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Diamondback® Solid Dielectric Loadbreak Switch

The Diamondback switch is a solid dielectric, three-phase load break switch for overhead applications. The Diamondback switch combines the time-proven reliability of vacuum bottles with the maintenance-free benefits of a solid dielectric insulated device. Diamondback is designed for three phase automatic or manual switching operations providing circuit isolation for systems rated up to 29.3 kV, 630A continuous current. The compact, light-weight design provides ease of installation. The Diamondback has been designed and tested to comply with the IEEE C37.74 and IEC 62271- 103 (formerly IEC 60265-1:1998) standards.

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Features and Benefits

  • Field-proven Solid Dielectric Technology

  • Compact, Light-weight

  • Smart Grid Ready

  • Six Integral Voltage Sensors & Three Current Transformers

  • Maintenance-free; No Greenhouse Gas (SF6)

Switch Applications

Switches play a fundamental role in improving distribution reliability. By applying Diamondback switches in strategic locations on the distribution system, faults can be isolated to minimize the outage area, loads can be distributed according to system conditions, critical loads can be kept on-line, individual protective devices or sections off-line can be bypassed during routine maintenance, and loads can be dropped to prevent overloading the source. In short, switches are typically used to reconfigure a distribution system to minimize outages and increase system reliability.

Manual Switching

By installing manually operated switches, a user can economically redistribute power during times of planned outages for routine line maintenance, equipment replacement, or even seasonal load adjustments. Manual switches can also be used to isolate faults in areas where immediate power restoration is not necessary or to perform an emergency sectionalizing function to quickly restore power to the customers affected by a power outage. The Diamondback switch does not require de-energizing the system prior to switching so customer service is not disrupted.

Automated Switching

By adding a controller to the Diamondback switch, the user can perform all of the functions of a manually operated switch without having to dispatch a crew to the switch site. Additionally, current and voltage can be monitored via SCADA. Ideal applications include Fault Isolation, Tie Points, Loop Schemes, Automatic Transfer, and SCADA.

Electrical Ratings Chart for Diamondback Load Break Switch

Maximum Voltage29.3kV
Continuous Current630A
Frequency50Hz/60Hz
Short-Time Current Withstand (rms, 3 sec)12.5kA
Fault Making Current (peak, asym)32.5kA
Momentary Current (rms, asym)20kA
Switching Performance Tested per IEEE C37.74-2014/IEC 62271-103100% Load Current Switching630A
50% Load Current Switching315A
10% Load Current Switching63A
Loop Current Switching630A
100% Cable Charging Current Switching25A
30% Cable Charging Current Switching7.5A
Line Charging Current Switching1.5A
Magnetizing Current Switching22A
Mechanical Operations Switching Performance5,000 times
Impulse Withstand Voltage (1.2×50µs)150kV
Power Frequency Withstand Voltage (1 min)60kV
Control Operating Voltage120/220VAC
Weight99 kg (218.3 lbs)

Accessories

Controls Connections: The 37-pin connector and control cable make the connection between the Diamondback switch and the control, providing operation, status, and current and voltage monitoring capabilities. Two cables are provided: (1) power cable, and (1) control cable.

Control Options:

SEL-651RA Relay –

Measurement & Status Monitoring

Diamondback with SEL-651RA relay is equipped to control and monitor measurement and status of the Diamondback loadbreak switch. Instantaneous and demand metering are available with programmable integration intervals.

  • Voltage, Current, and Phase Angle
  • Six voltage inputs
  • Fault Passage Indication
  • Over/under Voltage
  • Phase Sync Fail Detection
  • Battery charging and status monitoring

Distribution Automation Ready

Integrate the Diamondback with SEL-651RA relay into SCADA or distribution automation systems with ease.
Communications interfaces include RS232/RS485 serial ports, USB, Ethernet (metallic), or Ethernet (fiber).

Communications protocols supported include DNP 3.0, Modbus, and IEC 61850. Automation programming applications include:

  • Sectionalizing
  • Auto Open
  • Auto Close/Tie

Data & Fault Analysis

Analyze grid performance with event and fault recording.

  • Fault waveform recording
  • 60 cycle length, 128 samples/cycle event reports
  • Waveform evaluation software
  • Sequence of Events (SOE) and Event History

FTU-P200 Control

Measurement & Status Monitoring
The FTU-P200 control is equipped to control and monitor measurement and status of the Diamondback loadbreak switch. Instantaneous and demand metering are available with programmable integration intervals.

  • Voltage, Current, and Phase Angle
  • Six voltage inputs
  • Fault Passage Indication
  • Over/Under Voltage
  • Phase Sync Fail Detection
  • Harmonics (up to 31st)
  • Battery charging and status monitoring
  • Auto Sectionalizing

SCADA Communications

Integrate the FTU-P200 control into SCADA or distribution automation systems with ease. RS232/RS485 serial port and Ethernet port connectivity are available.

Communications protocols supported include the DNP 3.0 protocol, and the IEC 60870-5-101 and IEC 60870-5-104 protocols.

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Product

Application Guide

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