
- Ano ang Pole-Mounted Switch?
Isang mekanikal na switching device na nakainstala sa outdoor utility poles sa 10kV overhead distribution lines, ginagamit sa suburban at rural distribution networks. Ito ay disenyo upang sirain, isara, at dalhin ang line load currents at fault currents.
Ang mga pole-mounted switches sa pangkalahatan ay binubuo ng switch body na may sensors + FTU (Feeder Terminal Unit). Ang mga switch na pinag-uusapan sa ibaba ay nasa kategorya ng pole-mounted disconnectors (isolators).
2. Klasipikasyon ng Pole-Mounted Switches
Maaaring ikasalungat ang mga pole-mounted switches mula sa maraming dimensyon. Ang mga pangunahing paraan ng klasipikasyon at katangian ay sumusunod:
Ayonsa Interrupting Capacity:
- a. Pole-Mounted Disconnector (Isolator): Walang kakayahan sa pag-eliminate ng arc; hindi makakapagsisara o pagputol ng normal na load current. May visible break (isolation gap). Ang pangunahing layunin nito ay maprotektahan ang linya upang matiyak ang kaligtasan sa panahon ng maintenance.
- b. Pole-Mounted Load Switch: May basic na kakayahan sa pag-eliminate ng arc; makakapagsisara, dalhin, at pagputol ng normal na load current (≤630A). Makakadala ngunit hindi makakaputol ng fault current.
- c. Pole-Mounted Circuit Breaker: Malakas na kakayahan sa pag-eliminate ng arc; makakapagsisara, dalhin, at pagputol ng normal na load current (≤630A) at fault current (≥20kA).
- d. Pole-Mounted Fuse (Drop-Out Fuse): Ang pangunahing tungkulin ay pag-putol ng short-circuit current; ginagamit para sa proteksyon ng linya laban sa short-circuit.
3. Pole-Mounted Disconnector (Isolator)
Tinatawag din itong "isolating knife switch," ito ay isang control device na walang arc-extinguishing mechanism. Ang pangunahing layunin nito ay i-isolate ang power supply upang matiyak ang ligtas na maintenance ng iba pang electrical equipment. Hindi pinapayagan ang operasyon under load (ito lamang makakapag-sisara/pagputol ng low-power circuits sa ilang kondisyon). Isa ito sa pinaka-malawak na ginagamit at madalas na operasyon na mga device sa high-voltage switching.
3.1 Pangunahing Gamit
- Pagde-energize ng line equipment para sa maintenance, fault finding, cable testing, at reconfiguring operational modes.
- Kapag bukas, ito ay nag-iisolate ng equipment under maintenance mula sa live line, lumilikha ng reliable insulation gap at nagbibigay ng "visible, clear break indication" upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga tao.
- Ginagamit bilang demarcation switch sa pagitan ng overhead lines at user property, o sa pagitan ng cable lines at overhead lines.
- Nakainstala sa isa o parehong gilid ng tie load switch upang mapadali ang fault finding, cable testing, at maintenance/replacement ng tie load switch.
3.2 Pangunahing Katangian
- Advantages: Mababang cost, simple structure, durable.
- Limitations: Hindi maaaring mag-operate under rated load/heavy load; hindi makakaputol o sisira ng load current at short-circuit current.
- Operating Procedure: Para sa energizing: "Close the isolator first, then close the circuit breaker/load switch." Para sa de-energizing: "Open the circuit breaker/load switch first, then open the isolator."
- Special Permissible Conditions: Makakapag-sisara/pagputol ng magnetizing current ng no-load transformers (≤2A) at capacitive current ng no-load lines (≤5A).
- Technical Parameters: Sa karaniwan, peak withstand current (dynamic stability) ≤40kA (dapat ma-verify sa panahon ng selection). Mechanical operating life ay humigit-kumulang 2000 cycles.
4. Pole-Mounted Load Switch
Nakakamit ng simple arc-extinguishing device, ito ay makakapag-sisara at pagputol ng circuits under load. Ito ay makakaputol ng ilang load currents at overload currents ngunit hindi makakaputol ng short-circuit currents. Kailangan itong gamitin in series with a high-voltage fuse (na nag-cut off ng short-circuit current). Ang kanyang functionality ay nasa gitna ng isang isolator at circuit breaker. Ang pangunahing gamit nito ay line sectioning at fault isolation.
4.1 Common Types and Characteristics
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Uri
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Arc-Extinguishing Principle
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Advantages
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Applicable Scenarios
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Gas-Production Load Switch
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Solid gas-producing material generates gas under arc action, creating gas blast to extinguish arc.
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Simple structure, low cost.
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Scenarios with low operating frequency requirements.
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Vacuum Load Switch
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Vacuum arc extinction, often combined with SF₆ insulation.
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Long life, maintenance-free, mechanical life ≥10,000 cycles.
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Scenarios requiring frequent operation.
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SF₆ Load Switch
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SF₆ arc extinction + SF₆ insulation.
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Excellent arc extinction/insulation performance, maintenance-free.
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Scenarios requiring high reliability.
