Outdoor High Voltage Disconnect Switches – 12kV to 252kV

Fenarro outdoor high voltage disconnect switches provide reliable and clearly identifiable circuit isolation for substations, transmission lines and power distribution networks.
Available for rated voltages from 12kV to 252kV, our outdoor HV disconnectors feature robust mechanical structures, dependable contact systems and configurations adapted to different voltage levels and substation layouts. Selected models can be configured with manual or motorized operating mechanisms, earthing switches and interlocking arrangements according to project requirements.

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Outdoor High Voltage Disconnect Switch Series FGW4 Series Outdoor HV Disconnector

What Is an Outdoor High Voltage Disconnect Switch?

An outdoor high voltage disconnect switch, also called an outdoor HV disconnector or outdoor high voltage isolator, is a mechanical switching device used to establish a clearly identifiable isolation gap in an outdoor high-voltage circuit.
It is normally installed in an air-insulated substation, transmission-line bay, transformer bay or outdoor distribution system. Typical isolation points include:

The line side of a circuit breaker
The busbar side of a circuit breaker
Transformer incoming and outgoing connections
Busbar sectionalizing positions
Transmission and distribution lines
Renewable-energy collection circuits
Industrial substation incoming feeders

A standard outdoor disconnector is generally operated only after the circuit breaker or another suitable switching device has interrupted the current.
It is not intended to interrupt normal load current, overload current or short-circuit current.
For protection and fault-current interruption, see Fenarro’s outdoor high voltage circuit breakers.

Key Features for Outdoor High Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breakers

Clearly Identifiable Isolation

Provides a visible open position
Establishes a defined maintenance boundary
Supports inspection and equipment-testing procedures

Reliable Contact Performance

Stable contact engagement in the closed position
Conductive components selected for low resistance
Contact structures designed for consistent contact pressure

Outdoor Environmental Adaptability

Robust metal support structures
Hot-dip galvanized or corrosion-resistant steel components
Configurations for different pollution and altitude requirements
Designs for specified wind, icing and seismic conditions

Rated Voltage System voltage / highest voltage for equipment View More

The selected outdoor disconnector must correspond to the system voltage and required insulation coordination.

Fenarro outdoor disconnect switches cover distribution and transmission applications from 12kV to 252kV, subject to the selected product model.

Rated Current Continuous current requirement of the connected circuit View More

Rated current must meet or exceed the continuous current requirement of the connected line, transformer, feeder or busbar.

Short-Time Withstand Current Fault-current value / required withstand duration View More

A disconnector does not interrupt short-circuit current, but it must withstand the specified thermal effects while closed until the protective device clears the fault.

Confirm both:

Required short-time withstand-current value
Required withstand duration

Peak Withstand Current Resistance to peak electrodynamic forces View More

Rated peak withstand current indicates the ability of the closed disconnector to withstand the electrodynamic forces produced by peak short-circuit current.

Insulation Level Power-frequency / lightning-impulse withstand View More

Confirm the required insulation values for:

Power-frequency withstand voltage to earth
Power-frequency withstand voltage across the open gap
Lightning-impulse withstand voltage to earth
Lightning-impulse withstand voltage across the open gap

Creepage Distance Pollution severity / insulator material / external insulation View More

Creepage distance must be selected according to the site pollution severity, insulator material and external-insulation requirements.

Coastal, industrial, desert and mining environments may require a longer creepage distance or a specially selected external insulation configuration.

Terminal Mechanical Load Longitudinal / lateral / vertical terminal forces View More

Terminal loads generated by conductors, wind, connection tension and the installation arrangement must remain within the permitted longitudinal, lateral and vertical values.

Mechanical Endurance Operating frequency / mechanism and contact durability View More

Confirm the required operating endurance and whether the operating mechanism, bearings, linkage system and contacts are suitable for the expected operating frequency.

