RVK-10 indoor disconnectors are used to isolate and re-connect, without load, individual sections of a 6 or 10 kV electrical network. They are also used in DC distribution switchgear RU-600 and KRU-600.
The disconnector is supplied in a single-pole version without earthing switches.
By design, the RVK disconnector is a knife-type device with a box-section contact system. The RVK comprises a base frame, support insulators and a contact system. A drive shaft with levers is mounted in the base to operate the moving blades. The contact system consists of fixed copper contacts and rotating knife blades. The insulation set includes two support insulators and one pull-rod insulator. Contact pressure in the rotating and separable contacts is adjusted by dedicated springs.
RVK range:
RVK-10/1000 UHL2 – disconnector rated at 1000 A;
RVK-10/2000 UHL2 – disconnector rated at 2000 A;

Technical data

Purpose and application

The RVK-10 single-pole disconnector is a medium-voltage 6–10 kV switching device intended for safe local isolation of circuit sections with no load current. Key functions include: providing a visible break for maintenance and commissioning; operational isolation of outgoing feeders, busbars and switchgear sections; process switching of auxiliary systems and station service transformers with no load. These disconnectors are widely used within KRU and KSO switchgear (including KRUN), in medium-voltage main distribution switchboards, in package transformer substations (KTP), in sectionalizing and automatic transfer (ATS) cabinets for medium voltage, and in traction power for urban transit and rail infrastructure (RU-600/KRU-600 DC – as isolating devices).

RVK-10 is the right choice wherever frequent operational isolation is required without load switching: on 6/10 kV incoming cable and overhead lines, on switchgear busbars to selectively withdraw cubicles for maintenance, in voltage-transformer circuits (as per scheme), on capacitor banks (as an isolator with the load disconnected), and at KTP and modular indoor switchgear (ZRU) incomers to improve serviceability. The visible break increases personnel safety and simplifies permitting for work. Thanks to the single-pole design, devices can be installed in groups for any phase arrangement and local constraints, including compact cubicles with complex bus runs.

In projects, RVK-10 often replaces obsolete devices of the same class, reducing contact resistance, cutting I²R losses and maintaining stable contact force. For O&M teams this yields predictable parameters, high repeatability of mechanical cycles and convenient inspection. The disconnector operates reliably in networks for industry, utilities, mining, oil & gas and transport, as well as in data-center and telecom power systems where short maintenance windows and rapid local isolation are critical.

Service conditions

The RVK-10 is intended for indoor switchgear under the following conditions: installation altitude up to 1000 m; operating temperature range -45 °C to +40 °C (indoor, weather-protected locations per EN/IEC 60721-3-3); relative humidity up to 95 % at +25 °C without condensation; non-hazardous area free of conductive dust and aggressive gases/vapors in concentrations that would damage insulation and contacts. Location category: indoor equipment rooms / KRU/KSO cubicles (ZRU). Pollution level: normal for indoor installation; with elevated contamination (dust, oil aerosols), schedule regular cleaning as per maintenance procedures.

The disconnector withstands mechanical effects during normal operations and short-circuit conditions in accordance with the declared thermal and dynamic withstand values. Operation under typical vibration inherent to distribution equipment is permissible provided the frame is mounted to a rigid base/plate as specified. If seismic performance is required, parameters and fixing methods are coordinated at the design stage.

Layout and design features

RVK-10 is a knife-type single-pole device with a box-section contact blade. Current-carrying parts are made of high-conductivity copper with electroplated finish (tin/silver) to reduce contact resistance and improve corrosion resistance. Fixed contacts are mounted on support insulators; the rotating blade is set on a shaft and linked to the operating levers. The box-section blade increases stiffness and resistance to electrodynamic forces under short-circuit, and ensures uniform current distribution across the contact width. Contact force is provided by spring packs; adjustment is via screw assemblies with subsequent locking.

The base (frame) is a welded or cast structure with mounting holes to match standard footprints in KRU/KSO. Support insulators may be porcelain or polymer (per project), with insulation levels adequate for 6/10 kV and for typical indoor overvoltages. The pull-rod insulator couples the drive shaft to the blade, providing electrical strength and mechanical rigidity throughout the travel.

