SELECTION AND APPLICATION OF GROUP OPERATED

DISCONNECT SWITCHES
David Childress, Marketing Manager-Power Switching Division
Southern States, LLC
30 Georgia Avenue
Hampton, GA 30228
phone: 770-946-4562, ext. 139
fax: 770-946-8106
e-mail: d.childress@southernstatesLLC.com
website: www.southernstatesLLC.com
AbstractGroup operated air disconnect switches are used in all types of substationsdistribution,
subtransmission, transmission, and extra high voltage (EHV). The correct selection of the type of group
operated disconnect switch for a given application is key to the proper and desired performance of the
installation, as disconnect switches are the substation component that isolates other pieces of substation
equipment (such as circuit breakers, power transformers, etc.) when they need periodic, preventative, or
emergency maintenance. This paper covers all of the types of group operated disconnect switches
commonly used in the United States and Canada today, the various criteria which affect the selection of a
specific type for a given installation, and the standards which govern these products.
I. DEFINITION, FUNCTIONS, AND OBSERVATIONS
Substation class group operated air disconnect switches can be defined quite simply as mechanical
devices which conduct electrical current and provide an open point in a circuit for isolation of one of the
following devices: circuit breaker, circuit switcher, power transformer, capacitor bank, reactor, or other.
The three most important functions that disconnect switches must perform are: (1) to open and close
reliably when called upon to do so, (2) to carry current continuously without overheating, and (3) to
remain in the closed position under fault current conditions. The first important function listed above is
taken for granted by some purchasers who deem that all disconnect switch types and their corresponding
manufacturers are equal, thus reducing switches to a commodity item. In truth and point of logical fact,
disconnect switches are the least commodity item of any substation, as they isolate the equipment which
can be taken out of service when the equipment being isolated has a problem. The disconnect switch
itself, if it has a problem, is very difficult to isolate from the system. This point has, in recent years, been
erroneously overlooked by some key decision makers; making the selection of the correct disconnect
switch for a given application a choice which should not be made before the decision maker is well
informed about all of their options.
II. STANDARDS WHICH GOVERN DISCONNECT SWITCHES
Disconnect switches are governed by four key organizationsNEMA (National Electrical
Manufacturers Association), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), IEEE (Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers), and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). Today each governs
some specific aspects of disconnect switch design. NEMA governs wind loading design requirements
and up until around 1971 also governed temperature rise and short circuit withstand requirements.
Around 1971 ANSI/IEEE took over as the governing standard for temperature rise and short circuit
withstand requirements. ANSI/IEEE also governs terminal pad loading requirements, altitude derating
factors, seismic performance criteria, and switch overload capabilities. IEC governs all pertinent switch
design criteria for switches manufactured outside the United States and Canada.