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4.2 Mainstream Product Structural Features
- Vacuum Load Switch: Three-phase common tank type, equipped with VSP5 electromagnetic/spring operating mechanism. Can have built-in current transformers (CTs) and isolation gaps. Supports cable/terminal outgoing lines. Can be mounted hanging or sitting.
- SF₆ Load Switch: Three-phase common tank type. Can have built-in current transformers (CTs). Optional external isolation device. Supports cable/terminal outgoing lines. Can be mounted hanging or sitting.
5. Pole-Mounted Circuit Breaker
Isang switching device na may complete arc-extinguishing capability. Ito ay makakapagsisara, dalhin, at pagputol ng normal na circuit current, at makakadala at pagputol ng abnormal na circuit currents (overload, short-circuit) sa loob ng tiyak na panahon. Ang kanyang function ay katumbas ng combination ng "fused switch + over/under thermal relay." Ang pole-mounted circuit breakers ay kilala bilang "reclosers" o "auto-reclosers." Nakainstala sa poles, ito ang core equipment para sa proteksyon at kontrol sa distribution network sections.
5.1 Core Uses
- Sectionalizing, switching, control, and protection of distribution line segments; capable of actively interrupting and closing short-circuit currents.
- Normally used to open/close lines; during faults, automatically or manually (via relay protection devices) switches out faulty lines.
- Installed at responsibility demarcation points on 10kV overhead lines; can automatically clear single-phase earth faults and isolate short-circuit faults. A core device for distribution automation upgrades.
5.2 Classification and Mainstream Products
Classified by arc-extinguishing medium: Oil circuit breaker (largely obsolete), SF₆ circuit breaker, Vacuum circuit breaker (current mainstream).
Outdoor AC high-voltage intelligent vacuum circuit breakers are currently the preferred choice for distribution lines, featuring:
- Functions: Fault detection, protection control, communication capabilities.
- Operation Methods: Manual, electric, remote control, host computer remote operation.
- Composition: Body + operating mechanism + controller (may include built-in isolator).
- Optional Components: CT (Protection Current Transformer), ZCT (Zero-Sequence Current Transformer), PT (Voltage Transformer).
5.3 Vacuum Circuit Breaker Subtypes
- SF₆ Insulated Vacuum Circuit Breaker: Vacuum arc extinction + SF₆ insulation. Three-phase common tank. Spring operating mechanism. Can have built-in CTs. Optional external isolation device. Hanging or sitting mounting.
- Air Insulated Vacuum Circuit Breaker: Vacuum arc extinction + air insulation. Three-phase solid-pole type. Spring or permanent magnet operating mechanism. External CTs. Optional external isolation device. Sitting mounting.
6. Drop-Out Fuse
Commonly known as a "fuse cutout," it is the most commonly used short-circuit protection switch for branch lines and distribution transformers in 10kV distribution networks. It is economical, easy to operate, and suitable for outdoor environments. Widely used for protection and switching operations on 10kV lines and the primary side of distribution transformers.
6.1 Core Uses
- Installed on 10kV distribution branch lines: Limits the scope of power outages. Provides an isolator function due to its visible break, creating a safe environment for maintenance.
- Installed for distribution transformers: Serves as the main protection for transformers, safeguarding them against overload and short-circuit impacts.
6.2 Installation and Structure
- Installation Location: Can be installed on the source side of a load switch (preferred when fuses don't need frequent replacement, allows the load switch to isolate voltage) or on the load side.
- Core Components: Insulator, lower support base, lower moving contact, lower fixed contact, mounting plate, upper fixed contact, "duckbill" contact, upper moving contact, fuse tube.
7. Core Differences Between Pole-Mounted Switches
The key differences between various pole-mounted switches lie in three main dimensions: arc-extinguishing capability, types of interruptible current, and protection function. A detailed comparison is below:
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Switch Type
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Arc-Extinguishing Device
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Interruptible Current Types
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Carry Current Types
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Protection Coordination Requirement
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Core Purpose
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Disconnector (Isolator)
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None
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Only system no-load current
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Working current, short-circuit current (short time)
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No protection coordination needed, used solely for isolation.
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Safety isolation for maintenance, visible break.
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Load Switch
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Simple
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Normal load current, overload current
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Working current, short-circuit current (short time)
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Requires series connection with fuse; fuse interrupts short-circuit current.
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Line sectioning, normal load switching.
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Circuit Breaker
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Full
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Normal load current, overload current, short-circuit current
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Working current, short-circuit current (for specified time)
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Requires coordination with relay protection device; protection issues trip command.
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Fault clearance, comprehensive line protection.
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Drop-Out Fuse
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Simple
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Short-circuit current, overload current
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Working current (normal conditions)
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Used alone, provides direct short-circuit/overload protection.
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Short-circuit protection for branch lines & transformers.
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Summary
- Disconnector (Isolator): Only breaks no-load current; provides a "visible break point" for safe maintenance.
- Load Switch: Breaks normal load current, not fault current; requires a fuse for fault protection.
- Circuit Breaker: Breaks both normal load and fault currents; requires relay protection coordination; core device for distribution network protection.
- Drop-Out Fuse: Specifically breaks short-circuit/overload currents; provides low-cost protection for branch lines and transformers.