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G&W Electric Viper-S solid dielectric three phase recloser with three insulated vacuum interrupter bushings mounted on a metal frame.

Viper®-S Solid Dielectric Three Phase Recloser

The Viper-S solid dielectric, three phase recloser combines the time proven reliability of electronically controlled-vacuum fault interrupters with the maintenance benefits of a solid dielectric insulated device. Designed with a mechanically ganged operator for three-phase automatic or manual trip operation providing overcurrent protection for systems rated up to 38kV maximum, 800A continuous current, and 12.5kA rms symmetrical interrupting, making it an exceptionally reliable viper recloser option for modern distribution networks.

Features and Benefits

  • Reliable performance Reliable performance – Viper-S reclosers utilize G&W Electric’s time-proven epoxy polymer system to fully encapsulate the vacuum interrupters. This system provides excellent insulation properties while providing fully shielded, void-free construction, delivering the dependability expected from a 3-phase electronic recloser.

  • Ease of Installation The Viper-S is lightweight and compact. Site-ready designs provide all accessories including bracket, arresters and voltage transformers preassembled prior to shipment significantly reducing installation time for any viper recloser deployment.

  • Manual Trip and Lockout Operation For manual open and lockout operation, a handle is provided permitting hook stick operation. Pulling the handle down trips and locks out the recloser, ensuring safe handling of the three phase recloser during maintenance procedures.

  • Control Flexibility Viper-S three-phase reclosers are designed to work directly with the SEL-351R control along with a variety of control options upon request.

  • Power Grid Automation Ready The Viper-S is automation-ready, simplifying conversion for any future automation requirements. Options for adding multi-ratio current transformers for additional applications.

Configuration Details

  • Polemount Center Bracket
  • Polemount Alley-arm Bracket
  • Polemount Complete Site-Ready Assembly
  • Substation Mount Recloser
  • Padmount

Viper-S Overhead L-Module Configuration

VOLTAGENominal Frequency (Hz):50 / 60 Hz50 / 60 Hz50 / 60 Hz50 / 60 Hz50 / 60 Hz
Rated Maximum Voltage (kV RMS)12.115.52729.338
Voltage Sensors0, 3, or 60, 3 or 60, 3 or 60, 3 or 60, 3 or 6
Voltage Sensor Ratio2,500:12,500:1/10,000:110,000:110,000:110,000:1
Voltage Sensor Accuracy*2%2%2%2%2%
Impulse Level (BIL), kV110110125125150
Power-Frequency Voltage Withstand Rating, kV RMS( 60 Seconds Dry)5050606070
Power-Frequency Voltage Withstand Rating, kV RMS( 10 Seconds Wet)4545505060
CURRENTCT Ratio ṱ400/200:1
1000/500:1
400/200:1
1000/500:1
400/200:1
1000/500:1
400/200:1
1000/500:1
400/200:1
1000/500:1
CT Accuracy+/-1%+/-1%+/-1%+/-1%+/-1%
Continuous Current, A RMS^630ṱ / 800630ṱ / 800 / 1000630ṱ / 800 / 1000630ṱ / 800630ṱ / 800
Short Circuit Interrupting Current, kA Sym, 3 Seconds12.5/1612.512.512.512.5
Withstand Current (kA, peak)32.5/41.632.532.532.532.5
Line Charging Current (A)55555
Cable-Charging Current (100%) A2525254040
First Pole to Clear Factor (kpp)1.51.51.51.51.5
MECHANICALMechanical Operations10,00010,00010,00010,00010,000
Creepage Distance (mm)435435724724955
Minimum Phase Spacing (Inches)1515151515
Temperature Range*^-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
*: +/- 2% for temperatures from -20°C to +40°C, +/-4% for temperatures from -60°C to +65°C
^ 1000A reclosers are rated at 40°C ambient temperature (from 41°C to 65°C rating is 800A)
ṱ limited to 630A for 400/200:1 CT ratios