III. COMPARISON OF GOVERNING STANDARDS AND OBSERVATIONS

Although there are other differences between the various standards, their most significant differences
as they relate to disconnect switches are their allowable temperature rise value and their required duration
of short circuit withstand. NEMA standards allow only a 30 degrees C temperature rise; ANSI/IEEE
standards allow a 53 degrees C temperature rise; and IEC standards allow a 65 degrees C temperature
rise. NEMA standards require a 4 second short circuit withstand; ANSI/IEEE standards require a 3
second short circuit withstand; and IEC standards require only a 1 second short circuit withstand. For
ease of comparison, these values are tabulated below.
Table 1
Comparison of NEMA, ANSI/IEEE, & IEC Standards for Group Operated Disconnect Switches
Allowable Temperature Rise
Required Duration of Short
Circuit Withstand
NEMA
30 degrees C
4 seconds
ANSI/IEEE
53 degrees C
3 seconds
IEC
65 degrees C
1 second
NEMA rated disconnect switches are the most robustly designed but are pricey when compared to
ANSI/IEEE rated switches in most cases and are always very pricey when compared to IEC rated
switches. For the criteria defined in the above table, if the disconnect switch can meet the NEMA
requirements it can always meet the ANSI/IEEE and IEC requirements. Further, if the disconnect switch
can meet the ANSI/IEEE requirements it can always meet the IEC requirements but cannot meet the
NEMA requirements. IEC requirements are very marginal and thus the disconnect switches which meet
only the IEC requirements are ill-suited for application in the Canadian and U.S. marketplaces which
have high load currents, high fault currents, and highly developed electrical system networks. Disconnect
switches designed to IEC requirements are best suited to countries which have light load currents, which
have small fault currents, and which do not wish to have or do not require the same margin of safety
desired and required in the U.S. and Canadian electric power grids.
IV. TYPES OF GROUP OPERATED DISCONNECT SWITCHES
There are six principal types of group operated disconnect switches used in the U.S. and Canadian
electric power systems: vertical break, double end break, double end break Vee, center break, center
break Vee, and single side break. Each of these has specific ratings, features, and characteristics which
define the types of applications they are best suited for.
IV.A. VERTICAL BREAK DISCONNECT SWITCHES
Vertical break disconnect switches (See Figures 1 and 2.) are the most widely used group operated
switch design. They are also the most versatile design, being easily adaptable for use with load
interrupters, ground switches, and other accessory components. Vertical break switches can be
installed on minimum phase spacing since their disconnect switch blades open upward rather than
outward to the side. Due to their rotating blade design which pivots about its long axis, vertical break
switches are excellent for application in environments which can experience large amounts of ice
formation and are also excellent for installations which have large amounts of fault current due to
their reverse loop contact design. The reverse loop contact design produces opposing magnetic fields
in close proximity to each other, squeezing the disconnect blade in place in the closed position and
holding it closed (See Figure 3.) so that the protective device (typically a circuit breaker or a circuit

switcher) can clear the system fault. Vertical break switches encompass a ratings range of 15.5 kV
through 800 kV; 600 Amps through 6500 Amps.

Figure 1
A Horizontal Upright Mounted Vertical Break
Switch

Figure 2
A Vertically Mounted Vertical Break Switch

Figure 3
Reverse Loop Contact Design
IV.B. DOUBLE END BREAK SWITCHES
Double end break switches (See Figures 4 and 5.) can be installed on minimal phase spacing, the
same phase spacing that vertical break switches can be installed on; as the double end break switchs
disconnect blades, when in the open position, are disconnected from both the source and the load. In
the open position the blade is not complete de-energized, but instead is at a floating potential of about
30% of system voltage. An advantage that double end break switches enjoy over vertical break
switches is that they can be installed in locations which have minimal overhead clearance as the
blades swing open to the side rather than lifting upward. An additional advantage that double end
break switches enjoy over vertical break switches is that they do not require their blades to be
counterbalanced as the blades are not lifted. (Vertical break switches typically require their blades to
be counterbalanced at 69 kV and above.) Double end break switches are excellent for applications in
environments which can experience large amounts of ice formation and are also excellent for
installations which have large amounts of fault current due to their reverse loop contact design. In
fact, double end break switches are even better performers in icy environments than vertical break
switches are as the orientation of the jaw assembly of a double end break switch (a C configuration
rather than the vertical break switchs U configuration) reduces the amount of ice accumulation

occurring in the jaw assembly area. Ice is inherently weak in shear but very strong in compression,
making it much easier for any type of group operated disconnect switch to open under accumulated
ice than to close into accumulated ice. Perhaps the second most overlooked performance
characteristic of the double end break switch (behind only the fact that it can be installed on vertical
break switch phase spacing) is that its design of two breaks per phase in series provides much greater
line charging or magnetizing current interrupting capability with standard arcing horns or with quick
break whip type arcing horns than does any single break type switch (Vertical break switches, center
break switches, center break Vee switches, and single side break switches are all single break per
phase type switches.). Double end break switches encompass a ratings range of 38 kV through 1100
kV; 1200 Amps through 4000 Amps.

Figure 4
A Horizontally Upright Mounted Double End
Break Switch In The Closed Position

Figure 5
A Horizontally Upright Mounted Double End
Break Switch In The Open Position

IV.C. DOUBLE END BREAK VEE SWITCHES

Double end break Vee switches (See Figures 6 and 7.) have all the same features and
characteristics that double end break switches have but offer one additional and, for some installation
situations, very key capabilitythe ability to not only fit on vertical break phase spacing but also to
be able to fit on center break Vee switch style structures (single horizontal member structure with
two or three vertical members [depending upon kV class]), producing the most compact disconnect
switch installation possible. This capability can be particularly desirable when trying to shoehorn in a
disconnect switch into an existing substation that was not originally designed to have one there, but
can also be very desirable for use in any location where the cost of land is significantly high. Double
end break Vee switches encompass a ratings range of 121 kV through 362 kV; 1200 Amps through
4000 Amps.

