An aging infrastructure, load growth, system capacity and an increase in renewable generation has fueled the growth of electric transmission line projects. This growth, along with a desire for higher reliability, has driven the need for more transmission line switches. Transmission line switches offer significant advantages for system operators, providing the ability to remotely isolate a faulted section of the line, reconfigure power flow and minimize the outage impact for its customers.
Although infrequently used, it is still critical that transmission line switches perform as designed when they are called upon to operate. Failure to do so can result in extensive customer outages, lost revenues as well as repair costs that can have significant financial impact for the utility.
Southern States supplies an array of traditional and innovative transmission line switching solutions along with many accessories that can minimize installation time and cost, maximize life of the switch, ensure proper adjustment and closure of the switch as well as offer interrupting capability. These switches include side-break and unitized configurations as well as integrated solutions such as “Substation in the Sky.”
ES-1 One Way & Multi-Way Switches
Southern States offers transmission disconnect switch solutions that are designed for ease of transport, installation and operation.
Our ES-1 family of side break, phase-over-phase transmission switches offer superior reliability and are available in one-way, two-way and three-way configurations. Its patented collapsible frame assembly, non-rotational blade and proven contact geometry can help utilities reduce their average installation times by up to 50 percent and eliminate the need for frequent adjustment over the life of the switch.
ES-1 pole-mounted transmission line switches are utilized by utilities in restricted right-of-ways where a substation is too expensive or when transmission network sectionalizing or disconnecting is desired. Additional applications include bypassing, line dropping, cable dropping, magnetizing current interrupting, loop splitting as well as long line dropping. Built to last, these devices can maintain proper alignment even in adverse weather conditions such as strong winds or heavy ice.
ES-1 Family Features:
- Patented collapsible frame assembly
- Aluminum square blade construction
- Non-rotational blade that seats properly in jaw
- 4-hole, NEMA tin-plated copper terminal pads
- Silver-to-silver jaw contacts
- Maintenance-free bearings
- Single or double-channel base designs
- Shipped fully assembled on insulators
- Available with standard arcing horns, high-speed whips or an LLS® SF6 interrupter
ES-1 One Way & Multi-Way Switches
Southern States offers transmission disconnect switch solutions that are designed for ease of transport, installation and operation.
Our ES-1 family of side break, phase-over-phase transmission switches offer superior reliability and are available in one-way, two-way and three-way configurations. Its patented collapsible frame assembly, non-rotational blade and proven contact geometry can help utilities reduce their average installation times by up to 50 percent and eliminate the need for frequent adjustment over the life of the switch.
ES-1 pole-mounted transmission line switches are utilized by utilities in restricted right-of-ways where a substation is too expensive or when transmission network sectionalizing or disconnecting is desired. Additional applications include bypassing, line dropping, cable dropping, magnetizing current interrupting, loop splitting as well as long line dropping. Built to last, these devices can maintain proper alignment even in adverse weather conditions such as strong winds or heavy ice.
ES-1 Family Features:
- Patented collapsible frame assembly
- Aluminum square blade construction
- Non-rotational blade that seats properly in jaw
- 4-hole, NEMA tin-plated copper terminal pads
- Silver-to-silver jaw contacts
- Maintenance-free bearings
- Single or double-channel base designs
- Shipped fully assembled on insulators
- Available with standard arcing horns, high-speed whips or an LLS® SF6 interrupter
Unitized Switches
Southern States can customize any switch design to a customer’s mounting configuration requirements. Unitized switches, which can be supplied fully assembled and adjusted from the factory, offer reduced installation times, minimized phase spacing as well as simplified field assembly and adjustment. The EV-2, a vertical break disconnect switch design, and the EC-1V, a centerbreak vee switch design, have provided utilities with costs savings in numerous market applications.
Features include: horizontal or side-mount mounting options, configurations available for all switch types, easily accommodation for full load break interrupters and other accessories, three-sided NEMA terminal pads for easy conductor terminations, & pre-assembly which reduces installation time
Unitized Switches
Southern States can customize any switch design to a customer’s mounting configuration requirements. Unitized switches, which can be supplied fully assembled and adjusted from the factory, offer reduced installation times, minimized phase spacing as well as simplified field assembly and adjustment. The EV-2, a vertical break disconnect switch design, and the EC-1V, a centerbreak vee switch design, have provided utilities with costs savings in numerous market applications.
Features include: horizontal or side-mount mounting options, configurations available for all switch types, easily accommodation for full load break interrupters and other accessories, three-sided NEMA terminal pads for easy conductor terminations, & pre-assembly which reduces installation time
Switch Accessories & Attachments
For further value-adding benefits, Southern States also supplies a wide array of switch accessories and attachments to best suit each utility’s unique specifications.
Line & Load: LLS® Single-Gap Load Interrupter
The LLS family of products, a collection of load and line switchers are SF6 single-gap interrupting devices that offer extended life (2,000 vs. 50 load operations) as well as reduced complexion to traditional market offerings. Additionally, the LLS ships fully pressurized and factory high potential tested for expedited installation and no field testing required. The use of SF6 as the interrupting medium also allows for easy, visual verification of the dielectric withstand capability via the use of a color coded, temperature compensated pressure gauge.
Mounting options include: horizontal upright, vertical or phase-over-phase side-mounted vertical. The LLS Single-Gap Load Interrupter is compatible with Southern States’ ES-1 product family as well as other traditional air break disconnect switch offerings.
