Eastland Switchgears Pvt. Ltd. (ESPL) manufactures the SDV Series Auto Recloser Circuit Breaker (ARCB) and Sectionalizers — solid-insulated outdoor vacuum protection devices rated up to 36kV. Designed for unmanned, harsh outdoor environments, the SDV Series is IEC 62271-111 compliant and SCADA-compatible, making it ideal for India’s utility distribution networks, rural electrification and smart grid programmes.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +91 84208 10036 | 📧 Email: info@esplindia.in
What is an Auto Recloser Circuit Breaker (ARCB)?
An Auto Recloser Circuit Breaker (ARCB) is a self-contained intelligent protection device used in medium-voltage overhead distribution networks. It senses overcurrents, interrupts fault currents, and automatically re-energizes the line after a pre-set dead time — without any manual intervention.
Research shows that 80–90% of faults on overhead distribution lines are transient — caused by lightning strikes, tree contact, bird contact or momentary surges. A conventional breaker trips and stays open until a field crew manually resets it, sometimes hours later. An auto recloser resolves the same fault in seconds using a configurable duty cycle:
O – DT1 – CO – DT2 – CO – DT3 – CO – DT4 – CO
Where O = Open/Trip, C = Close, DT = Dead Time
If the fault is permanent, the recloser enters lockout after the final closure attempt and remains open until manually reset by an operator. The maximum number of reclose attempts is 4, as governed by IEC 62271-111 and IEEE C37.60.
ESPL SDV Series — Standard Technical Specifications
The SDV Series is available in three voltage ratings to suit different distribution network requirements:
| Specification | SDV12 (11kV) | SDV27 (22kV) | SDV36 (33kV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated Maximum Voltage | 12kV | 27kV | 36kV |
| Power Frequency Withstand (60s) | 32kV rms | 60kV rms | 70kV rms |
| Lightning Impulse Withstand | 85kVp | 150kVp | 170kVp |
| Rated Continuous Current | 800A | 800A | 800A |
| Short Circuit Withstand (3s) | 12.5kA | 16.0kA | 16.0kA |
| Fault Breaking Capacity | 12.5kA | 16.0kA | 16.0kA |
| Fault Making Capacity | 31.25kA | 40.0kA | 40.0kA |
| Mechanical Endurance | 10,000 operations | 10,000 operations | 10,000 operations |
| Interrupting Medium | Vacuum | Vacuum | Vacuum |
| Insulation Medium | Solid Dielectric (HCEP) | Solid Dielectric (HCEP) | Solid Dielectric (HCEP) |
| Rated Frequency | 50 Hz | 50 Hz | 50 Hz |
| Ambient Temperature | -10°C to +55°C | -10°C to +55°C | -10°C to +55°C |
| Humidity | 0 to 100% | 0 to 100% | 0 to 100% |
| Altitude | 2200 m | 2200 m | 2200 m |
| Weight (Circuit Breaker) | 120 KG | 230 KG | 230 KG |
| Creepage Distance | >31.5mm/kV | >31.5mm/kV | >31.5mm/kV |
Higher ratings available on request. For altitude above 1000m, IEC 62271-111 correction shall be applied.
Standards Compliance
- IEC 62271-100 — Alternating Current Circuit Breakers
- IEC 62271-111 — Pole Mounted Outdoor Recloser
- IEC 60255 — Measuring Relays and Protective Equipment
- IEC 60044-7-8 — Electronic Current and Voltage Sensors
Key Design Features
Magnetic Actuators — 100,000 Operations, Zero Maintenance
The SDV uses advanced magnetic actuators that operate the circuit breaker using magnetic force — with no links, latches or lubrication required. This delivers 100,000 mechanical operations without any maintenance, fewer moving parts, faster close/open time and lower power consumption.
Vacuum Interruption Technology
Each pole is equipped with a vacuum interrupter using a proprietary casting technique that significantly enhances dielectric strength. This technology is highly effective for switching capacitive components, making the SDV ideal for overhead line and cable protection.
Hydrophobic Cycloaliphatic Epoxy (HCEP) Insulation
SDV poles are encased in HCEP — a hydrophobic insulation material proven to perform exceptionally well under humid tropical conditions. Each pole houses separate embedded current and voltage sensors, eliminating the need for conventional CTs and PTs.
Embedded Current and Voltage Sensors
Current Sensors replace traditional current transformers. They offer a broad current range within a single design, are iron-core free (no saturation even at 40× primary current), and are designed for both metering (class 0.2) and protection (5P40) applications.
Voltage Sensors replace conventional potential transformers, operating on a proven capacitive voltage divider principle with linear performance across a wide range of values.
