Bus tie breaker

A bus tie breaker is a type of electrical switchgear used in power systems to provide a means of isolating and disconnecting a bus section from the rest of the system. It is typically used in high-voltage transmission and distribution systems to:

  1. Isolate a faulted section of the bus: In the event of a fault or short circuit on a bus section, the bus tie breaker can be used to isolate the faulty section from the rest of the system, allowing maintenance or repair to be performed safely.
  2. Provide redundancy: Bus tie breakers can be used to provide redundancy in the system, allowing one bus section to be taken out of service for maintenance or repair while the other bus section remains operational.
  3. Improve system reliability: By providing a means of isolating and disconnecting a bus section, bus tie breakers can help to improve the overall reliability of the system by reducing the risk of cascading faults and minimizing the impact of a fault on the rest of the system.

A bus tie breaker typically consists of:

  1. A main bus: This is the primary bus section that carries the electrical current.
  2. A tie bus: This is a secondary bus section that is connected to the main bus and provides a means of isolating and disconnecting the main bus.
  3. A tie breaker: This is the switchgear that is used to connect and disconnect the tie bus from the main bus.
  4. A disconnect switch: This is a switch that is used to disconnect the tie bus from the main bus when the tie breaker is in the open position.

Bus tie breakers are typically used in high-voltage transmission and distribution systems, such as:

  1. Power transmission systems: Bus tie breakers are used to provide a means of isolating and disconnecting transmission lines and substations.
  2. Power distribution systems: Bus tie breakers are used to provide a means of isolating and disconnecting distribution lines and substations.
  3. Industrial power systems: Bus tie breakers are used to provide a means of isolating and disconnecting industrial power systems, such as those used in manufacturing facilities.

Some common types of bus tie breakers include:

  1. Air-break bus tie breakers: These use air to break the electrical circuit when the tie breaker is opened.
  2. Oil-filled bus tie breakers: These use oil to fill the switchgear and provide a means of cooling and insulating the electrical contacts.
  3. Vacuum bus tie breakers: These use a vacuum to fill the switchgear and provide a means of cooling and insulating the electrical contacts.
  4. SF6 bus tie breakers: These use sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas to fill the switchgear and provide a means of cooling and insulating the electrical contacts.

Bus tie breakers are designed to meet specific standards and regulations, such as those set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the National Electric Code (NEC). They are typically manufactured by specialized companies that produce electrical switchgear and are installed by trained electricians and linemen.