Outdoor Disconnector
15 April, 2026
Designed for open-air substations and overhead distribution lines. Featuring hot-dip galvanized brackets and high-creepage insulators to provide a clear, reliable physical isolation gap even in freezing, windy, and heavily polluted environments.
An Outdoor Disconnector (Isolator) is a high-voltage mechanical switching device mounted on open-air substation structures or transmission towers. Its core function is to provide a visibly clear isolation gap after the circuit breaker has interrupted the load, completely isolating the line for maintenance and ensuring the absolute safety of personnel.
The classic GW4 series structure. Two insulating pillars rotate 90 degrees, and the conductive blades meet in the center to close or open. Simple and stable, it is the most widely used topology in MV and HV substations.
Like the GW5 series, the central insulating pillar rotates while the two end pillars remain fixed, forming two series insulation gaps when open. It offers high contact pressure and excellent wind/seismic resistance, ideal for Extra High Voltage (EHV) lines.
The blade folds vertically like scissors. This design significantly minimizes the horizontal footprint of the substation, making it perfect for space-constrained modern city substations or upgrade projects.
The contacts and linkages are mechanically optimized. Even with ice coatings up to 10mm-20mm thick, the operating mechanism delivers sufficient torque to shatter the ice and complete the opening/closing cycle.
Once the breaker is open, the operator manually rotates the disconnector blades, creating a safe, highly visible isolation gap.
The steel base channels, transmission shafts, and mounting flanges undergo comprehensive hot-dip galvanization. The standard zinc thickness guarantees zero rust during long-term exposure, preserving structural integrity.
| Parameter | Unit | 12kV Outdoor Series | 24kV / 36kV Outdoor Series | 72.5kV - 145kV Substation Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rated Voltage | kV | 12 | 24 / 40.5 | 72.5 / 126 / 145 |
| Rated Current | A | 400 / 630 / 1250 | 630 / 1250 / 2000 | 1250 / 2000 / 3150 |
| Lightning Impulse (BIL) | kV | 75 (To Earth) / 85 (Across Gap) | 125 / 145 | 550 / 630 |
| Short-Time Withstand Current (3s) | kA | 20 / 25 | 20 / 25 / 31.5 | 31.5 / 40 |
| Min. Creepage Distance | mm/kV | ≥ 25 (Standard Level III) / ≥ 31.5 (Heavy Pollution Level IV) | ||
| Ice Coating Thickness | mm | 10 mm / 20 mm | ||
| Operating Mechanism | - | Manual (CS Type) / Motorized (CJ Type) | ||
Outdoor disconnectors offer flexible earthing switch configurations. Depending on your line requirements, you can select no earthing, single earthing (left or right side), or double earthing. When equipped, the device includes strict mechanical interlocks: the earth switch cannot close when the main switch is closed, and vice versa.
Porcelain insulators offer extremely high mechanical strength and lifespan, making them the traditional substation standard, though they are heavy. Composite silicone rubber insulators are lightweight and easy to install. Most importantly, their excellent "hydrophobicity" provides vastly superior anti-flashover performance in rainy, foggy, dusty, or coastal salt-spray environments compared to porcelain.
Yes. The standard configuration typically uses a CS-type manual operating mechanism box at the base. If the substation requires SCADA integration, we can upgrade it to a CJ-type Motorized Mechanism. This includes a motor, limit switches, and secondary control circuits, enabling remote operation from the control room while retaining a manual emergency handle.
Submit your requirements on a business day, and our engineers will provide an initial OEM proposal within 24 hours.
We supply complete medium & high voltage solutions, including:
• Air Insulation Series
• Gas Insulation Series
• Switching Devices
• Instrument Transformers