Viper-S Overhead Z-Module Configuration

VOLTAGENominal Frequency (Hz):50 / 60 Hz50 / 60 Hz50 / 60 Hz50 / 60 Hz50 / 60 Hz
Rated Maximum Voltage (kV RMS)12.115.52729.338
Voltage Sensors0, 3, or 60, 3, or 60, 3, or 60, 3 or 60, 3 or 6
Voltage Sensor Ratio2,500:12,500:1/10,000:110,000:110,000:110,000:1
Voltage Sensor Accuracy*2%2%2%2%2%
Impulse Level (BIL), kV110110125125150
Power-Frequency Voltage Withstand Rating, kV RMS( 60 Seconds Dry)5050606070
Power-Frequency Voltage Withstand Rating, kV RMS( 10 Seconds Wet)4545505060
CURRENTCT Ratio ṱ400/200:1
1000/500:1
400/200:1
1000/500:1
400/200:1
1000/500:1
400/200:1
1000/500:1
400/200:1
1000/500:1
CT Accuracy+/-1%+/-1%+/-1%+/-1%+/-1%
Continuous Current, A RMS630ṱ / 800630ṱ / 800630ṱ / 800630ṱ / 800630ṱ / 800
Short Circuit Interrupting Current, kA Sym, 3 Seconds12.5/1612.512.512.512.5
Withstand Current (kA, peak)32.5/41.632.532.532.532.5
Line Charging Current (A)55555
Cable-Charging Current (100%) A2525254040
First Pole to Clear Factor (kpp)1.51.51.51.51.5
MECHANICALMechanical Operations10,00010,00010,00010,00010,000
Creepage Distance (mm)435435724724955
Minimum Phase Spacing (Inches)1515151515
Temperature Range*-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
* +/- 2% for temperatures from -20°C to +40°C, +/-4% for temperatures from -60°C to +65°C
ṱ limited to 630A for 400/200:1 CT ratios

Viper-S Padmount Z-Module or C-Module Configuration

VOLTAGENominal Frequency (Hz):50 / 60 Hz50 / 60 Hz50 / 60 Hz50 / 60 Hz
Rated Maximum Voltage (kV RMS)15.52729.338
Voltage Sensors^0, 3 or 60, 3 or 60, 3 or 60, 3 or 6
Voltage Sensor Ratio*2,500:1/10,000:110,000:110,000:110,000:1
Voltage Sensor Accuracy**2%2%2%2%
Impulse Level (BIL), kV110125125150
Power-Frequency Voltage Withstand Rating, kV RMS( 60 Seconds Dry)35404050
DC Withstand (15 Minutes)537878103
CURRENTCT Ratio ṱ400/200:1
1000/500:1
400/200:1
1000/500:1
400/200:1
1000/500:1
400/200:1
1000/500:1
CT Accuracy+/-1%+/-1%+/-1%+/-1%
Continuous Current, A RMS630ṱ / 800630ṱ / 800630ṱ / 800630ṱ / 800
Short Circuit Interrupting Current, kA Sym, 3 Seconds12.512.512.512.5
Withstand Current (kA, peak)32.532.532.532.5
Line Charging Current (A)5555
Cable-Charging Current (100%) A25254040
First Pole to Clear Factor (kpp)1.51.51.51.5
MECHANICALMechanical Operations10,00010,00010,00010,000
200A Deepwell~AvailableAvailableAvailableAvailable
Temperature Range**-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
-60°C to +65°C
-76°F to +150°
* Voltages lower than 11.6kV use 2,500:1 only
** +/- 2% for temperatures from -20°C to +40°C, +/-4% for temperatures from -60°C to +65°C
^ C-Modules supports 6 voltage sensors for 15 kV or 27 kV, while Z-Modules supports 6 voltage sensors for 29.3 kV or 38 kV. Three voltage sensor can be applied across all voltage ranges.
~ 3 or 6 sensors are available with 200A Deepwell Z shaped configurations. 200A Integral Bushing Interface 8 available.
ṱ limited to 630A for 400/200:1 CT Ratios

Accessories

High Accuracy Sensors – Accusense Voltage Sensors

Controls – The Viper-S works directly with a variety of modern popular controls and many common legacy controls, ensuring seamless integration with any three phase recloser configuration.

SEL-651RA and SEL-651R2

The SEL-651RA is a direct replacement of the SEL-351R with a 14-pin interface and offers exceptional protection and communications capabilities for Automatic Network Reconfiguration and other distribution automation needs. These capabilities help you maintain reliable service to as many customers as possible in the event of a fault,  especially when paired with a viper recloser.

