Ready to enhance your system with a recloser upgrade? When considering the deployment of a TripSaver® II Cutout-Mounted Recloser, you might encounter several preconceptions that could hold you back. Understanding the facts can help you dispel these myths to move forward confidently.

Debunking Common Misconceptions

Here are some potential misconceptions and the truths behind them:

Truck Rolls Are Not That Expensive.

Truck rolls are much more than the cost of your crew’s labor. Additionally, there is a significant opportunity cost of responding to outages caused by temporary faults, which could be otherwise avoided, taking your crews away from important grid modernization tasks.

Reclosers Hurt Line Crew Income.

Your crews may believe the TripSaver recloser will cut into their overtime pay, which contributes meaningfully to their overall income. However, the device allows line crews to focus on proactive grid modernization initiatives on sunny days or respond to outages more efficiently on stormy days.

This Device Isn’t Compatible With My System.

The TripSaver II recloser offers more than 300 Time-Current Characteristic (TCC) curves from which to choose that align with existing hydraulic, fuse, and microprocessor curves on your system. Other devices may not be one-to-one replacements for existing equipment because non-standard TCC curves require increased coordination study efforts.

Unfamiliar Devices Will Introduce Difficulty in Determining Whether the Device has Operated

When a permanent fault occurs, the TripSaver recloser will swing to a visible Open position, providing an easy and unmistakable visual identification. Crews then visually inspect the line, repair the issue, and manually restore power.

This Device May Not Complay with my Organization Environmental Objectives.

Every truck roll avoided with the TripSaver II recloser actually saves emissions. Also, unlike fuses, TripSaver II reclosers do not expel potentially hazardous debris. It’s Non-Reclose mode allows operators to disable reclosing, if needed.

I’ll Head Down the Path of Piloting Reclosers, but I Can Wait to Rally My Team.

Before proceeding with a new device on your system, it is critical to gain buy-in from key groups or individuals at your utility. Operations, engineers, and line crews will need to familiarize themselves with the new solution. Convincing key stakeholders early on will smooth the path forward from pilot to deployment.

Upgrading your lateral system with single-phase reclosers can significantly enhance your grid’s reliability, resilience, and efficiency. By addressing these misconceptions head-on, you’ll foster informed decision-making that will support your organization, operational goals, and stakeholders. Engage your team, educate them, and lead the way confidently to a smarter grid.