Interrupting Time for Recloser

[wbd]

Hello,
Does anyone know what the interrupting time is for a recloser on a utility distribution system? I'm looking for a generic time like with circuit breakers, rule of thumb is 5 cycles.

Thanks in Advance
wbd

 

[dpc]

3 to 5 cycles should be a good estimate for most reclosers. I just checked specs for new ABB vacuum reclosers we purchased - interrupting time is listed as 0.040 seconds, which is less than 3 cycles (at 60 Hz). But I suspect older hydraulic units are not that fast.

dpc

 

[WayneClark]

Reclosers do not have simple interruption times, although 3 cycles at a maximum fault current on the fast curve is fairly common.
What you have to keep in mind is that reclosers have multiple purposes, and different reponse curves for the first time they detect a fault, and subsequent operations aafter they (reclose). This flexibility is what gives them the ability to keep service on under intermitten fault conditons, and to enable downstream devices to lock out before they do. Sorry to muddy the waters, but these are not dvices with a "one number" characteristic.

 

[dpc]

Yes, I was just referring to the interrupting time for the mechanism itself - not including the response curve of the control.

This is no different than a circuit breaker. Once a signal is sent from the control to trip the recloser, it will always operate in roughly the same time, regardless of the type of curve on the control.

 

[wbd]

Thanks all. I was looking for the time to interupt from when the trip coil gets the signal to open.