault current breaking capacity. Sectionalisers count the number of operations of the recloser during fault conditions.
What is a 3 phase sectionalizer?
The ABB AutoLink 3-phase sectionalizer – Isolating device that automatically isolates the faulted section of the network when a permanent fault occurs. Sectionalizers are constructed in single- or three-phase arrangements with hydraulic or electronic operating mechanisms. IMPORTANT!