recloser vs fuses 1

[bytebyte]

From a utility's standpoint, what are the advantages of having customers install a recloser vs a fuse as their main protective device?

We are required by the utility to install a recloser to protect our primary meter service and the added cost for installing a recloser as opposed to fuses is significantly higher.

 

[davidbeach]

It may be possible that fuses won't coordinate properly but a recloser can be set to do so.

 

[burnt2x]

Reclosers can be arranged to act one-shot, relieving the linemen of the usual fuse replacement when temporary faults occur; plus the coordination issue raised by David above.

 

[pwrtran]

May be due to:
1) sensitivity - you are close to end-of-line and the utility feeder breaker may not distinguish the load current and end-of-line fault current
2) selectivity - utility wants to minimize the outage and also implement the fuse saving strategy
3) controllability - utility may want to lock you out via SCADA under certain circumstances

 

[DiscoP]

Agree with the above - some other possible reasons are.

A recloser can trip all three phases, if all three phases aren't trip it can cause problems at some locations.

A recloser can also have an earth fault element which can be set below full load current. Fuses need to be rated above the full load current.

 

[racobb]

All good advice above. Just bear in mind that you will need the available fault duty from the utility to pick the proper AIC rating and you will need the utility backup device settings to select the proper settings for your device or it will accomplish nothing.

Alan

Democracy is two wolves and a sheep deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed sheep!
Ben Franklin

 

[apowerengr]

Do you have on-site generation which can be operated in parallel with the serving utility?

 

[davidbeach]

Do you have on-site generation which can be operated in parallel with the serving utility?

I'd hope not, I doubt that a recloser would be rated for separation of two dynamic systems.

 

[jghrist]

There is a significant advantage to the owner. With high side fuses, the arc hazard/risk level can be extremely high on the secondary of a tranformer. A recloser or vacuum interrupter would enable you to use a maintenance setting to greatly reduce the fault clearing time during maintenance.