Distribution faults damage your equipment, reliability, and bottom line. Managing these faults with conventional reclosers may cause more damage than you realize by multiplying the force on your system when testing the line for faults. Not only does this risk the long-term health of your system, but conventional reclosers have limitations that restrict reliability improvements—from basic upgrades, such as increasing segmentation, to the complexity of integrating DERs.
S&C’s IntelliRupter PulseCloser Fault Interrupters use PulseClosing® Technology to dramatically reduce the amount of force used during fault testing and enable multiple applications to improve reliability. With this breakthrough technology, coupled with incredibly accurate sensors and bi-directional protection, IntelliRupter fault interrupters provide the versatility to meet you where you are in your grid-modernization journey. You can see immediate reliability benefits today and build on the IntelliRupter fault interrupters’ capabilities to address the needs of the future grid.
Advantages
IntelliRupter fault interrupters greatly reduce the impact of conventional fault testing and advance your grid with a variety of applications for today and in the future.

Uses 95% less energy in fault testing, vastly reducing system damage

Readies systems for the future through a variety of grid-modernization applications

Gently tests for faults on hybrid and underground systems

Increases segmentation, without complex coordination, to reduce SAIDI and the number of customers out of power

Supports automatic restoration and DER integration using bi-directional power flow response and control

Simplifies installation through integral, all-in-one design and is protected from weather and animals
Applications
Whether you want to improve reliability today or prepare your grid for the future, the versatile IntelliRupter fault interrupter supports your efforts. Learn about the many ways the IntelliRupter fault interrupter can be applied to your system to reap the greatest reliability benefits.
Segmentation Basics
Holistic Feeder Improvements
Learn MorePulseFinding Technique
Learn MoreCase Studies
Wisconsin and Iowa
Automation Without Communications Improves Utility’s Reliability
Read Full Case StudyChattanooga, Tennessee
Municipal Utility’s Grid Improves by 50% with Self-Healing Technology
Read Full Case StudyAlberta, Canada
Self-Healing Technology Saves More than 30 Million Customer Minutes
Read Full Case StudyMurfreesboro, Tennesee
PulseClosing Technology Saves Transformers from the Stress of Damaging Fault Current
Read Full Case StudyOklahoma and Texas
Oil and Gas Company Saves Maintenance Costs and Increases Communications Flexibility
Read Full Case StudyInstallation
IntelliRupter PulseClosers are “easy-up” devices. Check out how fast the process goes in this video.
Training
Looking for hands-on training for the IntelliRupter PulseCloser Fault Interrupter? S&C is offering three-day workshops about the device’s setup, user interaction, operation, and advanced-feature configuration. Find a location near you.
Product Details
Features
Fault interruption, fault isolation, and circuit restoration in a single, easy-to-install package.
- Unique PulseClosing® Technology confirms there’s no fault on the line before initiating point-on-wave closing
- Vacuum interrupters with a unique actuating system that enables PulseClosing® Technology
- Integrated three-phase voltage sensing on both sides of the interrupters
- Integrated three-phase current sensing that provides linear output over the range from load to fault current
- An integrated power module on one or both sides of the interrupters, eliminating the need to install separate power transformers
- Solid dielectric insulation featuring S&C’s Cypoxy™ Insulator, a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin system
- Models with or without integrated visible disconnect
- A choice of integrated controls, all configurable from the safety of your vehicle using a Wi-Fi link to your PC:
- A standard Control Group provides basic protective functionality in standalone applications
- An IntelliTeam® SG Control Group supports S&C’s IntelliTeam SG Automatic Restoration System
- Automatic selection of pre-configured protection provides appropriate settings for the source serving the team
- All controls are line-powered, so no VT needed
- All controls are hookstick-replaceable
- Internal circuit-making and circuit-breaking for all-weather reliability (hookstick-operated disconnect with air gap)
- Integrated three-phase voltage and current sensors that eliminate cost, clutter, and complexity of separately mounted sensors
Ratings
Disconnect Styles♣
kV |
Amperes RMS♣ |
||
Max |
BIL |
Continuous |
Interrupting Symmetrical |
15.5 |
110 |
800/900 |
16 000 |
27 |
125 |
800/900 |
12 500 |
38 |
170 |
630/800♥ |
12 500 |
♣ Each IntelliRupter includes as standard an Integrated Power Module fed from one phase on one side of the switch. An Integrated Power Module fed from one phase on each side of the switch is optionally available.
