S&C’s IntelliRupter PulseCloser is a breakthrough in overhead distribution system protection. It’s a unique alternative to conventional automatic circuit reclosers. IntelliRupter was designed from the ground up to accommodate advanced distribution automation functions, including S&C’s self-healing, scalable IntelliTeam® SG Automatic Restoration System — a universal Smart Grid solution offering unmatched interoperability.
IntelliRupter provides SCADA functionality too. IntelliRupter offers significant benefits for radial line protection. And it provides better segmentation and coordination than conventional reclosers in non-communicating loop restoration applications.
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Fault interruption, fault isolation, and circuit restoration in a single, easy-to-install package
After clearing a fault, a conventional recloser tests the line through uncontrolled closing — repeatedly applying damaging fault current to equipment from the source to the fault. But IntelliRupter utilizes S&C’s revolutionary PulseClosing Technology™ — a unique means for verifying that the line is clear of faults before initiating a close operation. PulseClosing greatly reduces stress on system components, as well as voltage sags experienced by customers upstream of the fault.
The videos below capture a laboratory demonstration of the IntelliRupter PulseCloser responding to a permanent phase-to-phase fault. IntelliRupter is configured in two different ways. First, the IntelliRupter is configured to behave similar to a conventional recloser, and can be viewed in both regular speed and slow motion. Then, regular speed and slow motion videos show how IntelliRupter responds to the identical fault event when it is configured to test the line for faults using pulseclosing. Note the dramatic reduction in arcing produced by using pulseclosing instead of simply closing into the fault. Each delayed recloser operation results in 10 cycles of fault current, while each pulse results in only 5 ms of reduced magnitude fault current. Since the fault is permanent, the end state is lockout for both configurations.
Videos can be played in place or full-screen by clicking the
icon.
Reclose — Normal Speed
Reclose — Slow Motion
IntelliRupter Configured for Conventional Reclosing
• 7,000 ampere permanent phase-to-phase fault
• Two fast and two delayed operations
• Open interval times: 2, 5, 10 seconds
PulseClose — Normal Speed
PulseClose — Slow Motion
IntelliRupter Configured for PulseClosing
• 7,000 ampere permanent phase-to-phase fault
• Initial trip plus 3 pulseclose operations
• Open interval times: 2, 5, 10 seconds
IntelliRupter’s PulseClosing Technology is especially beneficial in loop restoration applications. View the video below to learn more about this application.
| kV | Amperes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Max | BIL | Cont. |
Interr. |
| 15.5 | 110 | 630/800 | 16 000 |
| 27 | 125 | 630/800 | 12 500 |
| 38 | 170 | 630/800 | 12 500 |
Each IntelliRupter includes as standard an Integrated Power Module fed from one phase on one side of the switch. An Integrated Power Module
fed from one phase on each side of the switch is optionally available.
630 amperes per IEC; 800 amperes with a minimum wind velocity of 2 ft./sec.
| kV | Amperes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Max | BIL | Cont. |
Interr. |
| 15.5 | 110 | 630/800 | 16 000 |
| 27 | 125 | 630/800 | 12 500 |
| 38 | 170 | 630/800 | 12 500 |
Each IntelliRupter includes as standard an Integrated Power Module fed from one phase on one side of the switch. An Integrated Power Module
fed from one phase on each side of the switch is optionally available.
630 amperes per IEC; 800 amperes with a minimum wind velocity of 2 ft./sec.
| kV | Amperes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Max | BIL | Cont. | Interr. |
| 15.5 | 95 | 630 | 16 000 |
| 27 | 125 | 630 | 12 500 |
Each IntelliRupter includes as standard a choice of one integral power module, which derives necessary control power from phase on one side of the switch, or an external power supply, for use when user-provided control power is available. See S&C instruction 766-510 for available input ranges. An Integrated Power Module fed from one phase on each side of the switch is optionally available.
| kV | Amperes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Max | BIL | Cont. | Interr. |
| 15.5 | 95 | 630 | 16 000 |
| 27 | 125 | 630 | 12 500 |
Each IntelliRupter includes as standard a choice of one integral power module, which derives necessary control power from phase on one side of the switch, or an external power supply, for use when user-provided control power is available. See S&C instruction 766-510 for available input ranges. An Integrated Power Module fed from one phase on each side of the switch is optionally available.
For Overhead Systems
For Underground Systems

IntelliRupter includes a base-integrated control that’s accessed for configuration and operation via a secure WiFi link. This innovative approach improves reliability, operator safety, and convenience, and significantly enhances security compared to the “lock-and-key” approach of most conventional reclosers. The control can be furnished with a wide range of radios, including S&C’s SpeedNet™ Radio. SpeedNet Radio greatly enhances IntelliTeam SG restoration speed. It combines extremely secure long-range communication, high-volume data transmission, and flexible mesh networking to provide benchmark performance for unlicensed radio networks.
Visit S&C’s Automation Customer Support Portal for all automation product software support, including upgrades, patches, and additional technical documentation.