This article provides additional details on S&C’s TripSaver™ Dropout Recloser by answering commonly asked questions about this exciting new product. It is the second in a four-part series.

Q. What mechanical forces are applied to the mounting when TripSaver operates?

A. Since TripSaver utilizes a vacuum fault interrupter, minimal mechanical forces are applied to the mounting during an operation. These forces are insignificant compared to the approximate 1100-pound forces exerted during a fuse cutout operation.

Q. What is the operating temperature range of TripSaver?

A. TripSaver has an operating temperature range of -25°C to +40°C.

Q. What is the operating sequence of TripSaver?

A. The operating sequence is Open – 5 seconds – Close – Open – Drop Open – 5 seconds – Close. For the first open operation, TripSaver uses its fast curve. After the close operation, TripSaver transfers to its slow curve. If there is no second open operation within 15 seconds of the first open operation, TripSaver reverts to the fast curve.

Q. Why is the second curve slow?

A. The second curve is slow to coordinate with downstream sublateral fuses, and to allow for inrush transients.

Q. What are the equivalents to the 100K speed, in other fuse ratings?

A. Equivalent fuse ratings are 100N, 100 Standard, 65T, 125QR, and 50KSR.

Q. What are the equivalents to the 50K speed, in other fuse ratings?

A. Equivalent fuse ratings are 75N, 50 Standard, 30T, 60QR, and 20KSR.

Q. Are other curves available for the second operation?

A. Yes. A 65T curve (100 amperes nominal, 4000 amperes interrupting) and a 30T curve (50 amperes nominal, 2000 ampere interrupting) are presently available.

Q, How many operations can TripSaver perform at full rating?

A. Models with 100K-ampere control module, Catalog Number Suffix “-K100,” have been tested to IEEE C37.60-2003 for oil reclosers rated 4 kA. The standard requires testing with a mixed duty of 12 operations at 100% of rating (4 kA), 20 operations at 50% of rating (2 kA), and 32 operations at 20% of rating (800 A), for a total of 64 operations. S&C’s testing has confirmed that these models can perform 20 operations at 4 kA.

Models with 50K-ampere control module, Catalog Number Suffix “-K50,” have been tested to IEEE C37.60-2003 for vacuum reclosers rated 2 kA. The standard requires testing with a mixed duty of 18 operations at 100% of rating (2 kA), 68 operations at 50% of rating (1 kA), and 52 operations at 20% of rating (400 A), for a total of 138 operations.

More Q&As can be found in the first part of this series: “Answers to Commonly Asked Questions on S&C’s Award Winning TripSaver™ Dropout Recloser — Part I”.

For additional information about TripSaver, contact your local sales office.