Power Transmission and Distribution

Disconnectors and Earthing Switches

36 kV up to 800 kV

Ruhrtal & Siemens: A strong and successful team

We manufacture high quality high-voltage disconnectors

and earthing switches for outdoor and indoor substations.
We provide our customers with technically and economically optimised solutions with our extensive product range of
high-voltage switchgear and associated service performance.
The reliability of our disconnectors and earthing switches
over many decades is ensured by the comprehensive testing
system and a quality control system certied according to
DIN EN ISO 9001.

Our experience and performance

Most modern production technologies and investments in
our production sites world wide ensure sustained product
and process quality in accordance to the world renowned
high standards of Siemens.
Our products are based on the highest standard, even during the development stages. All switchgear are designed
for high mechanical loads. Static terminal loads of at least
1500 N are our standard. 10,000 switching cycles, i.e.
20,000 switching operations have been veried in mechanical endurance tests.
High-voltage switchgear from Ruhrtal is operating satisfactionelly and proven again and again in more than 50 countries world wide, in all geographic climatic zones.
Your advantage
Ruhrtal disconnectors fulll the customers requirements
for low life cycle costs at the highest availability and continuous economic service by:
delivery of completely routine tested and pre-adjusted
assembly groups,

easy erection and commissioning,

maintenance free bearings and contact systems,
comprehensive service available at short notice and
life-time technical support.
With over 80 years of experience in high-voltage engineering, Ruhrtal is one of the worldwide leading manufacturers of high-voltage disconnectors and earthing switches.
The technology of our products set an international trend.
Our extensive product range fulls the demands of our
customers` needs for highest product quality and reliability
at competitive prices.
Since 2001 the Ruhrtal GmbH & Co. OHG belongs to the
Siemens group. High-voltage disconnectors and circuitbreakers from a common source provide our customers
throughout the world with competitive advantages which
equates to greater success for their own business.
Disconnectors from Ruhrtal are successfully in
operation throughout the world under the most
severe environmental conditions and special technical
requirements.

Ruhrtal Product Range

Centre Break Disconnectors

D BF
Ur
Ir
Ik

72,5 kV...550 kV
1250 A...4000 A
31,5 kA...63 kA

Pantograph Disconnectors
P RF
Ur
Ir
Ik

123 kV...420 kV
3150 A
50 kA
P RL

Ur
Ir
Ik

245 kV...800 kV
3150 A...5000 A
63 kA...80 kA

Vertical Break Disconnectors

H BF
Ur
Ir
Ik

123 kV...550 kV
1250 A...6300 A
31,5 kA...63 kA

Double Side Break Disconnectors

Z BF
Ur
Ir
Ik

36 kV...800 kV
1250 A...5000 A
31,5 kA...63 kA

Knee-type Disconnectors
G BF
Ur
Ir
Ik

123 kV, 550 kV

1250 A...4000 A
31,5 kA...63 kA

Earthing Switches
AE / BE / ME
Built-on earthing switches
Free-standing earthing switches
Neutral point earthing switches

All types of disconnectors and earthing switches are available

for a temperature range from -50C up to +50C and for ice
loads up to 20 mm. They also ensure reliable operation in
areas subject to earthquake hazards.
Special types of disconnectors can be provided for direct
current transmission systems with rated voltages up to
800 kV.

Ruhrtal Centre Break Disconnectors

The centre break disconnector is the most frequently

used disconnector type.
The switch base (1) carries the operating mechanism
(2) and two rotatable seated supporting insulators
(3). The current path arms (4) which are xed to the
insulators open in the centre. Each rotating unit (5)
comprises two high-quality ball bearings and is designed for high mechanical loads. They are lubricated
and maintenance-free for the entire service life.

The current path of the centre break disconnectors

from Ruhrtal consists of few components, thus the
number of contact resistances is reduced to a minimum.
In the contact head (6) the current is transferred
from the terminal palm (8) to the current path tube
(9) by high-exible copper leads (7). The bearings
are not loaded by current ow. The copper leads
guarantee the smooth running of the bearings at the
high-voltage terminal palms. The high voltage conductors remain in their position during the switching
operation.

