Switching and Fault-Close Design and performance of Loadbreak Separable Connectors at 21.1 kV/36.6kV

Development of a full three-phase rated 21.1kV/36.6kV loadbreak separable connector system presents a design challenge in the area of switching and fault-close. Increased strikeover distance, higher arc energy and size constraint of an operable connector system require design features that pushed the state of the art relative to designs presently used for 8.3kV/14.4kV and 15.2kV/26.3kV connector systems. This paper discusses a design incorporating these features and presents performance data showing the high level of reliability achieved.