Figure 6
Figure 7
A Pair of Horizontally Upright Mounted Double End
A Horizontally Upright Mounted Double End
Break Vee Switches In The Closed Position Feeding
Break Vee Switch In The Open Position
A Circuit Breaker
IV.D. CENTER BREAK SWITCHES
Center break switches (See Figure 8.) can be installed with the same minimal overhead clearances
that double end break and double end break Vee switches can but need greater phase spacing than
vertical break, double end break, and double end break Vee switches as when center break switches
are in the open position one of the two disconnect blades per phase is still energized. An economic
advantage of center break switches is that they only require a total of six insulators per three phase
switch versus the nine required for vertical break switches, double end break switches, and double
end break Vee switches. Like the double end break and double end break Vee switches the
center break switch does not require a counterbalance for the blades as they swing out to the side
rather than having to be lifted. A seldom realized characteristic of the center break switch is that it is
the best available switch design for vertical mounting as its blades self-counterbalance each other on
opening and on closing via the synchronizing pipe linkage which connects the two rotating insulator
stacks on each phase. When a vertically mounted center break switch is opening the bottommost
blades weight tends to push open the uppermost blade, and when closing the uppermost blades
weight tends to pull closed the bottommost blade. Center break switches encompass a ratings range
of 15.5 kV through 362 kV; 600 Amps through 6000 Amps.

Figure 8
A Horizontal Upright Mounted Center Break Switch

IV.E. CENTER BREAK VEE SWITCHES

Center break Vee switches (See Figures 9 and 10.) have all the same features and characteristics
that center break switches have but with one additional, space saving featurethe ability to be
installed on single horizontal member; one, two, or three vertical member structures (depending upon
kV class), producing the second most compact disconnect switch installation possible (second only to
the double end break Vee switch). Center break Vee switches encompass a ratings range of 15.5
kV through 242 kV; 1200 Amps through 3000 Amps.

Figure 9
A Horizontal Upright Mounted Center Break
Vee Switch In The Open Position

Figure 10
A Horizontally Upright Mounted Center Break
Vee Switch In The Closed Position

IV.F. SINGLE SIDE BREAK SWITCHES

Single side break switches (See Figures 11 and 12.) can be installed with the same minimal
overhead clearances that double end break, double end break Vee, center break, and center break
Vee switches can but would need greater phase spacing than vertical break, double end break, and
double end break Vee switches if the hinge end is energized when the single side break switch is in
the open position as the disconnect blade would still be energized. The single side break switch
enjoys the same economic advantage that center break and center break Vee switches do, six
insulators versus the nine required for vertical break switches, double end break switches, and double
end break Vee switches. Also, like all of the switch types except for the vertical break, the single
side break switch does not require a counterbalance for the blades as they swing out to the side rather
than having to be lifted. Single side break switches encompass a ratings range of 15.5 kV through
72.5 kV; 600 Amps through 2000 Amps; and are the most economical switch design available for
15.5 kV, 1200 Amps through 72.5 kV, 1200 Amps requirements.

Figure 11
A Horizontally Upright Mounted Single Side Break Switch
Providing An Isolation Point On The Secondary Side Of A
Small Power Transformer At A Wind Farm Substation