5
5

The main contact system consists of block contacts

and spread contact ngers. Ruhrtal contact systems
guarantee a steady contact force even after years of
operation.
2

The modular design of the Ruhrtal centre break

disconnectors offers various possibilities to adapt the
switchgear to changed requirements in substations,
even while the units are in service:

Modication from side-by-side into in-line arrangement or vice versa

Upgrading for higher rated continuous currents
and short-circuit ratings

Centre break disconnector

Later installation of earthing switches

Modication from earthing switch 1 to earthing
switch 2 or vice versa

Current path for 2500 A with copper leads in the contact head

Ruhrtal Pantograph Disconnectors

The illustration on the right shows the main

components of the pantograph disconnector:
Scissors arms (1)
Bearing frame (2)
Support insulator (3)
Rotating insulator (4)
Motor operating mechanism (5)
Rotary contact systems inside the joints,
which have thermal and dynamic current
carrying capacity, are used for current transfer. The geometry of the pantograph ensures
optimum operational behaviour. The smooth
movement during the switching operation is
characteristic for Ruhrtal pantograph disconnectors.

The specic contact force is already adjusted

in the factory and remains unchanged during
the entire lifetime. Ice loads up to 20 mm can
be broken without difculties.

In both end positions of the disconnector the

rotary arm in the bearing frame is switched
beyond the dead centre point. The switch position cannot be changed by external forces.
The rigidity of the scissors arms prevents
opening during a short circuit.
Ruhrtal pantograph disconnectors with
rated voltages from 123 kV up to 362 kV can
be equipped optionally with group operating mechanism or single pole operating
mechanisms. For higher rated voltages all
pantograph disconnectors are equipped with
single pole operating mechanisms.

Components of the pantograph disconnector

Ruhrtal Vertical Break Disconnectors

The current path of the vertical break disconnector opens vertically and
thus makes small phase distances possible.
The current path performs two movements:
a vertical swinging movement
a rotary movement around its own longitudinal axis.
The rotary movement generates the contact force and breaks possible ice
coatings.
In both end positions the rotary arm is switched beyond the dead centre
point. This locks the current path short circuit proof in the CLOSED position and prevents the current path from getting out of the OPEN position
under external forces.
The huge distance between supporting insulator and rotating insulator
ensures dielectric strength of the parallel insulation even under severe
salt fog conditions.
The movable part of the current path is one single subassembly which is
pre-adjusted and individually tested in the factory. This allows easy and
quick installation and commissioning on site.

Vertical break disconnector

Ruhrtal Double Side Break Disconnectors

The double side break disconnector has 3 supporting insulators.

The centre supporting insulator
is seated on a rotating unit and
carries the current path. The two
outer supporting insulators carry
the xed contacts.
The main application of the
double side break disconnectors
is in substations with limited
phase space and where vertical
opening of the current path is
not possible.
For voltage levels up to 245 kV
the contact ngers of the double
side break disconnectors are attached to the current path tube,
and the xed contacts consist
of contact blocks. The current
path performs a swinging movement, and the contact force
is generated by spreading apart
the ngers when sliding on the
contact block.
For voltage levels higher than
245 kV contact strips are attached to the ends of the current
path tubes. The contact ngers
are part of the xed contacts.
In this design the current path
performs a combined swinging
and rotary movement. Only
after completion of the swinging
movement the contact force is
generated by rotation of the current path round its own axis.
Double side break disconnector - swinging and rotary function

The Ruhrtal product range also

comprises of load break disconnectors for the voltage levels
from 72.5 kV up to 245 kV.
They are suitable for switching
low currents, for instance magnetising currents of unloaded
transformers.