Earthing-Switch Rating Withstand current / making capability / interlocking View More

Where an earthing switch is required, confirm:

Rated short-time withstand current
Rated peak withstand current
Short-circuit making capability where applicable
Manual or motorized operating mechanism
Mechanical and electrical interlocking arrangement

Standards & Required Tests IEC standards / test reports / technical documentation View More

IEC 62271-102 is commonly applied to alternating-current disconnectors and earthing switches above 1,000V.

Project specifications may also require IEC 62271-1, applicable national standards, routine-test reports, type-test reports, material certificates and dimensional drawings.

The final standard and documentation package must be confirmed according to the destination market and project requirements.

Selection support: Providing a single-line diagram, substation layout drawing and project specification helps Fenarro verify the electrical ratings, insulation requirements, terminal arrangement and mechanical compatibility.

Application Scenarios

Smart Grid Distribution Networks

Perfect for modern distribution automation systems with fault detection, isolation, and restoration (FDIR) capabilities in 10-35kV networks.

Critical Power Supply Systems

Ideal for hospitals, data centers, and industrial facilities requiring reliable dual-power automatic transfer for continuous operation.

Renewable Energy Integration

Excellent for solar and wind farm collection systems where frequent switching and advanced protection are required.

Rural Electrification Projects

Suitable for remote areas with limited maintenance resources due to sealed design and long maintenance intervals.

Outdoor Disconnector vs Circuit Breaker vs Load Break Switch

These three high-voltage switching devices perform different functions and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Feature	Outdoor Disconnect Switch	Circuit Breaker	Load Break Switch
Primary Function	Visible circuit isolation	Protection and current interruption	Normal load-current switching
Interrupts Normal Load Current	No, for a standard disconnector	Yes	Yes, within its rated capability
Interrupts Short-Circuit Current	No	Yes, within its rated capability	Normally requires a fuse or suitable upstream protection
Identifiable Isolation Position	Yes	Not always externally visible	Depends on the design
Typical Operation	After the operating current has been interrupted	During normal switching or fault clearing	During normal distribution switching
Main Application	Maintenance isolation	System control and equipment protection	Normal load switching
Common Installation	Outdoor substations, transmission bays and distribution networks	Substations, power plants and industrial power systems	Distribution switchgear and ring main units

Important: An outdoor high voltage disconnect switch cannot replace a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker interrupts normal operating current or fault current, while the disconnector establishes the visible isolation point required for safe maintenance. Learn more in our Disconnect Switch vs Circuit Breaker Guide .

An outdoor high voltage disconnect switch cannot replace a circuit breaker.
For fault interruption and system protection, consider an outdoor high voltage SF6 circuit breaker.
For equipment integration in an air-insulated assembly, explore Air Insulated Switchgear.

Ready to Specify Your Outdoor High Voltage Disconnect Switch?

Contact Fenarro’s engineering team for model selection based on the rated voltage, rated current, insulation level, substation layout, operating mechanism and environmental conditions. Send us your single-line diagram, layout drawing or required technical parameters to receive configuration support, technical documentation, pricing and estimated delivery infor

Get your quote now!

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FAQs About Fenarro's Circuit Breaker

Q What is the typical delivery time for disconnect switches?

A Standard products: 8-12 weeks; Custom configurations: 12-16 weeks
Q Can your disconnectors be motorized for remote operation?

A Yes, we offer motorized versions for all models with remote control capability.
Q What is the difference between disconnect switches and circuit breakers?

A Disconnect switches provide visible isolation for maintenance but cannot interrupt load current, while circuit breakers can interrupt fault currents.

Outdoor High Voltage Disconnect Switches – 12kV to 252kV

Outdoor High Voltage Disconnect Switch Series FGW4 Series Outdoor HV Disconnector

What Is an Outdoor High Voltage Disconnect Switch?

Key Features for Outdoor High Voltage Vacuum Circuit Breakers

Technical Parameters to Consider