♥ 800 amperes per IEC; 800 amperes with a minimum wind velocity of 2 ft./sec. 900 amperes per IEC; 800 amperes with a minimum wind velocity of 2 ft./sec.
See S&C Instruction 766-510 for available input ranges. An Integrated Power Module fed from one phase on each side of the switch is optionally available.
Compact Styles
kV |
Amperes RMS |
||
Max |
BIL |
Continuous |
Interrupting Symmetrical |
15.5 |
95 |
800/900♣ |
16 000 |
27 |
125 |
800/900♣ |
12 500 |
♣ 900 amperes per IEC; 800 amperes with a minimum wind velocity of 2 ft./sec.
Non-Disconnect Styles♣
kV |
Amperes RMS♣ |
||
Max |
BIL |
Continuous |
Interrupting Symmetrical |
15.5 |
110 |
800/900 |
16 000 |
27 |
125 |
800/900 |
12 500 |
38 |
170 |
630/800♥ |
12 500 |
♣ Each IntelliRupter includes as standard an Integrated Power Module fed from one phase on one side of the switch. An Integrated Power Module fed from one phase on each side of the switch is optionally available.
♥ 630 amperes per IEC; 800 amperes with a minimum wind velocity of 2 ft./sec.
900 amperes per IEC; 800 amperes with a minimum wind velocity of 2 ft./sec.
Styles
For Overhead Systems
- Non-Disconnect Style IntelliRupter® PulseCloser® Fault Interrupter
- Non-Disconnect Compact-Crossarm Style IntelliRupter® PulseCloser® Fault Interrupter
- Disconnect Style IntelliRupter® PulseCloser® Fault Interrupter
For Underground Systems
- Pad-Mounted Style IntelliRupter® PulseCloser® Fault Interrupter
Options & Accessories
IntelliRupter® fault interrupters include a base-integrated control that’s accessed for configuration and operation via a secure Wi-Fi link. This innovative approach improves reliability, operator safety, and convenience. It also significantly enhances security compared with the “lock-and-key” approach of most conventional reclosers.
S&C can furnish the control with a wide range of radios, including our SpeedNet™ Radio. SpeedNet Radios greatly enhance IntelliTeam® SG Automatic Restoration System restoration speed. They combine extremely secure long-range communication, high-volume data transmission, and flexible mesh networking to provide benchmark performance for unlicensed radio networks.
Other options and accessories include:
- SDA-4554R3 Communication Module firmware version 3.x:
- Provides cybersecurity capabilities when the SDA-4554R3 Communication Module if configured with the IP Ethernet wiring
- Supports the latest industry standards in cybersecurity control techniques (e.g., data encryption, code-signing with secure boot, customer user access controls, custom firewall, and security event logging [i.e., Syslog])
- External trip. Allows the IntelliRupter fault interrupter to be opened and closed from external relays and controls. See Descriptive Bulletin 766-30 for more details.
- Wildlife protection. Reduces wildlife-related nuisance outages.
- Bracket-mounted antenna. Extends 4 feet from the base; attaches at either end. Includes 900-MHz, 3-dBd-gain, omni-directional antenna, or 900-MHz, 9-dBd gain, directional Yagi antenna, plus cable and hardware. Also available: bracket only.
- Joslyn Zforce Type ZHP (Heavy Duty) polymer-housed metal-oxide surge arresters. Factory-installed and wired.
- International Crating. Features hardwood or certified heat-treated wood products.
- A 10-year IntelliRupter warranty. Comes in lieu of standard 2-year warranty.
- Module handle fitting. Attaches to a hookstick with a universal fitting. Permits field installation and removal of the protection and control module and the communication module. Includes a prong for operating IntelliRupter levers.
- Module stub handle. Permits the installation and removal of the protection and control module and the communication module in your service center or lab. When permitted by utility operating practice, a gloved individual can used the handle to install and remove the modules in the field.
- Wi-Fi tester. Simulates a connection to the communication module. Confirms your laptop computer can establish a secure Wi-Fi connection to your IntelliRupter fault interrupter. Also demonstrates use of Wi-Fi security keys. For indoor use only.
- Power supply. Powers the protection and control module and the communication module installed in the base in your service center or lab. Permits open, close, and test operations using a pulse, pre-installation uploading and downloading of configuration settings, radio programming, and radio-battery charging, as applicable. For indoor use only.
- Docking station. Powers the protection and control module and the communication module removed from the base in your service center or lab. Permits pre-installation uploading and downloading of configuration settings, radio programming, and radio-battery charging, as applicable. For indoor use only.
- SEL AutoRANGER™ Model AR8-OH Faulted Circuit Indicators. A set of three.
- Spare 12-Vdc, 8-Ampere-Hour Battery Pack. For the communication module.
- Battery Charger Output Harness. For connecting the battery pack to an 800-ma, current-limited 12-Vdc lead-acid battery charger.
- Detailed Instruction Manual. A binder containing printed copies of all IntelliRupter instruction sheets, erection drawings, and reference drawings.