SCADA-Compatible Control Cabinet
The IP65-rated Control Cabinet houses the Advanced Relay, Battery, Battery Charger, Breaker Control Unit and FRTU provisions. It supports:
- Communication interfaces: USB, RS-485, Ethernet, Fiber Optic, IRIG-B
- Protocols: IEC 60870-5-103, IEC 60870-5-104, MODBUS, DNP 3.0, IEC 61850
- Optional 4G Modem for remote areas
- Pole-mounted or pedestal-mounted installation
Protection Functions
The SDV provides a comprehensive multi-stage protection suite with up to 8 programmable protection groups:
- Over Current & Earth Fault — 4-stage, IEC & IEEE curves, DTL, user-programmable
- Sensitive Earth Fault (SEF) — for high-resistance grounded systems and generators
- Fault Locator — impedance-based, calculates distance to fault on long feeders
- Under/Over Voltage Protection — defend threshold above and below nominal voltage
- Negative Phase Sequence — detects low-level phase-to-phase faults
- Broken Conductor / Phase Unbalance — detects unbalanced three-phase conditions
- Thermal Overload Protection — for lines, cables and transformers
- Under/Over Frequency Protection
- Neutral Overvoltage — for high-impedance earthed systems
- Auto Reclose — up to 4 reclose attempts, configurable dead time and reclaim time
Principle of Operation — Auto Recloser
When a fault occurs on an overhead line, the auto recloser trips open. After a configurable dead time (DT1), it automatically closes to test whether the fault has cleared. If the fault is transient (temporary), power is restored immediately. If the fault persists, the recloser trips again and repeats the sequence up to 4 times before entering lockout.
Reclosers also play a critical role in self-healing smart grids — supporting cybersecurity, real-time monitoring, interoperability and demand response management.
Principle of Operation — Sectionalizer
A Sectionalizer is a load break switch installed downstream of a recloser or breaker on a feeder. Unlike traditional protection coordination, it operates on a counting principle — tracking the number of upstream reclosing attempts rather than interrupting fault current itself.
When the upstream device (recloser) opens, the Sectionalizer counts the operation. After a preset number of counts, the Sectionalizer opens to isolate the faulted section. The upstream recloser then recloses to restore power to the healthy sections of the feeder, while the faulted section remains isolated.
Installation Options
- Single Pole Arrangement — compact pole-mounted installation for 11kV overhead lines
- Double Pole Arrangement — for 33kV systems, control module enclosure mounted at 1200mm minimum from ground, recloser at 4000mm minimum height
- Substation Pedestal — for primary distribution substation installation
Optional Accessories
- Auxiliary Supply Transformer — pole-mounted, for remote or isolated locations
- 4G Modem — remote control where internet connectivity is poor
- Line Isolator — visual isolation on outgoing side for safe maintenance
- Surge Arrestors — protection against voltage spikes on incoming/outgoing side
- Incoming Voltage Sensors — tie-point monitoring on both sides
- FRTU — programmable controller for telecontrol and automation
Applications
- Utility overhead distribution feeders — 11kV and 33kV networks
- Rural electrification — automatic fault restoration without field crew
- Industrial substations — process-critical power continuity
- Smart grid and distribution automation — SCADA-integrated feeder management
- Renewable energy integration — protection coordination for solar and wind feeders
- Self-healing grid schemes
ARCB vs Conventional Circuit Breaker
| Feature | ESPL SDV Auto Recloser | Conventional Circuit Breaker |
|---|---|---|
| Fault restoration | Automatic — seconds | Manual reset — hours |
| Transient fault handling | Auto reclose up to 4 times | Remains open until reset |
| Maintenance | 100,000 ops — maintenance free | Periodic maintenance required |
| SCADA / remote control | IEC 61850, MODBUS, DNP 3.0 | Additional equipment needed |
| Protection groups | Up to 8 programmable groups | Limited |
| Insulation for tropical use | HCEP — humidity 0–100% | Varies |
| Smart grid ready | Yes — self-healing grid support | No |
Why Choose ESPL for ARCB and Sectionalizers
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified — quality management at every stage
- EGAC Accredited (CAB # 012226)
- Member of IEEMA, EEPC India and COSMA
- Make in India — manufactured at Sankrail Industrial Park, Howrah
- 40+ years experience — established 1984
- Proven clients — NTPC, TATA Power, WBSEDCL, CESC, Coal India, NHPC, Indian Railways
- Export ready — Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia
- Complete support — technical consultation, commissioning, after-sales service
For detailed specifications, project enquiries or to request a quote, please contact our technical team directly.
📞 Phone: +(91)-(33)-40075599 | +91 79806 89618
📞 WhatsApp: +91 84208 10036
📧 Email: info@esplindia.in
Corporate Office: 4A, Pollock Street, Swaicka Center, Room No. 504, 5th Floor, Kolkata – 700001
Factory: Sankrail Industrial Park, Dhulagarh, Howrah – 711302, West Bengal, India
Auto Recloser Manufacturers in India
As one of the trusted auto recloser manufacturers in India, we offer a wide range of products such as outdoor pole-mounted auto reclosers, load break switches (LBS), and sectionalizers. With strong engineering expertise and years of experience, Eastland Switchgears delivers solutions that meet international standards and cater to utilities, industries, and infrastructure projects.