The ON/OFF positions are defined by the operating mechanism and linkage; end positions provide secure latching of the blade. A visible isolating distance is the device’s key feature: in the OFF position personnel can visually confirm the open state of the power path, improving safety during work permits. Wear-resistant contact overlays and springs with stable characteristics are used to maintain contact pressure over the life cycle.

For KRU/KSO cubicle layout, RVK-10 may be installed on a mounting plate or a dedicated frame (modular sled), which simplifies factory/shop assembly: during manufacturing the drive is aligned, full blade travel verified, and contact pressure and parallelism checked. The design supports connection to flat busbars (typical sections) and to cable terminations via transition pads (option).

Safety and interlocking. The design focuses on safe operation. The visible break in the OFF position excludes inadvertent energization of the work zone. A mechanical position lock can be provided to prevent unintended switching, and a padlock (lockout/tagout) can be applied in OFF for permitted work. The mechanism can be interlocked mechanically/electrically with the KRU/KSO cubicle door so access to live parts is only possible with the device open. End-position indicators and signage are recommended for unambiguous status indication.

Important: RVK-10 is not intended to switch load current or interrupt short-circuit current. Operations are permitted only with no load; switching must follow the operating manual and the specific switchgear interlocking scheme. If remote operation is required (for process isolation), the drive is engineered with interlocks (between doors and devices) that prevent incorrect operation.

Versions and options

Base versions – RVK-10/1000 and RVK-10/2000 (indoor, EN/IEC 60721-3-3). On request: enhanced silver plating of live parts, polymer insulators for improved pollution performance, high-endurance contact overlays, transition busbars/pads to match existing buswork, preparation for remote drive installation, mounting kits (brackets, retainers) tailored to a specific KRU/KSO type, and adaptation of connection dimensions to existing footprints.

For application in DC switchgear (RU-600/KRU-600) the disconnector is equipped with appropriate clearances and design elements as per project. At the survey stage, on-site measurements can be taken and adapter kits prepared to enable a “drop-in” replacement of legacy devices with modern RVK-10 units without major cabinet or busbar rework.

Standards compliance

Design and manufacture of RVK-10 disconnectors follow applicable requirements for medium-voltage switchgear and controlgear. When installed within KRU/KSO cubicles, clearances, partial discharge levels, dielectric strength and mechanical withstand under short-circuit stress comply with the relevant rules. Principal standards applicable to indoor disconnectors and their integration:

• IEC 62271-102 – Alternating-current disconnectors and earthing switches (device-level requirements).
• IEC 62271-1 – General requirements for switchgear and controlgear.
• IEC 62271-200 – Metal-enclosed MV switchgear and controlgear assemblies up to and including 52 kV (for installation in KRU/KSO).
• EN/IEC 60721-3-3 – Environmental conditions classification for stationary use at weather-protected locations (indoor).
• Project-specific operation/maintenance rules for 6–10 kV switchgear (as per client requirements).

Partnering and cooperation

We welcome cooperation with contractors, electrical equipment manufacturers, KRU/KSO integrators, and investors interested in localizing production of single-pole 6–10 kV disconnectors. We are open to collaboration at the pre-design survey, engineering, manufacturability, and prototype testing stages. We provide a complete design package for contract manufacturing (including material specifications, recommendations for process steps and inspections, and technical specifications), support commissioning of serial production at the partner’s site, and accompany ramp-up of supplies for KRU/KSO and ZRU within EPC projects and distribution network modernization programs.

Documentation and support

For full-cycle manufacture and integration of RVK-10 we provide an engineering package: detail and assembly drawings (DWG/DXF), BOM, 3D CAD/PLM models (STEP/Parasolid, SolidWorks), ready-to-install drive and linkage units, KRU/KSO cubicle installation schemes, lubrication maps and contact-pressure adjustment procedures, installation and operating manuals, and test programs and procedures (type/routine) for electrical and mechanical parameters. On request, we adapt documentation to project requirements, site standards and the partner’s manufacturing capabilities. We also prepare tender materials (data sheets, loss calculations, layout schemes) and replacement packages for substituting previously installed devices from other manufacturers.

Why work with us

- No need to maintain a large in-house engineering staff – you receive a complete documentation set for the product that can be handled by a mid-level engineer. 
- No need to build pilot batches – our experience allows successful launch of serial production directly.
- Working to our documentation, your team will receive guidance on all nuances of RVK-10 manufacturing.

For additional information on RVK disconnectors, please contact: inbox@proekt-energo.com

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