A
disconnector is a three-pole electrical device with a visible isolating distance of the electrical circuit in the air, designed (together with an operating mechanism) for disconnecting and connecting sections of a high-voltage electrical circuit under voltage in the absence of load current or for changing the connection scheme:
- for the safe performance of work on the disconnected section;
- for switching on and off the charging currents of overhead and cable lines and the no-load current of transformers.
An
earthing switch is a three-pole electrical device designed for earthing disconnected sections.
An
operating mechanism is designed for manual switching on and off of disconnectors and earthing switches.
Disconnectors and earthing switches are installed in three-phase alternating current networks with an industrial frequency of 50 Hz and a voltage of 7.2 and 12 kV.
Indoor disconnectors, earthing switches, and operating mechanisms are designed to operate at an altitude of up to 1000 m above sea level at an ambient air temperature from +40°C to -60°C, in rooms with natural ventilation without artificially controlled climatic conditions. The room where the disconnectors (earthing switches) and operating mechanisms are installed must be enclosed, explosion-proof and fireproof, and free of aggressive gases and vapors in concentrations that destroy insulation and protective coatings.