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 third article in a four-part series.

Q. Does TripSaver have an overload rating?

A. No overload rating has been assigned.

Q. Does TripSaver require routine maintenance?

A. Users should follow their normal procedures for inspecting and maintaining pole-top equipment. TripSaver has no battery to change and requires no setting or adjustment in the field.

Q. What is the mechanical-operations test value of TripSaver?

A. TripSaver’s operating mechanism has been tested to over 1000 mechanical operations.

Q. What is the electrical-operations limit of TripSaver?

A. It depends on the cumulative fault current interrupted. The controller keeps track of this value and knows when the vacuum interrupter has reached the limit of its useful life. At this point, TripSaver drops open and cannot be reset, indicating that the device has reached electrical end-of-life. TripSaver needs to be returned to S&C for inspection and maintenance — which includes a complete checkout and replacement of the vacuum fault interrupter. There are no user-serviceable parts.

Q. Is the counter set at “zero” when TripSaver leaves S&C?

A. Yes.

Q. Can TripSaver be placed in its mounting using a hookstick?

A. Yes. A short hookstick equipped with an S&C Talon™ can be used from a bucket.

Q. Why must the mode selector handle be placed in the “AUTO” position before closing TripSaver in its mounting?

A. Inrush current might be high enough to cause TripSaver to operate. If that’s the case and the mode selector handle is placed in the non-reclosing “NR” position, TripSaver will open on the fast curve, then drop out. But with TripSaver in the “AUTO” position, the device will reclose on the slow curve . . . which is not susceptible to inrush current. By the way, the lineperson should never attempt to place the handle in the “NR” position with TripSaver in the dropped-out position, as the device could inadvertently close into the mounting.

Q. Do hydraulic reclosers set for one shot to lockout trip on inrush current?

A. Yes. There is a misconception — even among utility engineers — that hydraulic reclosers will not trip on inrush current when set to one shot to lockout.

Q. Can TripSaver be closed with the distribution prong under the pull ring, instead of inside the pull ring?

A. S&C recommends closing TripSaver with the prong placed inside the pull ring. But it is possible to close TripSaver with the prong resting under the pull ring.

See additional information about TripSaver Dropout Reclosers. Or you can contact your local sales office to learn more about TripSaver.