Double side load break disconnector

Ruhrtal Knee-Type Disconnectors

This disconnector type has the smallest

space requirements in horizontal as well as in
vertical direction. Ruhrtal 123 kV knee-type
disconnectors are mainly used for indoor
substations. Typical arrangements are wall or
ceiling mounting. In 550 kV outdoor substations Ruhrtal knee-type disconnectors are in
most cases utilised as overhead line disconnectors. The knee joint in the main current
path reduces the space for vertical opening
and increases the distance of the opened disconnector to adjacent substation equipment.

Knee-type disconnector

Knee-type disconnector (wall mounted), CLOSED position

Ruhrtal Earthing Switches

The use of Ruhrtal earthing switches

ensure absolute de-energisation of
high-voltage components in a circuit or
switchgear.
Ruhrtal free-standing earthing switches
are available for all voltage levels up to
800 kV.
Suitable built-on earthing switches are
available for all disconnector types of
the Ruhrtal scope of supply.
According to the requirements Ruhrtal
built-on earthing switches can be arranged laterally or in inboard arrangement
with respect to the position of the main
current path of the disconnector as
needed.
Optionally, all earthing switches can be
designed for switching induced inductive and capacitive currents according to
IEC 62271-102, Class A or Class B.

Three-pole centre break disconnector with two earthing switches in inboard design
Red coloured: Earthing switch 1
Blue coloured: Earthing switch 2

Free-standing earthing switch

Ruhrtal Contact Systems

The Ruhrtal contact systems have proved

their reliability in decades of service.
Following a summary of the most important features of the Ruhrtal contact
systems:
They consist of only a few parts
The contact ngers are self-resilient,
requiring no spring elements to generate the contact force
The contact force is set in the factory
and remains stable throughout the
lifetime
The contact force increases in case of a
short circuit
No re-adjustment is required during the
service life
Ice layers up to 20 mm can be broken
without difculties
The AgC contact surface provides highest conductivity and at the same time
serves as dry lubrication, requiring no
regular grease lubrication
The contacts are maintenance-free for
20 years

Contact system of a centre break disconnector

Ruhrtal
Commutating Contacts

Ruhrtal commutating contacts can be

delivered for all types of disconnectors.
Such busbar disconnectors are capable of
switching commutating currents when
changing busbars.
During the switching operation from
busbar 1 to busbar 2 a potential difference appears which causes a switching
arc between the contacts of the disconnector.
Annex B of IEC 62271-102 describes
the switching loads appearing during
non-interrupting bus transfer. Ruhrtal
commutating contact systems have been
type-tested with 100 C-O cycles.

Commutating contact of a centre-break disconnector

10

Technical Data of Ruhrtal Commutating Contacts

Commutating Contacts according to IEC 62271-102 Annex B (former IEC 1128)

for Ruhrtal disconnectors

Disconnector

Pantograph

Centre Break

Double Side Break

Vertical Break

Ruhrtal type

P RF / P RL

D BF

Z BF

H BF

KK

DKK

ZKK

HKK

Commutating current (A)

1600

1600

1600

1600

Recovery voltage (V)

300

100V (Ur <245 kV)

300V (Ur 245 kV)

300

300

Number of operating cycles

100

100

100

100

123-550

72.5-550

72.5-800

123-550

Commutating contact type

Rated voltage of
disconnector (kV)

Commutating contact of a pantograph disconnector

Commutating contact of a double side break disconnector

11

Ruhrtal Motor Operating Mechanisms

More than 50,000 Ruhrtal motor operating mechanisms in

world wide operation prove their reliability around the clock.
Our customers appreciate their high quality for decades.
The Ruhrtal motor operating mechanisms consist of three
main subassemblies:
Aluminium casted housing with door (1)
(protection degree IP55)
Gear unit (2) with motor
Electrical equipment with auxiliary switch (3).

The motor operating mechanism can also be operated

manually. For this purpose a hand crank is inserted into an
opening easily accessible from the ground. The opening is
secured by a swivel-mounted shutter. Opening the shutter
automatically interrupts the motor and control circuit, protecting the site personnel against inadvertent operation of
the high-voltage switchgear by remote control. The electric
motor brake makes manual operation by hand crank easier.