Figure 12
A Vertically Mounted Single Side
Break Switch

V. ADDITIONAL GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR DISCONNECT SWITCH SELECTION AND

APPLICATION
Thus far we have dealt with the kinds of installations that best fit the characteristics of each type of
disconnect switch. At this time it is appropriate to address guidelines to prevent misapplication of certain
types of switches and their accessories. Following are some key points that the decision maker should be
aware of when designing an installation and when selecting the switch and its accessories for that
installation.
230 kV rated double end break, double end break Vee, and center break Vee switches should not
be installed in the vertical mounting position. 230 kV rated double end break and double end break
Vee switches should not be installed in the vertical mounting position due to the strong potential for
misalignment of the blades as a result of the blades weight and the weight of the 230 kV insulator that
each blade pivots upon creating an overturning moment load that the switchs rotating insulator stack
bearing cannot compensate for completely. 230 kV rated center break Vee switches have two rotating
insulator stack bearings per phase, each of which would have a significant overturning moment load
imposed on them as a result of the weight of the blades and the weight of the insulators, creating even
more potential for blade misalignment than on double end break and double end break Vee switches.
(The problems mentioned here associated with vertically mounting these switch types at 230 kV do not
manifest themselves at 161 kV and below.)
345 kV and higher kV rated switches of any type should not be vertically mounted as the weight of the
live parts (hinge assembly, blade assembly, jaw assembly) and the weight of the insulators produces far
too great an overturning moment load on the rotating insulator stack bearings to permit proper switch
alignment.
Manual operation of group operated disconnect switches via a swing handle operator should generally
be limited to applications of 69 kV and below, 1200 Amps and below. For manual operation of group
operated disconnect switches above 69 kV and/or above 1200 Amps continuous current, a manual gear
operator should generally be used. If desired, it is also possible to select a combination manual operator
which consists of a manual gear operator, a decoupler above the manual gear operator which allows the
manual gear operator to be disconnected from the vertical operating pipe, and a manual swing handle
operator above the decoupler. This combination manual operator is selected for applications where the

effort required to operate the switch justifies a manual gear operator but the switch may need to be closed
under iced conditions where speed on closing is essential to dislodge the accumulated ice. The required
speed on closing necessary to break accumulated ice is generally not achievable via a manual gear
operator but can be achieved using the manual swing handle operator while the manual gear operator is
decoupled from the vertical operating pipe. This combination manual operator (See Figure 13.) is
typically called a manual gear operator with auxiliary ice breaking swing handle and decoupler.

Auxiliary Ice
Breaking Swing
Handle Would
Be Inserted Into
This Sleeve

Figure 13
Manual Gear Operator With Auxiliary Ice Breaking Swing Handle And Decoupler
(Swing Handle Not Current Installed Since Gear Operator Is Currently Coupled)
Manual gear operators should generally not be installed on single side break switches as these switches
are required to slam-seat the blade into the jaw contact to achieve full blade/contact engagement. Manual
gear operators, as previously mentioned, do not generate enough speed to slam-seat the blade into the jaw
contact.
For group operated switches requiring motor operators, the higher the kV rating of the switch the
slower the motor operator needs to operate. For example, a 4 second operating time motor operator is
well suited for use on a 115 kV switch but is far too fast for operation of a 345 kV switch. Higher kV
rated switches require slower operating time motor operators to maintain full control of the switch blades
during the entire operational travel.
The installation of a group operated switch should allow for 180 degrees of operating travel of the
outboard bearing as the switch goes from full open to full closed and vice versa with an additional 5
degrees of overtoggle at the end of the opening and at the end of the closing operations (for 190 degrees
of total travel). The 180 degrees of operational travel provides for a much better mechanical advantage
on the switch than does any set up which has less than 180 degrees of operational travel, resulting in less
effort being required to operate the switch.
Quick break whip type arcing horns should not be installed on 230 kV switches due to the strong
possibility of the whips generating corona (either visible and/or audible). [Quick break whip type arcing
horns do not generally exhibit any corona problems at 161 kV and below.]

