Product Breif

BULLETIN B240-05035

AUTOMATIC SECTIONALIZING LINK

LIFE CYCLE COST - COOPER BUSSMANN VS. COMPETITOR
Introduction:
the

The Cooper Bussmann Automatic Sectionalizing Link (ASL) represents a significant breakthrough in
field of medium-voltage overhead line distribution system protection, offering considerable savings in
operating costs and minimizing unnecessary interruptions to customers. Benefits include:
Reduces system-operating costs by eliminating nuisance fuse outages, which can account for as
many as 90% of all outages. Every time theres an outage, a crew is dispatched to re-fuse a cutout
and get the customers back on line. With an ASL installed at the head of each lateral, service calls
are significantly reduced.
System efficiency ratings improve due to elimination of nuisance outages. For utilities whose rates
are based on reliability indices, this translates to increased income.
The Cooper Bussmann ASL provides a better value than the competitors resettable sectionalizer.
The initial expense of putting ASL units on a system, including replacement actuators, typically costs
less than the same number of resettable sectionalizers.
The life of each cutout at the head of a lateral is greatly extended, since the ASL doesnt expel sparks
or cause contact erosion. A cutout fuse tube normally needs replacement after 5-6 expulsion fuse
operations.

Lower Life Cycle

Cost:

When it comes to selecting overcurrent protection, utilities normally select products based on the
lowest life cycle cost. Cooper Bussmann Automatic Sectionalizing Links (ASL) are the smart choice in
sectionalizers because they are a better value than the competitors resettable sectionalizers.
Though the ASL uses a replacement actuator, it is typically less expensive than the competitors
offering. Since the ASL only operates for permanent faults, the number of replacement actuators
kept on hand need only be a fraction of the number of expulsion fuses kept in stock to replace both
temporary and permanent faults. So the initial expense of outfitting a distribution system with ASLs,
including stocking replacement actuators, typically yields lower life cycle costs than buying the same
number of the competitors resettable sectionalizers.

PRODUCT BRIEF

AUTOMATIC SECTIONALIZING LINK

LIFE CYCLE COST - COOPER BUSSMANN VS. COMPETITOR

Installation time and number of service calls are the same for both the ASL and the
competitors resettable sectionalizer. Both require a trip to the site to reset and restore
service to customers. The ASL actuator can be replaced in the same amount of time
that it takes to reset a competitors sectionalizer or replace an expulsion fuse link.
The graph demonstrates the total life cycle
cost when choosing the Cooper Bussmann
ASL. This example shows that if a utility
purchases 100 ASLs each year, plus
replacement actuators for 5% of the total
number of installed ASLs on their system
in the first 5 years, this results in a first
purchase cost savings of $30,000 compared
with using the competitors resettable
sectionalizer.
In terms of life cycle cost, that's a savings
of over $20,000. Both the sectionalizer
quantities and typical number of permanent outages will vary from utility to utility, but
even after many years of use, the ASL can save you money.
Additional Benefits of the Cooper Bussmann ASL
In addition to the life cycle cost benefit of using the Cooper Bussmann ASL, there are
operational advantages to using the Bussmann ASL versus the competitors resettable
sectionalizer.
These advantages include:
Lighter weight the Cooper Bussmann ASL is significantly lighter in weight than the
resettable electronic sectionalizer. This represents improved handling of the ASL,
when installed with a standard hot stick. This is especially true when installed from the
ground, in instances when a bucket truck cannot access the physical location of the
installation.
Color bands are located on the body of the ASL to easily identify the pick-up current
and number of counts.
Cooper Bussmann ASL has a more comprehensive range of current ratings than the
resettable electronic sectionalizer. This allows for more opportunities to utilize the ASL
on a distribution system.

2005 Cooper Power Systems or its affiliates

Bussmann is a registered tradmark of Cooper Industries, Inc.
Bulletin B240-05035 July 2005 New Issue

Printed in U.S.A.

1045 Hickory Street

Pewaukee, WI 53072 USA
www.cooperpower.com