Engineered to brave the elements. Featuring UV-resistant silicone rubber insulators, stainless steel enclosures, and smart grid SCADA readiness for reliable overhead line sectioning.
An Outdoor Load Break Switch (LBS) is a robust switching device installed on utility poles in overhead distribution networks. Its primary function is to manually or automatically disconnect specific sections of the grid while carrying normal load currents, isolating faults, and enabling safe line maintenance.
To survive harsh outdoor conditions, these switches are built with hydrophobic silicone rubber insulators (to prevent tracking in heavy pollution), sealed stainless steel or epoxy enclosures, and high-performance vacuum or SF6 arc-quenching chambers. They are frequently paired with RTU/FTU control cabinets for smart grid automation.
The external insulators are made from premium highly hydrophobic silicone rubber. This prevents water film formation, drastically reducing the risk of flashovers in heavily polluted or coastal environments.
Utilizing vacuum interrupters housed inside solid epoxy poles or sealed tanks. This provides exceptional breaking capacity, zero fire risk, and a maintenance-free lifespan of up to 10,000 operations.
The core operating mechanism is completely enclosed in a rust-proof, IP65-rated stainless steel box, protecting the gears and springs from dust, rain, ice, and insect ingress.
Equipped with reliable motor drives (24VDC/48VDC) allowing control room operators to open or close the switch remotely, minimizing outage times.
Seamlessly connects with Feeder Terminal Units (FTU). Supports DNP3, IEC 60870-5-101/104, and Modbus protocols for SCADA communication.
Integrated CTs and capacitive voltage sensors provide real-time line data directly to the control cabinet without needing separate instrument transformers.
| Parameter | Unit | 12kV Outdoor Series | 24kV Outdoor Series | 36kV / 40.5kV Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rated Voltage | kV | 12 | 24 | 40.5 |
| Rated Current | A | 630 | 630 | 630 |
| Lightning Impulse (BIL) - To Earth | kV | 75 | 125 | 185 |
| Lightning Impulse (BIL) - Across Gap | kV | 85 | 145 | 215 |
| Short-Time Withstand Current (3s) | kA | 20 / 25 | 20 | 20 |
| Rated Short-Circuit Making Current | kA | 50 / 63 | 50 | 50 |
| Creepage Distance (Min) | mm/kV | ≥ 25 (Suitable for Heavy Pollution) / ≥ 31.5 available | ||
| Degree of Protection | IP | IP65 (Enclosure & Mechanism) | ||
If you only require basic manual operation via an insulated hook stick, a control cabinet is not necessary. However, if you want remote motorized operation, SCADA integration, or automated fault isolation, you will need to pair the switch with our dedicated RTU/FTU control cabinet, connected via a heavy-duty aviation cable.
Vacuum LBS uses vacuum interrupters for arc quenching and is environmentally friendly (SF6-free), but usually features exposed external isolators. SF6 LBS encapsulates all contacts inside a sealed gas tank, offering extreme compactness, excellent resistance to corrosive coastal air, and a completely enclosed visible break window.
We supply a complete set of hot-dip galvanized mounting brackets designed to strap directly onto standard concrete or wooden utility poles. The brackets allow for horizontal or vertical mounting depending on your overhead line configuration.
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