Industry data reveal that 70% of overhead distribution transformer fuses result in nuisance outages where no other repair work is needed. Often the cause of the fault cannot be found, which typically indicates the fault likely would have been temporary.

Typically, these fuses are located at the edge of the grid and in difficult-to-access areas, making straightforward fuse replacement a more time-consuming task and causing truck roll costs to escalate. As a result, utilities are experiencing permanent outages that could have been altogether avoided and unnecessarily assuming maintenance costs to roll a truck to restore power.

As storms become more severe and as more people work from home, issues at the edge of the grid are having a greater impact. Utilities are paying closer attention to customer satisfaction and are working to improve reliability and resilience in all areas of the grid.

Typically, issues at the grid edge cluster into pockets, but troublesome areas often remain undetected when using metrics, such as the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), that average interruptions across the entire system. However, these hotspots are clear when using other metrics, such as Customers Experiencing Multiple Interruptions (CEMI). The VacuFuse II Self-Resetting Interrupter targets these problem areas and automatically restores power to customers when temporary outages occur—improving customer satisfaction in the most needed locations.

The VacuFuse II Self-Resetting Interrupter offers a straightforward and simple deployment that requires only a few minutes to install using S&C cutouts. At only 12 lbs. (5.4 kg), the device is lightweight and has a built-in ergonomic handgrip for easy handling and installation. And with the device configurable to fit your specifications before delivery, line crews have a hassle-free process that makes deployment quickly achievable.

VacuFuse II Self-Resetting Interrupters enable safety benefits for both utility crews and the environment. Unlike a standard fuse, the interrupters mitigate fire risk because they do not expel debris or cause sparks, which is critical in dry climates.

When a permanent outage occurs, the device drops open in the cutout, providing line crews with a visible marker for easy detection and quicker repair. This is beneficial for crews who often must access hard-to-reach places for fuse replacements when transformers are hidden behind trees, buildings, and other common obstructions.