Features:

  • Six voltage inputs support measurements on both sides of the recloser for advanced distribution automation and monitoring, making it an ideal companion to a 3-phase electronic recloser
  • Comprehensive communications protocols and interfaces ease integration into distribution automation systems

Beckwith M-7679

Beckwith’s M-7679 R-PAC Next generation Protection, Automation and Control System for Recloser, Switch, Sectionalizer and Distribution Automation Applications. This controller also supports configurations involving a three phase recloser.

Features:

  • Over 30 Protection Elements for optimal protection of Power Distribution Systems
  • Compatible with Three Phase (Standard) and Independent Phase capable Reclosers, Switches and Sectionalizers (Optional), supporting applications with any viper recloser
  • Four (Standard) or Six (Optional) Low Energy Analog (LEA) or VT voltage inputs
  • Settings Wizard assists in creating file for most common settings
  • Recloser Status Monitoring tool displays real time reclosing sequence and fault clearing time
  • Comprehensive I/O Matrix provides visual confirmation of enabled functions and selected outputs improving security
  • Embedded Cyber Security including:
    • Role Based Security
    • Complex passwords
    • Individual user accounts with activity log
    • IPSec (VPN) Tunnel
    • Compatible with Radius password management systems
  • PQ Monitoring

Extended:

  • 3500 Sequence of Event Records
  • 100 Oscillographic Records (Up to 128 s/c & 480 Cycles each)
  • Over 2 years of data logging (at 5 min interval, adjustable)

SEL-751 Feeder Protection Relay

The SEL-751 provides complete protection for radial and looped distribution circuits. It offers arc-flash mitigation, fault location, high-impedance fault detection, broken conductor detection, and event analysis, making it a strong companion device for 3-phase electronic recloser applications.

  • Feeder protection
  • LEA sensor inputs
  • Sensitive neutral input
  • Arc-flash mitigation
  • High-Impedance fault detection
  • Reliable protection in harsh environments
  • Event analysis
  • Situational awareness
  • Fault location

Ingeteam INGEPAC™ DA PT Feeder Protection Relay

INGEPAC DA PT is a digital multifunctional protection relay providing comprehensive and detailed information by means of its monitoring and events recording capabilities, supporting both single-phase and viper recloser configurations.

  • Overcurrent, voltage, power, and frequency functions
  • Arc detection: light or light+overcurrent
  • IEC 61850 native platform, PRP, HSR and link fall-over redundancy
  • Cybersecurity features: sFTP, HTTPS, firewall, audit log, password accessing
  • Stave protocol: IEC 61850, DNP3.0, IEC 870-5-101/103/104, Modbus, PROCOME

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a three phase recloser and how does it work?

A three phase recloser is an automatic switching device that detects and clears faults on all three phases simultaneously, improving system reliability and reducing outage duration.

What makes the Viper-S a reliable viper recloser for utility networks?

The viper recloser design uses solid dielectric insulation and vacuum fault interrupters, providing long-term durability with minimal maintenance for distribution networks.

How does a 3-phase electronic recloser improve power system protection?

A 3-phase electronic recloser enhances protection by using advanced sensing, control logic, and automation-ready features to coordinate faults across all three phases.

When should utilities choose a three phase recloser over a single-phase device?

Utilities should select a three phase recloser when they need synchronized protection, fault clearing, and reclosing across feeders that carry balanced three-phase loads.

What separates the Viper-S from other three phase recloser options?

The Viper-S stands out as a viper recloser due to its solid dielectric insulation, lightweight construction, and compatibility with multiple controller platforms.

Can a 3-phase electronic recloser integrate with modern SCADA or DA systems?

Yes, a 3-phase electronic recloser integrates easily with SCADA and distribution automation systems using advanced communication protocols and control features.

How does the Viper-S viper recloser support grid automation?

The viper recloser is automation-ready, supports multi-ratio current transformers, and works directly with industry-standard controllers for modern grid automation strategies.

What are the maintenance advantages of a solid dielectric three phase recloser?

A solid dielectric three phase recloser eliminates oil and gas components, reducing maintenance requirements while improving safety and long-term reliability.

Is a 3-phase electronic recloser suitable for high-fault or industrial applications?

Yes, a 3-phase electronic recloser is ideal for high-fault environments because it provides precise fault detection, high interrupting ratings, and robust automated protection.

How can utilities benefit from upgrading to the Viper-S viper recloser?

Upgrading to the viper recloser improves reliability, enhances fault interruption performance, supports automation, and reduces installation time with site-ready configurations.

Need more information? Contact the rep in your area.