S&C Electric Company  

Using breakthrough PulseClosing® Technology, IntelliRupter® PulseCloser® Fault Interrupters test for faults on feeders using 95% less energy than conventional reclosers. While this helps utilities keep temporary faults from becoming sustained outages, it also dramatically reduces the amount of impact on the system and improves reliability.

This technology enables multiple applications. Coupled with incredibly accurate sensors and simultaneous bi-directional protection, IntelliRupter fault interrupters provide the versatility to meet utilities where they are in their grid-modernization journeys. Key applications include:

• Increased segmentation – The IntelliRupter fault interrupters’ accurate sensors result in “skinny” TCC curves, which allow utilities to place multiple devices on a line without the risk of miscoordination. With more devices on a line, this increased segmentation typically results in improved reliability.
• Underground and hybrid system protection – Because of its low-impact fault testing, the IntelliRupter fault interrupters enable utilities to bring advanced protection to underground lines or hybrid systems composed of both underground and overhead circuits.
• Fault isolation and service restoration – In looped circuits, IntelliRupter fault interrupters use simultaneous bi-directional protection to locate faults, isolate them, and restore power to unfaulted lines from an alternate source. Because of its low-impact fault testing, these devices mitigate voltage sags on adjacent circuits.

S&C’s Vista^®, Vista^® Green, and Vista® SD Underground Distribution Switchgear enable utilities’ undergrounding initiatives and provide reliable, resilient, and sustainable protection for the grid.

This switchgear portfolio is designed to simplify operating tasks and enhance safety. Using switches and fault interrupters, these switchgear options eliminate fuse handling and minimize crew exposure to voltage. Additional safety features—such as large viewing windows, visible open gaps, and grounding switches—also make it easier for crews to operate.

Vista and Vista Green switchgear’s insulating gases are stored in hermetically sealed tanks to prevent leaking, rusting, or contamination. The switchgear is submersible and withstands flooding or tides.

TripSaver® II Cutout-Mounted Reclosers dramatically improve how utilities respond to 80% of overhead distribution faults. These devices combine the best of fuse-saving and fuse-blowing and bring fault-testing to the lateral level.

When a fault occurs, the TripSaver II recloser tests whether the fault is temporary, eliminating momentary outages for customers on the main feeder by only blinking the affected laterals. Power is restored automatically for temporary faults, which avoids a permanent outage and the need for a truck roll—ultimately helping utilities save on operations and maintenance (O&M) costs.

When fuses above overhead distribution transformers operate, 70% of the time it is because of a temporary fault where no other repair work is needed. The VacuFuse® II Self-Resetting Interrupter brings fault-testing to the edge of the grid and keeps temporary issues from becoming sustained outages.

These grid-edge faults tend to cluster into pockets and cause repeat outages for customers. The VacuFuse II interrupters improve customer satisfaction and help utilities improve customer-centric metrics, such as Customers Experiencing Multiple Interruptions (CEMI).

When a loss of source or fault occurs on an underground residential distribution circuit, it always results in an outage. Repairing the underlying issue usually takes hours and requires multiple truck rolls. Meanwhile, dozens of customers are left without power.

The EdgeRestore system automatically restores power when a fault or loss of source occurs, eliminating an emergency truck roll and trimming operations and maintenance (O&M) costs. By modernizing the last mile of the grid with the EdgeRestore system, utilities can improve customer reliability while easing operations and enhancing crew safety. Setup is easy because the device installs into new or existing residential transformers with no adjustments to protection philosophies or curves.