The GW□-15D is a single-pole outdoor high-voltage disconnector for opening and closing no-load circuits in 15 kV and 40.5 kV networks. Used together with circuit breakers, it provides a clearly visible insulating gap for the safe isolation of lines and equipment.
The earthing switch (type D) version is operated through the CS6 manual mechanism with an interlock that blocks misoperation, so no portable earth leads are needed during maintenance. A pollution-proof version is available for heavily polluted areas.
Model Designation
The type is designated G W□-15 (D)/□□ and decoded as follows:
- G — disconnector
- W — place of use, outdoor
- □ — design sequence number
- 15 — rated voltage, kV
- (D) — with earthing switch (omitted for the plain version)
- □□ — rated current, A, and rated short-circuit withstand current, kA
Construction and Operation
- Single-pole construction. Each pole is an independent unit carrying the knife, moving and static contacts, operating insulator and supporting porcelain insulators on a galvanised steel base; three poles are assembled side by side on the common mounting frame to form the three-phase set.
- Linkage and operation. A three-phase linkage shaft and bent arms drive all poles from one CS6 manual mechanism; the side or centre operating bent arm and the pipe transmission arrangement allow the mechanism to be placed at a convenient height on the structure.
- Earthing switch and interlock. On the D version the earthing knife is driven through its own tie rods, and the mechanical interlock between main and earth contacts enforces the correct operating sequence.
- Motorised option. For remote operation the disconnector can be equipped with a motorised mechanism coupled through the three-phase linkage shaft, bent arms and pipe transmission, with open/close position indication.
- Pollution-proof design. The pollution-proof version uses insulators with extended creepage distance for service in heavily polluted areas such as coastal and industrial regions.
Technical Parameters
Normal Service Conditions
- Altitude: not above 3000 m
- Ambient temperature: upper limit +40℃, lower limit −10℃ for general areas (−40℃ for cold areas)
- Wind pressure: not exceeding force 8
- Seismic intensity: not above intensity 8
- Vibration: no frequent violent vibration at the installation site
- Standard type: installation site free from gases, vapours, chemical deposits, salt mist, dust or other explosive or corrosive substances that seriously affect the insulation and conductivity of the disconnector
- Pollution-proof type: suitable for heavily polluted areas, free from substances that may cause fire or explosion
Installation & Wiring
Installation and Mounting
Assemble the single poles on the mounting frame at their phase spacing, fix the frame through the 4 × 18 × 25 mm mounting holes and earth it reliably. Fit the three-phase linkage shaft, bent arms and tie rods, connect the CS6 mechanism at the side or centre operating position, and check the interlock between main and earthing switches before commissioning.
Outline and Installation Dimensions
Main dimensions (mm) are taken from the outline drawings; the foundation installation drawing covers the standard current ratings.
| Outline dimension | Value (mm) |
|---|---|
| Base frame length over mounting holes | 1570 |
| Phase spacing | 700 + 700 |
| Upper frame width | 900 |
| Terminal spacing at live parts | ≥ 350 |
| Pole centre height | 850 / 750 |
| Single-pole insulator height | 615 |
| Mechanism mounting height | 1200 / 1000 |
| Side operating bent arm clearance | 310 |
| Mounting holes | 4 × 18 × 25 |
Applications
- Isolation of lines, busbars and equipment in outdoor 15 kV and 40.5 kV substations and switching stations
- No-load switching of transmission and distribution networks in combination with circuit breakers
- Transformer-feeder and line-branching isolation arrangements with earthing switch versions
- Pollution-proof type for coastal, salt-mist and heavy industrial pollution areas
Selection & FAQs
Selection Guide
- Confirm the rated voltage (15 kV or 40.5 kV) against the network, and the rated current and withstand ratings against the feeder duty as fixed by the technical agreement.
- Select the plain version or the version with earthing switch (D) for the required earthing arrangement.
- For heavily polluted sites order the pollution-proof version with extended-creepage insulators.
- Decide between the CS6 manual mechanism and the motorised mechanism with open/close position indication.
- Confirm the mechanism position (side or centre operating bent arm) against the gantry layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does the type designation GW□-15 (D)/□□ mean?
G is the disconnector, W the outdoor place of use and □ the design sequence number; 15 is the rated voltage in kV, D indicates an earthing switch, and the final two fields give the rated current in A and the rated short-circuit withstand current in kA.
Q2: Can this disconnector interrupt load or short-circuit current?
No. It is designed only to open and close circuits under voltage without load, and to provide a visible insulating gap for isolation; short-circuit currents must be interrupted by the associated circuit breaker, with which the disconnector is interlocked.
Q3: What does the earthing switch (D) version provide?
An earthing knife driven through its own tie rods that earths the isolated section for safe maintenance, with a mechanical interlock against the main contacts that blocks misoperation, so operating personnel no longer need to hang portable earth leads.
Q4: What does the pollution-proof version improve?
It uses insulators with extended creepage distance so the disconnector meets the requirements of heavily polluted areas and effectively avoids the pollution flashover that may occur during operation; it should still be free from explosive or fire-causing substances.
Q5: What are the service conditions?
Altitude not above 3000 m, ambient temperature +40℃ with a lower limit of −10℃ (−40℃ in cold areas), wind pressure up to force 8, seismic intensity up to 8, and no frequent violent vibration at the installation site.
Q6: What data should I provide when ordering?
The rated voltage, the rated current and withstand ratings fixed by the technical agreement, the plain or earthing switch (D) version, the manual CS6 or motorised mechanism, the standard or pollution-proof insulators and the mechanism position; see also the disconnector range and our indoor load break switch range for related switching equipment.