Switching shunt reactors located on the transformer tertiary can impose a severe duty on the connected system, switching device, and shunt reactor. Due to the relatively small inductive current, the interrupting device attempts to clear at a forced current zero causing current chopping. If the interrupter’s contacts have not separated enough to sustain the system voltage, a re-ignition of the arc will occur. These high magnitude and high frequency re-ignitions can shorten the life of the reactor and the switching device.

The Southern States CapSwitcher®, a capacitor switching device specifically designed to meet the power quality needs of today’s electrical systems, has become a prefered switching method for medium and high voltage capacitors. This special purpose SF6 capacitor switcher is available for application on single bank or back-to-back banks. Its closing resistors provide transient mitigation to minimize the detrimental effects of voltage transients, including voltage magnification, on sensitive equipment such as computers, CNC machines, and variable speed drives.

Verifying proper blade depth and rotation of a high voltage disconnect switch closure has created challenges for ground level operators. Southern States MACI® introduces patented magnetic technology to provide highly-visible, foolproof indication of a proper switch closure. By providing this assurance, the potential for unwanted costs associated with unplanned power outages is minimized. Additionally, MACI®’s reflective “closed” pattern provides visibility up to 100 ft and will not interfere with operation, even in icy conditions.

For unique transmission application challenges, Southern States offers specialized solutions. Substation in the Sky is a totally customized application, addressing system protection, sectionalizing, and isolating needs of our customers. Equipment can be tailored to meet a wide range of applications. The Substation in the Sky offers the ability to monitor, communicate system information, and switch transmission lines and taps. When space is at a premium, Southern States can engineer a more economical solution than the traditional practice of building a small substation.

Leveraging our partnership with various ISO certified transformer manufacturers, Southern States has the resources to design or retrofit mobile substations that can be outfitted with Southern States’ or your preferred switchgear brands. Available up to 230 kV and 65 MVA, our mobile products are manufactured with stringent specifications, ensuring the design is robust, durable, and to the utility’s expectations. For additional applications, Southern States also offers auxiliary mobile solutions to support reactive power compensation, switchgear failures, as well as other utility resiliency initiatives.

The Southern States TranSwitcher® is a renewable intertie solution designed specifically for switching and protection of power transformers. Its unique design makes it ideally suited for distribution systems that intertie with solar farms as well as other distributed energy resources. The use of a “soft close” helps to minimize system voltage drops and potential ferro-resonance issues caused by the high inrush currents associated with DER transformer energization. Employing the TranSwitcher® can help utilities increase the life of their transformer as well as maintain system power quality.