For maintenance work the operating mechanism can be blocked additionally by a mechanical interlocking device.
The Ruhrtal motor operating mechanism is protected against
condensation water by a heating resistor and the air circulation inside the housing.

Motor operating mechanism

The Ruhrtal auxiliary switch is form-t connected to

the gear unit and signals the switching position with
absolute reliability. This ensures safe substation operation.
After motor starts the auxiliary switch moves and the
switching position signal is cancelled. The disconnector
operates thereafter until the end position is reached.
Only then the auxiliary switch moves again and issues
the switching position signal.
This sequence ensures that the CLOSED position is indicated only after the disconnector is locked short-circuit
proof and the rated current can be carried. The OPEN
position is indicated only after the opened current path
has reached the nominal dielectric strength.
Ruhrtals auxiliary switches are also testifying their
reliability in operating mechanisms of circuit breakers
and disconnectors from other manufacturers.
Further quality advantages of the Ruhrtal motor operating mechanisms are:
Auxiliary switch

The Ruhrtal auxiliary switches consist of creepage proof and

arc-resistant moulded plastic discs. Putting one on the other
they build closed interrupting chambers. The self-cleaning
contacts consist of silver-plated contact knives and contactbridges tted with solid silver elements. They are able to carry and switch very small signalling currents as well as higher
inductive direct currents.

Generously dimensioned housing with large cable

connecting space
The Ruhrtal motor operating mechanisms are particularly easy to install and maintain
The door hinge side can be changed
The operating mechanism can be mounted with the
door closed
The rst maintenance overhaul is required after
1,000 switching operations

12

Ruhrtal disconnectors and earthing switches

for most precise technical requirements

Ruhrtal 245 kV high-voltage disconnectors are

in operation at the KEMA test laboratories with
ratings of 400 kApeak current and 160 kA-1 s short
time current.
Ruhrtal 150 kV disconnectors and earthing switches are in operation at the independent PEHLA
high power testing station of Siemens AG in Berlin.
They have ratings of 400 kApeak current and
160 kA-1 s short time current.
High voltage direct current transmission systems
with rated voltages of 412 kV and 550 kV utilise
Ruhrtal double side break disconnectors with the
veried switch-on current of 100 Arms.
Ruhrtal earthing switches with making capability can discharge unloaded high voltage cables
for 420 and 550 kV with cable lengths of up to
300 km.

Simover compact switch bay

Innovative technology of Ruhrtal

Ruhrtal double side break disconnectors with integrated surge arrester of Siemens AG;
suitable are both arresters optionally with porcelain or composite insulators
Ruhrtal earthing switches with rated voltages up
to 550 kV for the extinction of ferro-resonance
currents
Ruhrtal double side load break disconnectors with
capacitive and inductive breaking capability of
10 A at 145 kV rated voltage for the Chinese State
Railways
Ruhrtal earthing switches with vacuum arcing
chamber for switching induced currents up to
400 A
Ruhrtal earthing switches mounted on Siemens
dead-tank circuit-breakers

Simobreak compact switch bay

13

For further information

Please send this page by fax
to the following number:
Fax +49 2327 996 229
or send us an E-mail to:
ruhrtal-info.ptd@siemens.com

Name
Position
Company
Street
Postal code/City/Country
Telephone/Fax
E-mail

Subject

RUHRTAL GmbH & Co. OHG

Hohensteinstrae 16
D-44866 Bochum-Wattenscheid
Germany

The information in this document contains

general descriptions of the technical
options available, which do not always
have to be present in individual cases.
The required features should therefore be
speci ed in each individual case at the
time of closing the contract.

Tel. +49 2327 996 0

Subject to change without prior notice

Internet: www.ruhrtal-high-voltage.de

Order No. 927 00498 176 C

Printed in Germany
05065.0