Group members: Gulfam Hussain M. Ummair Amaar Ali M.

Alaryaudah

10El85. 10El84. 1El119. 10El82.

Introduction To Disconnectors.
Definition: A disconnect switch is a switch which has the capability to interrupt power to an electric circuit or group of the electric circuits.
General functions: The main function of the disconnect switch is to isolate one part of the system, so that it can de-energize it for operational reasons or for maintenance and repair purposes.

Cont
One major application is in power distribution.
Disconnect switch can be used to manage the distribution

network, to shift loads across the network, to interrupt power while maintenance occurs, and to turn off an area of the network if a safety threat arises. In closed position disconnectors must be able to carry their rated load current as well as their rated short circuit current. In open position they must provide isolation against the rated power frequency voltage and overvoltage due to switching or lighting impulse voltages.

Cont
Therefore the reliability of disconnectors is very important for

the personnel safety as well as for operational reasons. The major difference between an isolator and a circuit breaker is that an isolator is an off-load device intended to be opened only after current has been interrupted by some other control device.

Construction Elements.
A disconnecting switch consists of movable and stationary

contacts mounted on insulators. A movable contact is actuated by using an insulator to connect it with a conductor, the insulators that conform to the common insulator requirements of BIL coordination to withstand common voltage surges.

Electrical Contacts:
An electrical contact is defined as an electrical connection

between two conducting elements. The purpose of contacts in an electrical circuit is not only to provide current path between conducting elements or isolate current paths from each other. But also, when closed, to carry current and to interrupt current when open.

Cont
The connection between the two contact parts must be good.

Types of Electrical Contacts:

Static contacts: Static contacts are the ones with permanent

electrical connections over their entire life span.

Switching contact or make- and- break contacts: Switching

contacts consist of pair of contacts that open and close on demand. part and one moveable part that slide over the fixed part.

Sliding contacts: Sliding contacts consist of at least one fixed

Cont
Disconnector contacts are of the make and break type, and are

often made of silver-plated copper contacts designed to carry load currents without excessive temperature rise.
Figure in next slide show a typical dissconnetor contacts to relive

your confusion.

Construction.

Diagnostics for disconnectors.

To ensure that disconnectors fulfill the function of isolation and

thus, guarantying the safety of the workers, and eliminating any malfunctioning or failure of the component, it is essential that they are properly maintained. strategies in practice. equipment.

There are fundamentally three different maintenance Corrective maintenance: This is done after failure of the Time-based maintenance or preventive maintenance:

maintenance done at predefined time intervals to avoid failure.

Cont
Condition based maintenance also known as predictive

maintenance: Condition assessment is performed on equipment followed by appropriate action to avoid the consequence of the failure .

Types Of Disconnectors. Disconnecting switches are classified according to the type of installation (indoor or outdoor), the number of poles (for example, single-pole or three-pole), and the method of control (manual or remote).

Types cont
Four most common types encountered are briefly reviewed.

Horizontal Centre - Break Type:

Figure # (1) illustrates a centre break disconnectors. This type is

the most commonly used. The active parts are the two blades which make and break at the centre.

Picture show the centre-break type isolators in 132kv Qasimabad Grid station.

Cont.(fig.1)

Cont
Salient Features:
Self wiping contacts. Moving blade arms are made out off hard drawn electrolytic

copper/aluminum alloy. Suitable for all typical substation layouts. Motor/Manual operating mechanisms.

Cont
Double-Break Disconnector:
The double side break disconnector, see figure (2) is a variant of

the centre break disconnector. The active parts consist of two jaw assembly, one at each end and a rotating blade. The centre rotates to open or close the disconnector. Contrary to the centre break type, this type provides two breaks in series, requires minimal inter-phase distance and allows higher loads on high voltage terminals.

Contfig(2)

Cont
Salient Features:
Turn & Twist type contacts for creating high pressure contacts for

higher current rating. Manual reduction gear or motor operating mechanism. Straight banging type contacts with Manual lever operating mechanism for low current rating. Vertical or horizontal terminal take-off arrangement.

Cont
Pantograph Type :
The active parts consist of fixed arrangements attached to a

busbar, a blade and a hinge. The pantograph type is shown in figure (3). This type requires the least inter phase spacing compared to the two types mentioned previously. Figures are shown in next slide.

Cont fig(3)

Cont
Salient Features:
The optimizing design of the pantograph arm ensures excellent

operating performance. Contact strips on moving/static contact is made of special silver coating copper(AgSnO2), this contact strips can endurance high temperature electric arc and switch 1600A current of bus transfer directly. Using delrin bushing(one kind of special nylon) as the mechanic rotating bearing , without any risk of rust, no any lubricating requirement. Delivery of the disconnector in pre-assembled and pre-adjusted main components, Easy installation and commissioning in site. Running time is more than 40 years. Spare parts are available during the whole running time.

Cont
Vertical Break Disconnector:
The vertical break disconnector is of simple design of two post

insulator and one operating rod insulator. Figure (3) shows the vertical break disconnector. The arm moves vertical position by the operating rod insulator for disconnecting the line. This design is mostly used in Railways electrification / traction. The disconnector is suitable for mounting Horizontally or Vertically as per sub-station layout.

Contfig(3)

Main Advantages..
Circuit breaker always trip the circuit but open contacts of

breaker cannot be visible physically from outside of the breaker and that is why it is recommended not to touch any electrical circuit just by switching off the circuit breaker. So for better safety there must be some arrangement so that one can see open condition of the section of the circuit before touching it. Isolator is a mechanical switch which isolates a part of circuit from system as when required. Electrical isolators separate a part of the system from rest for safe maintenance works.