What is difference between a 15kv Breaker and 15kv Recloser

[dvcrogers]

I am about to "spec" some 15kv breakers and I was wondering if there is a difference between them and reclosers.

Are the ratings different? Is a recloser a breaker with relaying?

I am just trying to get an angle on my spec.

Thanks in advance.

D. Rogers

 

[rbulsara]

All MV breaker have to have 'relays' to detect fault and open the breaker.

A breaker with proper relays, will open upon a fault but will not close automatically, untill commanded to do so, locally or remotely.

A recloser can be thought as a breaker with relays AND a timer/control circuit that will reclose the breaker one, two or three times (if keep tripping again) upon opening due to a fault. If the breaker trips after the third reclosing attempt, it will stay open. There are some variations as to how many reclosing attempts are made.

This is helpful to restore the service automatically in case of a transient or mometary self clearing faults, for example one caused by two overhead lines coming in contact in a windy conditons, but clearing itself or a falling of tree limb etc.

If you wanted to know how to spec a recloser that is a differnt story. Post the question accordingly if so.

 

[dvcrogers]

Just wanting to know the difference between the two.
Thanks.

 

[dpc]

There are a lot of similarities between breakers used in outdoor substations and reclosers. But breakers are built to different standards and will generally have higher interrupting ratings and can be purchased with higher continuous current ratings.

Reclosers are smaller and lighter - they can be pole mounted or set on stands in the substation.

As mentioned, breakers must be outfitted with appropriate protective relays, but are rated for reclosing duty if properly equipped with reclosing relaying.

For a distribution substation, if a recloser met your continuous current and interrupting rating requirements, it will generally be less expensive than a breaker.

 

[busbar]

It may be worth mentioning that for MV gear the term ‘recloser’ can refer to two varieties—one is effectively self contained and is meant for direct switching of a [15kV, here] circuit; having internal arc extinction medium like oil/vacuum/SF₆.

A recloser may also be a timing and control device {relay—so called ‘device 79’} that operates a circuit breaker, and is interconnected with 14AWG 600-volt wire for various sequences of tripping and closing functions by the breaker through DC signals.

 

[dvcrogers]

Thanks to everyone.
You have provided me with the information I needed.

Thanks again

D. Rogers

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Visit

http://www.cooperpower.com/Products/Specifications/

for Recloser Specifications