Southern States manufactures one of the broadest array of group operated air break disconnect switches of any supplier in North America.
You can find these group operated disconnect switches utilized in substations and transmission line applications throughout the world, delivering energy reliably, safely and efficiently. You would expect no less from Southern States, which has set the standard for performance, quality and innovation in the power switching industry for more than 100 years.
Southern States manufactures one of the broadest array of group operated air break disconnect switches of any supplier in North America.
You can find these group operated disconnect switches utilized in substations and transmission line applications throughout the world, delivering energy reliably, safely and efficiently. You would expect no less from Southern States, which has set the standard for performance, quality and innovation in the power switching industry for more than 100 years.
Disconnect Switch Overview
Group operated disconnect switches are mechanical devices that conduct current and provide a point of circuit isolation for breakers, circuit switchers, transformers, capacitor banks, reactors, voltage regulators, reclosers and line sections. This allows utility crews to visibly confirm an open-air gap exists, allowing them to safely perform routine or emergency maintenance as needed. Almost every piece of equipment in a substation requires a means of isolation from other energized equipment.
Disconnect switches consist of aluminum or copper live parts, located above the insulators, that include a jaw, blade, and hinge. Current transfers between these components through a shunt, contact fingers, threads, or a combination of these. Insulators, which are constructed from porcelain, composite material, or a hybrid containing both are also a critical component of the switch. They can have different mechanical strengths, creepage distances via differing shed patterns, or the addition of a conducting glaze. A third critical component of the disconnect switch is the base, which can be supplied as a single-channel, double-channel or tubular design where bearings and other operational components may be housed.
Disconnect Switch Overview
Group operated disconnect switches are mechanical devices that conduct current and provide a point of circuit isolation for breakers, circuit switchers, transformers, capacitor banks, reactors, voltage regulators, reclosers and line sections. This allows utility crews to visibly confirm an open-air gap exists, allowing them to safely perform routine or emergency maintenance as needed. Almost every piece of equipment in a substation requires a means of isolation from other energized equipment.
Disconnect switches consist of aluminum or copper live parts, located above the insulators, that include a jaw, blade, and hinge. Current transfers between these components through a shunt, contact fingers, threads, or a combination of these. Insulators, which are constructed from porcelain, composite material, or a hybrid containing both are also a critical component of the switch. They can have different mechanical strengths, creepage distances via differing shed patterns, or the addition of a conducting glaze. A third critical component of the disconnect switch is the base, which can be supplied as a single-channel, double-channel or tubular design where bearings and other operational components may be housed.
Group Operated Switch Designs
Southern States’ switches are available from 8.25kV through 1100kV, with continuous current ratings of 600 through 6500 amperes.
Our switches can be typically classified into one of five design categories: Vertical Break Switches, Center Break Switches, Double End Break Switches, Side Break Switches or Hookstick Switches. For vertical reach and pantograph switches, please contact SSLLC or your local sales representative.
Vertical Break Switches
- Most widely used & versatile design
- Installed on minimum phase spacing
- Excellent for use with all interrupting attachments
- Ideal for seismic and high vault current locations
- Ideal for environments prone to ice
- Require nine insulators per three-phase switch
Center Break Switches
- Widely used as breaker disconnects due to low-profile nature
- Available in standard and “vee” configurations
- Require six insulators per three-phase switch
- Can be supplied with a low-duty whip
Double End Break Switches
- Highly versatile design
- Installed on minimum phase spacing
- Available in standard or “vee” configurations
- Optimal in high fault current locations
- Ideal for environments prone to ice
- Require nine insulators per three-phase switch
Side Break Switches
- Simple design
- Minimal number of parts
- Easy adjustments
- Suitable for horizontal upright, vertical, or underhung mounting
- Available in copper or aluminum live part construction
- Require six insulators per three-phase switch
Hookstick Switches
- Safe, low-effort opening and closing
- Designed to either 30° or ANSI temperature rise standards
- Hard-drawn bus copper blades and positive latching operation
Considerations When Selecting a Group Operated Air Break Switch
When choosing a Gang Operated Air Break, or GOAB, switch provider, customers should make some critical considerations prior to selecting a supplier:
• Contact material that offers optimal current transfer
• Hardened, robust designs that can increase equipment lifespan, reducing long term maintenance and replacement costs.
• Design flexibility based on application specifications
• 24/7 Parts & Service support
Switch Accessories & Attachments
Southern States offers a range of group operated switch accessories and attachments. These include, but are not limited to:
- Standard Arcing Horn: With no loop splitting or load break capability and limited line dropping capability, standard arcing horns are frequently used on switches to minimize main contacts’ wear.
- Quick Break Whip: Quick break whips increase the line-dropping capability of a disconnect by increasing contact separation speed during the opening of a switch.
- High Speed Whip: A high speed whip is used to interrupt transformer magnetizing and line charging current.