MACIⓇ Switch Attachment
The MACI (Magnetically Actuated Closed Indicator) utilizes a patented magnetic design to provide visual assurance of a switch closure. This protective device helps ground-level operators verify a transmission line switch is safe to energize, protecting the switch from burning up and potentially causing unnecessary outages as well as additional costs for the utility. The MACI is available for vertical break transmission switch or double-end break power line switches, 15 kV and above.
Features of the MACI switch attachment:
- Visible from 100 feet
- Reflective “closed” pattern for nighttime visibility
- Can be retrofitted to any vertical break switch
- No interference with transmission line switch operation, even in icy weather conditions
- Has a binary indicator
- False-positive is not possible
Switch Accessories & Attachments
For further value-adding benefits, Southern States also supplies a wide array of switch accessories and attachments to best suit each utility’s unique specifications.
Line & Load: LLS® Single-Gap Load Interrupter
The LLS family of products, a collection of load and line switchers are SF6 single-gap interrupting devices that offer extended life (2,000 vs. 50 load operations) as well as reduced complexion to traditional market offerings. Additionally, the LLS ships fully pressurized and factory high potential tested for expedited installation and no field testing required. The use of SF6 as the interrupting medium also allows for easy, visual verification of the dielectric withstand capability via the use of a color coded, temperature compensated pressure gauge.
Mounting options include: horizontal upright, vertical or phase-over-phase side-mounted vertical. The LLS Single-Gap Load Interrupter is compatible with Southern States’ ES-1 product family as well as other traditional air break disconnect switch offerings.
MACIⓇ Switch Attachment
The MACI (Magnetically Actuated Closed Indicator) utilizes a patented magnetic design to provide visual assurance of a switch closure. This protective device helps ground-level operators verify a transmission line switch is safe to energize, protecting the switch from burning up and potentially causing unnecessary outages as well as additional costs for the utility. The MACI is available for vertical break transmission switch or double-end break power line switches, 15 kV and above.
Features of the MACI switch attachment:
- Visible from 100 feet
- Reflective “closed” pattern for nighttime visibility
- Can be retrofitted to any vertical break switch
- No interference with transmission line switch operation, even in icy weather conditions
- Has a binary indicator
- False-positive is not possible
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
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
Integrated Solutions
Substation in the Sky
Southern States has more than a century of experience in engineering custom solutions to meet our customers’ unique transmission line switching application needs.
Substation in the Sky is a customized transmission line switching solution—with a wide range of options—that can address system protection, sectionalization and isolation needs. Based on a utility’s specifications, Southern States can install equipment that will allow you to monitor line voltage and current, communicate system information and switch transmission lines and taps. When space is at a premium and a utility is looking to minimize cost, this unique solution can offer significant footprint and financial savings compared with building a small substation.
Integrated Solutions
Substation in the Sky
Southern States has more than a century of experience in engineering custom solutions to meet our customers’ unique transmission line switching application needs.
Substation in the Sky is a customized transmission line switching solution—with a wide range of options—that can address system protection, sectionalization and isolation needs. Based on a utility’s specifications, Southern States can install equipment that will allow you to monitor line voltage and current, communicate system information and switch transmission lines and taps. When space is at a premium and a utility is looking to minimize cost, this unique solution can offer significant footprint and financial savings compared with building a small substation.
Installation & Training Support
Southern States’ Service Division is home to expert engineers and factory-trained technicians who are ready to help you with their suite of installation services. Among our on-site service offerings, you’ll find turnkey or factory-supervised transmission and substation equipment installation, equipment retrofits and replacements, inspections and preventative maintenance, thermographic imaging, and testing and leak-detection services for gas-filled equipment.
We’re committed to providing our installation and maintenance services on time and within budget—and done right the first time. You can also rely on Southern States in times of critical need: We offer 24/7 call support for switch issues as well as guaranteed 10-hour response time for emergency calls.
In addition to installation services, we also provide our clients with packaged or customized training sessions and support. We offer classroom style and hands-on on-site training options to fit your needs whether you need to train your operations and maintenance team on new equipment or wish to optimize employee proficiency and efficiency on existing systems.
Installation & Training Support
Southern States’ Service Division is home to expert engineers and factory-trained technicians who are ready to help you with their suite of installation services. Among our on-site service offerings, you’ll find turnkey or factory-supervised transmission and substation equipment installation, equipment retrofits and replacements, inspections and preventative maintenance, thermographic imaging, and testing and leak-detection services for gas-filled equipment.
We’re committed to providing our installation and maintenance services on time and within budget—and done right the first time. You can also rely on Southern States in times of critical need: We offer 24/7 call support for switch issues as well as guaranteed 10-hour response time for emergency calls.
In addition to installation services, we also provide our clients with packaged or customized training sessions and support. We offer classroom style and hands-on on-site training options to fit your needs whether you need to train your operations and maintenance team on new equipment or wish to optimize employee proficiency and efficiency on existing systems.
Related Videos
ES-1
MACI®
Resources
- Transmission Division Catalog Bulletin
- ES-1 72.5kV-145kV Transmission Line Switch Catalog Flyer (Descargar versión en español)
- Tips for Choosing Transmission Switches
- LLS®-I 38kV-245kV Catalog Flyer
- SF6 Interrupter Technology (White Paper)
- MACI® Catalog Flyer
- HOGO (High Output Gear Operator) Catalog Flyer
- VM-1 Catalog Flyer
- VM-1 SE Catalog Flyer
- AV-1 & AVS-1 Catalog Bulletin
Related Products
ES-1
Auxiliary Switches
LLS®
MACI®
Auxiliary Switches
Operators
