The indoor disconnectors RVR-10/4000 and RVRZ-10/4000 are intended for making and breaking de-energized sections of an electrical circuit that are at voltage, as well as for earthing disconnected sections by means of fixed earthing switches.
Structurally, the disconnectors are of the vertical-break type and are manufactured in single-pole design.
RVR disconnectors are supplied without an earthing switch; RVRZ versions are supplied with an earthing switch either on the separable-contact side or on the non-separable side.
RVR/RVRZ disconnectors consist of a base (frame), support insulators, contact system, tension insulator, and earthing switches. A drive shaft with levers for operating the blades is mounted on the frame. If earthing switches are provided, one or two additional shafts are installed for their operation, as well as a mechanical interlock that prevents closing the earthing switch with the main blades closed and vice versa. The insulation of the disconnector comprises support insulators and a tension insulator. The contact system consists of fixed copper contacts and moving blades. The earthing switches consist of a copper bar fixed to steel posts welded to the earthing-switch shaft. When the earthing switch is closed, the bar engages the finger (lamella) contacts mounted on the lower shelves of the fixed contacts. Contact pressure in the axial and separable contacts of the main blades and in the lamella contacts of the earthing switches is provided by springs.
RVR/RVRZ disconnectors are manufactured for climatic/environmental classification in accordance with EN/IEC 60721-3-3 (weather-protected stationary use), with the following limits:
– altitude not exceeding 1000 m above sea level;
– upper operating ambient temperature +40 °C;
– lower operating ambient temperature -45 °C;
– relative humidity 80% at +20 °C

Technical data

Purpose and application

RVR-10/4000 and RVRZ-10/4000 are high-reliability medium-voltage AC indoor disconnectors of the 10 kV class, designed for high load currents up to 4000 A. Their primary function is to provide a visible isolation gap for safe maintenance, for rapid sectionalizing of distribution networks and busbars, for creating bypass/reserve sections, for off-load switching operations, and for prompt earthing of disconnected parts (for versions with earthing switches).

Typical applications include KRU and KRUN at 6(10) kV, KSO compartments, all types of package substations (fixed and mobile), main switchboards and incoming-distribution cabinets, transformer/reactor connection bays and capacitor/compensation banks, motor and feeder cells, as well as special process cabinets for energy-intensive industries (mining, petrochemical, metallurgical, etc.).

The disconnectors suit modern distribution switchgear with front or rear access, are compatible with standard manual and motor operators, and provide clear indication of positions “ON”, “OFF” and “EARTHED”. The design focuses on maintainability and quick reconfiguration to match specific secondary schemes and phase spacing.

Service conditions

Operation is permitted indoors under environmental conditions classified by EN/IEC 60721-3-3 for weather-protected stationary use: ambient temperature from -45 °C to +40 °C, relative humidity up to 80% at +20 °C, installation altitude up to 1000 m. Atmosphere: non-hazardous, free of conductive dust and aggressive gases harmful to metals and insulation. Mounting on vibration-free foundations or switchgear steelwork with natural ventilation, with prescribed service clearances and access for maintenance.
Options on request include enhanced corrosion resistance, reinforced supports and/or seismic-resistant versions for areas with specified seismic actions (category per project). Installation locations include indoor substation buildings, plant rooms, distribution points and containerized modules.

Layout and design solutions

RVR/RVRZ are single-pole vertical-break devices installed as three poles on a common welded frame (base). Each pole includes: support insulators (porcelain or polymer as specified), a moving blade, a set of fixed contacts (axial and separable), current-carrying bars and fasteners. Rotation of the operating shaft via links and levers drives the blades, providing a fast, vibration-resistant travel with assured contact force.
Contact surfaces are made of high-conductivity copper with wear-resistant plating (tinned/silvered, as specified). Spring assemblies provide stable contact pressure and compensate thermal deformation. Lamella (finger) contacts of the earthing switch (RVRZ versions) ensure long life under frequent operations and low contact resistance to earth. For easy bus connection, mounting pads and hardware support both flexible and rigid conductors sized for currents up to 4000 A.

Support/operating insulators feature high bending and torsional strength. Adjustable elements are provided for fine alignment of blade travel to minimize wear and heating of contact pairs. The mounting footprint and dimensions allow integration into typical KRU/KSO cells with phase spacings of 210–275 mm (or as specified), as well as into custom cabinets. Cams/flags on the shaft accommodate limit switches and position sensors (dry contacts, inductive sensors, etc.) for easy integration into SCADA/DCS schemes.

Safety and interlocks

Mechanical interlocking is implemented: closing the earthing switch with the main blades closed is excluded, and closing the main blades with the earthing switch closed is excluded. The visible isolation gap ensures safe work conditions. The operating mechanism shaft provides position-locking devices; padlocks and micro-switches on the cell doors (door-mechanism interlock) can be fitted. Manual/motor operators provide clear position indicators. The design follows electrical safety principles, minimizes the risk of inadvertent operations, and allows use of inter-section mechanical key interlocks for distribution-switchgear operating schemes.

Versions and options

By scheme, the following are distinguished: RVR-10/4000 (without earthing switch) and RVRZ-10/4000 (with one or two earthing switches-on the separable- or non-separable-contact side). Options include number of poles (single-pole modules on a common frame), phase spacing, blade orientation (upper/lower contact), insulation type (porcelain/composite), and operator layout. Operators include manual three-position types (PR series) or motor operators with remote control and free-wheel. Additional options: auxiliary contact blocks, position indicators, sensors for SCADA/DCS, screens and barriers, bus adapter kits, enhanced anti-corrosion coating of the frame, and a spare-parts kit.

Standards compliance

The disconnectors are engineered in line with current requirements and test methods for medium-voltage switchgear. The design and manufacturing are based on the following standards (latest editions and/or regional adoptions):

• IEC 62271-102 - “High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 102: Alternating current disconnectors and earthing switches”.
• IEC 62271-1 - “High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 1: Common specifications for AC switchgear and controlgear”.
• EN/IEC 60721-3-3 - “Classification of environmental conditions - Part 3-3: Stationary use at weather-protected locations”.
• IEC 60060-1 - “High-voltage test techniques - Part 1: General definitions and test requirements”.
• IEC 62271-200 / IEC 62271-201 - additional requirements applicable when integrated into metal-enclosed switchgear assemblies.

Engaging contractors and partners

We welcome cooperation with electrical-equipment manufacturers, engineering and installation companies, and investors interested in localization and series scaling. We provide adapted working documentation and process routes for your equipment, support commissioning, and help to establish supply chains for assemblies and parts. Cooperation options range from manufacturing individual components (frames, contacts, insulators, operators) to complete assembly and testing of substation equipment at the partner’s site.

Documentation offered

To accelerate production launch, we provide a design documentation set: BOMs, assembly drawings and part lists (DWG/DXF), 3D models (STEP/Parasolid), purchase part lists, assembly and inspection instructions, connection schemes and axonometric views, in-process inspection templates, and recommendations for routine tests. Formats: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Kompas-3D, Parasolid. Documentation can be promptly adjusted to project requirements, local plant standards, and available tooling.

Advantages of working with us:

– No need to maintain a large high-skilled engineering staff - you receive a complete documentation set for the product that can be handled by a mid-level engineer. 
– No need to make pilot prototypes - our experience enables successful start of serial production.
– Using our documentation, your specialists receive consulting on all manufacturing nuances of the RVR-10 disconnectors.

For additional information on RVR-10/4000 and RVRZ-10/4000 disconnectors, please contact: inbox@proekt-energo.com

... and, as is well known, an error made at the design stage turns into tenfold costs in manufacturing and hundredfold in operation...