Considering reliability in the selection of distribution system overcurrent protection devices

Historically, the electric power industry has focused on minimizing sustained outages. More recently, many feeder applications are focusing on reducing momentary outages, primarily due to their impact on new types of load equipment that are sensitive to momentary outages. Customer expectations must be considered when establishing reliability goals. Since these expectations vary depending on the type of customer, a different mix of customers may result in a different application solution. Features available in electronically controlled reclosing equipment allow a distribution engineer to customize applications to meet customers' needs. This paper examines the reliability impact of recloser alternatives, focusing on single-phase versus three-phase device application.