Reconnector

A reconnector is an electrical circuit switch equipped with a mechanism which automatically closes the circuit after it has been opened by a failure.

Reconnectors are used in coordinated protection systems for circuits distributed by aerial lines. These circuits can encounter transitory failures mainly caused by nearby lightning strikes, tree branches which have been displaced by the wind and animals climbing up pylons. With a conventional circuit switch or a fuse, a transitory failure opens the switch or melts the fuse, putting the line out of service until maintenance personnel can manually close the switch or replace the fuse. In contrast, a reconnector will make various pre-programmed attempts to re-energize the line. If the transitory failure has passed, the reconnector will remain closed, re-establishing the service. If the failure is permanent, caused by fallen branches on the cables for instance, the reconnector will cease its pre-programmed attempts at re-establishing the line and will remain open until it is manually instructed to try again.

Reconnectors exist for both AC and DC circuits, with switches insulated by oil or vacuum. They are manufactured in operating ranges from 40 amps at 2,400 volts up to 1,200 amps at 35,000 volts.