What is a disconnector (disconnect switch) and how does it work?

Disconnectors are mechanical switching devices to guarantee safety for the people working in the high voltage network, providing visible gap isolation of line section. Earthing switches ensure absolute de-energization of high voltage components in a circuit or switchgear.

What are the different types of disconnectors available?

centre break disconnectors, knee-type disconnectors, double-side-break disconnectors, vertical break disconnectors, pantograph, freestanding earthing switches, built-on earthing switches

What criteria should be considered when choosing a disconnector switch?

Providing an isolating distance between substation parts, they grant a safe, reliable and visible interruption of the current flow.

What are common industrial applications of disconnectors?

Disconnectors are an essential part of electrical power substations, AIS as well as GIS. They indicate a visible isolating distance in an isolated gap.

Are disconnectors operated manually or automatically?

disconnectors are equipped with a motor drive; however, the motor operating mechanism can also be operated manually with a hand crank.

What is the purpose of an earthing switch?

Earthing switches ensure absolute de-energization of high voltage components in a circuit or switchgear. They serve to protect people working in a substation and make sure that after switching actions there is no voltage potential left at the substation parts.

What voltage range do Siemens Energy disconnectors and earthing switches cover?

Voltage level from 40.5 kV up to 1200 kV, rated current up to 5000 A, rated short circuit current up to 80 kA, ambient temperature - 60 ... + 55°C.

What are the key advantages of Siemens disconnectors and earthing switches?

low lifecycle costs with maximum availability and a cost-effective operation by: • Delivery of entirely routine-tested and pre-adjusted assembly groups • Easy erection and commissioning • Maintenance-free bearings and contact systems • Lifetime technical support • Proven reliability of contact systems over decades of service.

Robust disconnectors and earthing switches enhance safety

The technology of our products sets international trends. We continuously ensure our high quality through optimized production processes, constant product development and a certified quality management system.

Our global production network ensures that we are always reachable and close to our customers. This reduces transportation costs and delivery times, and also improves our carbon footprint.

Main features

Voltage range from 36 kV to 800 kV
Rated current up to 5000 A (80 kA – 1 s)
Short-circuit currents are maximum values and maybe only valid for 1s – needs to be verified for specific application
Durable materials for use in strong seismic activity
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Switching capacity requirements, such as the commutating currents, electromagnetic and/or electrostatic couplings (also with values above and beyond the IEC)

Advantages

Maintenance-free contact system without spring elements
Outstanding price-performance ratio
Operational under all severe climatic conditions, including in coastal regions and areas with dramatic temperature differences, high risk of ice formation or strong seismic activity
Type-tested according to IEC 62271-102
Quality control system certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001
Delivery of completely routine-tested and pre-adjusted assemblies simplifies setup and commissioning
Life-time technical support and service on short notice

Main features and advantages:

Design with two rotating insulators mounted on an integrated base frame
The current path opening to the side creates a bigger phase distance in parallel arrangements than with other disconnector types
Convenient design allows for versatile and customized applications, e.g. in parallel, diagonal or in-line arrangements
Integrated base frame can be easily and flexibly adapted to the supporting structure
Available in various colors
Sophisticated contact system ensures long service life and requires no maintenance effort
Extended RIV limits for each voltage level reduce magnetic interference for increased efficiency and reliability
Tested according to national and international standards, such as IEC, ANSI, GOST R and GB

Main features and advantages:

Has three supporting insulators
The center insulator can rotate and carries the current path
Outer supporting insulators carry the fixed contacts
Two open separation sections
Compact and stable design allows for high mechanical tensile loads
Combination with surge arresters possible
Available with self-interlocking mechanism and in various colors
Sophisticated contact system ensures long service life and requires no maintenance effort
Extended RIV limits for each voltage level reduce magnetic interference for increased efficiency and reliability
Tested according to national and international standards, such as IEC, ANSI, GOST R and GB

Main features and advantages:

Vertical disconnection
Busbar connection
Diagonal or parallel arrangement
Applicable for flexible and rigid busbar connections
Compact and stable design allows for high mechanical and thermal loads
Self-interlocking mechanism prevents opening during a short circuit
Sophisticated contact system ensures long service life and requires no maintenance effort
Tested according to national and international standards, such as IEC, ANSI, GOST R and GB

3DN3 OneÅ ulterior isolator (Pantograph)

Main features and advantages:

The great distance between the supporting and rotating insulators ensures the dielectric strength of the parallel insulation, even in saline fog conditions
Delivered in finished assemblies, reducing the time required for installation and commissioning
Available with self-interlocking mechanism and in various colors
Tested according to national and international standards, such as IEC, ANSI, GOST R and GB

Our drive systems offer the following advantages:

Completely finished and pre-adjusted assemblies simplify installation and commissioning
Sturdy, stainless steel housing according to IP 54, standard paint
Can be mounted on switch base on request
IEC tested auxiliary switch with highest endurance class for greatest reliability
Anti-condensation heater
Fulfills the latest international standards, such as IEC, GOST R and GB

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Disconnectors and earthing switches

Our global network for the production of disconnectors and earthing switch technology

Main features

Advantages

Our disconnectors and earthing switches variations

Modular Design

Power transmission system

Contact systems

Drive systems

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Get answers: FAQs on disconnectors

Disconnectors and earthing switches

Our global network for the production of disconnectors and earthing switch technology

Our disconnectors and earthing switches variations

Modular Design

Contact systems

Classic (no spring)

Modern (with springs)

Drive systems

Our 3DV8 motor drive

Our 3DV4 manual drive system

Our 3DV1 control unit

Get in touch with us

What is a disconnector (disconnect switch) and how does it work?

What are the different types of disconnectors available?

What criteria should be considered when choosing a disconnector switch?

What are common industrial applications of disconnectors?

Are disconnectors operated manually or automatically?

What is the purpose of an earthing switch?

What voltage range do Siemens Energy disconnectors and earthing switches cover?

What are the key advantages of Siemens disconnectors and earthing switches?