Breaker Reclosing

BE1-BPR relays can be configured as multiple shot reclosing relays that operate in

parallel and independently from the breaker failure function.

Three major factors should be considered when establishing a reclosing philosophy.

• Desired number or reclosure attempts.

• Time delay between breaker opening and reclosure.

• Supervisory control.

The first major factor is the desired number of reclosure attempts. Where most

faults are attributable to heavy tree exposure, as in distribution networks, multiple

reclosure attempts are common. This is possible because of low voltage levels and

is desirable considering customer inconvenience during outages. BE1-BPR relays

are programmable for up to three reclosure attempts per sequence. This allows

tailoring of the reclosing sequence to the specific needs of the circuit.

The second major factor is the time delay between breaker opening and reclosure.

On sub-transmission and distribution networks, it is necessary to ensure that motors

are no longer running and that local generation is off-line prior to attempting reclosure.

At the same time, a rapid reclosure minimizes damage, ionization, and system shock

in transmission networks. After the first reclosure attempt, additional attempts are

generally delayed to allow for de-ionization of the interrupter. BE1-BPR relays have

three reclosing shots and each shot has a programmable time delay. 

Three outputs are available. They are CLOSE, RECLOSE FAIL, and LOCKOUT.

A third major factor to be considered in reclosing is supervisory control. Supervisory

control allows the operator to maintain control of the system at all times. BE1-BPR

relays have two supervisory inputs (WAIT and LOCKOUT). WAIT stops the reclose

sequence at any point and allows the sequence to continue when the WAIT input is

removed. LOCKOUT drives the reclose function immediately to lockout status and

takes precedence over all other inputs.