BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present application generally relate to recloser devices for power distribution systems. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the present application relate to reclosers that are latchable to cutouts in an open condition, and which in the absence of selective mechanical unlatching remain latched to the cutout regardless of the open or closed condition of the recloser or its operational state or history.

Fuse cutouts, or simply cutouts, are used to protect against electrical overload in power distribution systems. Traditional cutout designs often employ a high voltage dropout fuse and a mounting insulator that electrically isolates conductive portions of the cutout from the support to which the cutout is mounted. Often, an end of the dropout fuse is pivotally attached to the cutout, while the other end of the dropout fuse is configured to be releasable from the cutout upon the occurrence of certain electrical events, such as, for example, in response to at least certain fault currents. For example, in response to certain fault currents, an end of the dropout fuse can be melted such the melted end becomes detached from the cutout. The dropout fuse can then, under at least the force of gravity and/or the weight of the fuse, pivoted away from the cutout about the end of the fuse that remains pivotally coupled to the cutout. Such release of a portion of the dropout fuse from the cutout in direct response to the fault current can result in the fuse being moved to a visibly detectable drop position relative to at least the cutout at which only pivotally connected end of the dropout fuse remains connected to the cutout.

Rather than a dropout fuse, certain cutouts can employ a recloser that, via operation of an electromagnetic actuator, seeks to automatically reclose an open circuit. However, operation of an electromagnet actuator typically is dependent on the electromagnetic actuator receiving a supply of electrical energy. Yet, at least in certain situations, the recloser and associated electronics can cease to receive a supply of primary electrical power for relatively prolonged periods of time. Such unavailability of primary power can result in a depletion of stored electrical power for operation of the recloser. Accordingly, the stored electrical power, if any, can become insufficient to effectuate operation of the recloser, which can result in the recloser remaining in the open position.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An aspect of an embodiment of the present application is a cutout mountable recloser that includes a first terminal and a recloser assembly, the recloser assembly being electrically coupled to the first terminal. The recloser assembly can include a current interrupter, an electromagnetic actuator, and a pushrod. The recloser can further include a latch system that is coupled to the recloser assembly. The latch system can comprise a lower terminal latch plate that is pivotally displaceable between a first, raised position and a second, lowered position. The recloser can also include a second terminal that is electrically coupled to the recloser assembly, and which is coupled to the lower terminal latch plate. The second terminal can be pivotally displaceable between a raised position and a lowered position by the pivotable displacement of the lower terminal latch plate between the first, raised position and the second, lowered position. Additionally, the second terminal can be separated from the first terminal by a first linear distance when the second terminal is in the raised position, and by a second linear distance when the second terminal is in the lowered position, the first linear distance being smaller than the second linear distance.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is a recloser that is structured for a selectively releasable latching engagement with a cutout. The recloser can include a driver, a first terminal, and a recloser assembly, the recloser assembly being electrically coupled to the first terminal and coupled to the driver. The recloser assembly can include a current interrupter, a pushrod, an electromagnetic actuator, and a closing mechanism. The closing mechanism can have at least one closer body and at least one mechanical biasing element. The at least one mechanical biasing element can release a force, when the closing mechanism is discharged from a charged state to a discharged state, that displaces the at least one closer body into a moving engagement with the pushrod. The moving engagement between the at least one closer body and the pushrod can displace the pushrod to a position that electrically closes the current interrupter. The recloser can also include a latch system that is coupled to the driver. The latch system can have a lower terminal latch plate that is pivotally displaceable in between a first, raised position and a second, lowered position. Additionally, the recloser can include a second terminal that can be coupled to the lower terminal latch plate and electrically coupled to at least the recloser assembly. The second terminal can be pivotally displaceable between a raised position and a lowered position by the pivotable displacement of the lower terminal latch plate between the first, raised position and the second, lowered position.

Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application is a method that includes rotably coupling a second terminal of a recloser to a lower hinge support of a cutout, the recloser including an electromagnetic actuator. A first terminal of the recloser can then be rotably displaced into engagement with an upper contact of an upper mounting bracket of the cutout. The recloser can be latched to the cutout by selectively increasing a linear distance between the first terminal and the second terminal via at least rotation of a driver of the recloser in a first rotational direction. Each of the preceding steps can, for example, be performed while the recloser is in an electrically opened condition. Moreover, according to certain embodiments, the recloser may not be closed until after the recloser has been latched to the cutout. Further, the recloser can be unlatched from the cutout by selectively decreasing the linear distance between the first terminal and the second terminal via at least rotation of the driver in a second rotational direction. Additionally, after unlatching the recloser, the first terminal can be rotably displaced from the upper contact.

