Recloser device and method of operation

A device for interrupting a flow of electrical power in an electrical distribution system, the device comprising:na sensor operably coupled to the electrical distribution system;a switching mechanism coupled to the electrical distribution system, the switching mechanism movable between an open position and a closed position;a controller operably coupled to the sensor and the switching mechanism, the controller having a processor that is responsive to executable computer instructions when executed on the processor incrementing a first counter in a first mode of operation and a second counter in a second mode of operation; and,wherein the processor is further responsive to executable computer instructions for switching from the first mode to the second mode in response to a signal from the sensor.

An autonomous device for interrupting a flow of electrical power in an electrical distribution system, the device comprising:na sensor operably coupled to the electrical distribution system;a switching mechanism coupled to the electrical distribution system, the switching mechanism movable between an open position and a closed position;a user selectable switch, the user selectable switch being movable between a first position and a second position;a controller operably coupled to the sensor, the switching mechanism and the user selectable switch, the controller having a processor that is responsive to executable computer instructions when executed on the processor incrementing a first counter in a first mode of operation and a second counter in a second mode of operation;wherein the processor is further responsive to executable computer instructions for switching from the first mode to the second mode in response to a signal from the sensor; and,wherein when the user selectable switch is in the second position, the processor is further responsive to executable computer instructions for moving the switching mechanism from the closed position to the open position in response to a detection of a fault condition on the electrical distribution system.

A method of operating a recloser device on an electrical distribution network, the method comprising:nactivating a first counter setting;monitoring the electrical distribution network;detecting a first electrical fault on the electrical distribution network;incrementing the first counter in response to detecting the first electrical fault;determining when the first counter is equal to the first counter setting;opening a switching mechanism when the first counter is equal to the first counter setting;detecting a loss of voltage on the electrical distribution network; and,activating a second counter setting in response to the detecting of the loss of voltage.