Group operated switches which are required to interrupt charging current or magnetizing current using
arcing horns (either standard arcing horns or quick break whip type arcing horns) should not be installed
in the underhung mounting position as any arc drawn as a result of interrupting charging current or
magnetizing current in air will travel upward as the air becomes superheated. This upward arc travel
could track across the switchs insulators since the insulators are above the live parts on an underhung
mounted switch.
All group operated switches equipped with group operated ground switches should have the switch
vertical pipe and the ground switch vertical pipe interlocked in some fashion; using either a mechanical
cam-action interlock, a pair of key interlocks, or some other type of interlocking scheme; to prevent the
possibility of closing the switch when the ground switch is closed and to prevent the possibility of closing
the ground switch when the switch is closed. If the switch and its integral ground switch are both
manually operated then the interlocking scheme need only be able to prevent manual closing of one when
the other is closed; but if either the switch, the ground switch, or both are motor operated then the
interlocking becomes more complex. If the switch is motor operated and the ground switch is manually
operated then the switch must be blocked via interlocking from being closed either manually or
electrically if the ground switch is closed. If the switch is motor operated and the ground switch is motor
operated then each must be blocked via interlocking from being closed either manually or electrically if
the other is closed.
In some instances where switches are required to be installed in contaminated environments (salt spray,
cement dust, etc.) there is a tendency on the part of the purchaser to want to use a higher kV rated
insulator on the switch (for example, a 54 inch tall 138 kV rated insulator on a 115 kV rated switch
designed for a 45 inch tall insulator) to increase the insulators creepage distance to compensate for the
degradation of the line-to-ground insulation as a result of the contaminated environment. If this is done
then the inherent coordination of having a greater open gap distance on the switch than its phase-toground distance could be defeated completely and, at a minimum, will be marginalized. The potential
consequences of this are dire, as if the open gap dimension of the switch is less than the phase-to-ground
distance then a flashover, if one occurred, would take the shortest distance, jumping the open gap of the
switch rather than going phase-to-ground. An open gap flashover with personnel working on the piece of
substation equipment that the switch is supposed to be isolating could result in personnel injury or death.
To avoid this it is necessary to re-establish the inherent coordination of the open gap distance and the
phase-to-ground distance. This is accomplished via the use of spill gaps (also known as rod gaps, arc
gaps, and spark gaps). Spill gaps are bolted on either below the bottom of the insulator, above the top of
the insulator, or both below the bottom of the insulator and above the top of the insulator; and they make
the insulator look electrically the same height that it would otherwise look electrically if it were furnished
with the correct height insulator for that kV rating. A better solution to handle contaminated
environments that does not produce this hazard to personnel and which does not require spill gaps to be
used is to choose resistance glazed insulators. These insulators have a semi-conductive coating baked
into them during the firing process of making the insulators. This semi-conductive coating creates a small
leaking current across the insulator, heating the insulator and preventing moisture from accumulating on
it. If moisture were to accumulate on the insulator the airborne contaminants would be even more likely
to deposit onto the insulator, creating a greater potential for flashovers.
VI. SUMMARY
The chart below summarizes information previously outlined in text form regarding the various features
and characteristics of the group operated disconnect switches covered in this paper.

Table 2
Summary of Features & Characteristics of Group Operated Disconnect Switches
Vertical Break

Double End
Break

Double End
Break Vee

Installable on
minimal phase
spacing
Installable with
minimal
overhead
clearance
Excellent
choice for icy
environments
Excellent
choice for sites
having high
fault currents
Number of
breaks per
phase
Number of
insulators
Does not
require a
counterbalance
Excellent at
minimizing
structure cost
and land space
consumed

Center Break

Center Break
Vee

Single Side
Break

VII. CONCLUSION
The selection of the proper group operated disconnect switch is key to the success of any substations
long term reliable performance. Many different types are available to meet the varied needs of each
specific installation. Considerable care should be taken when choosing a group operated disconnect
switch to meet a given installations needs. If the decision maker is uncertain about which offering best
meets their required criteria for a specific installation then it is highly recommended that the switch
manufacturer be consulted for guidance as both the purchaser and the seller have a strongly vested interest
in assuring that the chosen product completely meets the requirements and expectations of the
installation; providing the desired long, trouble-free operational life needed from all disconnect switches.
VIII. BIOGRAPHY
David Childress received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Mississippi State
University in 1991. He joined Siemens Energy & Automation in 1991 as an application engineer
responsible for circuit switchers and disconnect switches and later joined Southern States in 1997 holding
positions of regional manager, international sales manager, and product manager. He is presently the
marketing manager of Southern States Power Switching Division responsible for all Southern States SF6
products including circuit switchers, load and line switchers, and capacitor switchers. He is a member of
IEEE; a multi-published technical paper author; an author of over 100 catalog flyers, catalog bulletins,
and other technical/product related documents; and has recently co-authored a chapter for Electric Power
Substations Engineering Book-Second Edition entitled High Voltage Switching Equipment.