- LLS® SF6 Interrupter: Our LLS® single gap family of full load break interrupter attachments offers extraordinary flexibility when switching transmission, sub-transmission or distribution lines.
- Magnetic Actuated Close Indicator (MACI®) attachment: Southern States’ MACI® attachment offers magnetic technology to provide highly visible and foolproof indication of a proper switch closure.
For additional accessory and attachment information, contact Southern States.
Manual & Motor Operators
Manual High Output Gear Operator (HOGO)
Existing gear operators have been designed with the highest efficiency in mind, requiring minimal effort in operating a switch. This allows the possibility of a heavy switch to back-drive the gear operator, causing injury to people in close proximity of an out-of-control handle. For Southern States, safety is a top priority; that’s why we have redesigned, tested, and manufactured the High Output Gear Operator (HOGO), an innovative gear operator that performs a self-locking action in order to prevent back- driving of the handle.
VM-1 Motor Operator
The Southern States VM-1 is a high output constant motor operator that can perform automated switching from either a control center or substation. Its rugged and versatile design with over 30 years of proven operational record has made it a widely accepted solution for substation applications.This same design is also available outside the fence for transmission applications and can accommodate all application and communication packages for rural switching. Capabilities include extensive SCADA communications, decoupler guard cabinets, secondary auxiliary cabinets, added space for communication heavy packages utilizing relays, cell modems, RTUs, and more!
VM-1SE Motor Operator
The VM-1SE is the stored energy version of Southern States market leading VM-1 motor operator. Both the VM-1 and the VM-1SE share the same time-proven components, but the VM1-SE also includes a 120 VAC to 24 VDC or a 240 VAC to 24 VDC trickle charger, either of which supplies the input to the 24 VDC battery system contained in its own integral cabinet attached to the bottom of the main motor operator cabinet.
Auxiliary Switches
Auxiliary switches allow you to remotely determine whether a ground or transmission line switching device is in the open or closed position. They can also be used as part of a safety interlock scheme.
Southern States’ standard auxiliary switch, the AVS-1, features a simple linear circuitry, and with a removable cover, it is simple to install, access and adjust. Constructed mostly of cast aluminum, this device is durable and virtually maintenance-free. The AV-1 model is designed for special applications. It operates off the vertical pipe directly through gear segments. Other than this difference, it offers the same features as the AVS-1 model.
Features of the AVS-1 and AV-1 include:
• Infinitely adjustable cams (made quickly with an included Bristol spline wrench)
• Visible make and break points eliminate the need for test lamps
• Double-break action allows for higher interrupting capacities
• Long leakage paths reduce the possibility of false indications or malfunctions
• Available in sizes from two to 18 poles
• Accessories include electrical and key interlocks, heaters and thermostats
Featured Ground Switches
Southern States also offers Ground Switches that can be utilized in single pole or group operated applications to provide grounding for inspection, maintenance, repair or replacement of other substation equipment. Additional designs are available beyond those highlighted below.
TV-70 Grounding Switch
Southern States Type TV-70 grounding switch offers an economical, versatile, and maintenance-free solution for outdoor, substation class applications. Typically, a conventional push-pull or torsional operating pipe system allows the switch to be opened or closed with either a manual or motor drive. Maximum voltage ratings are 123 kV to 800 kV.
ESD-63 Grounding Switch
Southern States type ESD-63 grounding switch offers an economical, versatile and maintenance-free design for use on substation class, outdoor air disconnect switches. Available in group operated and stand alone configurations, its unique design requires minimal operating effort while also ensuring maximum fault withstand capabilities. Maximum voltage ratings are 72.5 kV – 245 kV.
Disconnect Switch Installation & Training Services
The expert engineers and factory-trained technicians in Southern States’ Service Division are ready to support your organization with our wide range of comprehensive and full-service installation and training services.
Our on-site services include installation, adjustment, commissioning, inspection and maintenance supervision or assistance as well as preventive or corrective maintenance supervision or assistance. Southern States offers training classes in installation, adjustment, commissioning, inspection and maintenance. We also offer turnkey solutions to meet our customers at every step of the ownership process, from initial installation to necessary maintenance actions.
Southern States’ equipment upgrades and retrofits offer opportunities for your business to elevate and/or extend the life of existing equipment. We can engineer a customized solution for your upgrade and retrofit needs that will provide considerable cost savings compared with completely replacing equipment. As part of our team’s services, we are able to offer project management; on-site installation, adjustment or commissioning assistance; and turnkey installation.
It’s important for your business to know that your team can rely on Southern States at critical times. We offer 24/7 call support for any switch related issue or emergency (770-946-4565).
Related Videos
MACI®
Resources
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Vertical Break Switches
Hookstick Switches
Switch Interrupters
Center Break Switches
Ground Switches
Auxiliary Switches
Double End Break Switches
Operators
Transmission Switching
Side Break Switches
