Modern distribution networks need to respond quickly when faults occur. A temporary fault caused by lightning, vegetation contact or another short-duration event does not always require a long outage, yet conventional protection arrangements can leave customers disconnected until the circuit is manually restored.
This is where the recloser becomes an important part of distribution automation.
An automatic circuit recloser can detect a fault, interrupt the circuit and then attempt to restore power automatically according to a programmed reclosing sequence. If the fault has cleared, service can resume without requiring manual intervention. If the fault remains, the protection system can isolate the affected section.
Chardon Group’s epoxy solid recloser is designed for overhead distribution applications and combines vacuum interruption, epoxy insulation, integrated sensing and programmable protection functions. Current product information lists voltage classes up to 38 kV and testing in accordance with IEC 62271-111.
As utilities invest in smarter grids and faster restoration strategies, technologies such as these will be relevant at Middle East Energy 2026, at Dutco Tennant LLC”s Stall taking place from 1–3 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Why Reclosers Are Important in Modern Distribution Networks
Many overhead distribution faults are temporary.
A branch may briefly contact a conductor, lightning may create a transient fault, or another short-lived event may cause protection equipment to operate. Once the cause disappears, the line may be capable of returning to normal service.
An auto recloser is designed to manage this type of event automatically.
It interrupts fault current and then waits for a programmed period before closing the circuit again. If the fault has disappeared, the network can continue operating. If the fault remains, further protective action can take place according to the configured sequence.
This gives utilities a way to reduce the duration of some outages while still protecting the network from persistent faults.
How an Automatic Circuit Recloser Works
A recloser combines switching, sensing and protection logic.
The Chardon unit uses vacuum interrupters for current interruption together with integrated current and voltage sensing. The current product documentation lists three embedded current transformers and six embedded capacitive voltage dividers.
These sensors provide the information needed by the controller to evaluate network conditions.
The protection system can then respond according to programmed parameters, including:
· fault-current detection
· definite-time protection
· high-current trip
· time-current curves
· sensitive earth-fault protection
· directional protection
· under- and over-voltage protection
· under- and over-frequency protection
· phase synchronism checking
This means an automatic circuit recloser performs a much broader role than simple switching.
Auto Reclosing Helps Reduce Temporary Outages
The defining feature of a recloser is its ability to restore the circuit automatically after a trip.
The Chardon FTU200 protection controller supports configurable auto-reclosing sequences. Current technical information shows reclosing delay ranges beginning at 0.5 seconds, with later operations and reset periods configurable according to the protection strategy.
This allows utilities to coordinate the recloser with the wider protection system.
For example, a temporary fault can be cleared and followed by an automatic closing attempt. If the network remains healthy, the interruption can remain relatively brief.
Where the fault is permanent, the device can follow the programmed sequence and ultimately keep the affected circuit open.
Why Directional Protection Is Useful
Distribution systems are becoming less one-directional.
Traditional feeders were often designed around power flowing from the substation toward connected loads. Distributed generation, renewable energy and network interconnection can create more complex flow conditions.
The Chardon protection platform supports directional, bidirectional protection, allowing the controller to distinguish fault conditions according to current direction.
This can become increasingly useful in automated feeders where fault current may not always originate from one side of the network.
A modern pole mounted recloser should therefore be evaluated against the actual feeder architecture rather than selected solely from its voltage and current ratings.
Epoxy Insulation for Overhead Environments
Outdoor distribution equipment needs to withstand prolonged environmental exposure.
The Chardon recloser uses hydrophobic cycloaliphatic epoxy resin as its main insulating material. Product literature highlights resistance to ageing, cracking and UV deterioration, together with improved performance in heavily polluted environments.
These characteristics are relevant for pole-mounted equipment because insulation remains continuously exposed to sunlight, moisture, contamination and changing weather.
The epoxy solid design also contributes to a compact and relatively lightweight construction compared with some traditional recloser technologies.
Vacuum Interruption Supports Compact Switching
The switching element inside the recloser uses a vacuum interrupter.
Vacuum switching is widely used in medium-voltage systems because the interruption chamber can be compact while providing high fault-current interruption capability.
Chardon’s current product information identifies high interrupting capacity and low chopping current among the characteristics of the vacuum interrupter.
The magnetic operating mechanism applies force directly, without a mechanical linkage between the actuator and the vacuum interrupter.
This simplified arrangement can help reduce the number of moving mechanical components within the operating system.
Why the Magnetic Mechanism Matters
The recloser uses magnetic gang operation.
According to the current technical documentation, no continuous power is required to hold the contacts in the closed position. The mechanism can also complete a defined number of opening and closing operations using its secondary power supply.
For distribution operators, mechanism design can influence maintenance requirements and long-term operational reliability.
A simpler operating arrangement can be valuable for equipment installed remotely across widespread overhead networks.
Reclosers Support More Than Fault Clearing
Distribution automation increasingly depends on collecting information as well as responding to faults.
With integrated sensing and a programmable protection controller, the recloser can support network functions related to voltage, frequency, current and fault direction.
This data can help utilities understand feeder conditions and coordinate protection strategies more effectively.
Functions such as cold-load pickup, inrush restraint and multiple protection groups are particularly useful where feeder characteristics change under different operating conditions.
These capabilities show why modern reclosers are becoming part of broader distribution automation rather than being treated only as automatic switches.
Pole-Mounted Reclosers and Feeder Sectionalisation
A pole mounted recloser can be positioned at strategic points along an overhead distribution feeder.
This allows the network to be divided into sections.
If a fault occurs downstream of the recloser, the device can interrupt the affected portion while helping reduce the number of customers influenced by the event, depending on the protection design and feeder configuration.
For larger distribution systems, multiple reclosers and sectionalising devices can be coordinated to improve fault isolation.
The final scheme should always be based on a detailed protection study rather than applying the same settings throughout the network.
Different Voltage Levels Support Different Network Requirements
Chardon’s current product portfolio lists reclosers in voltage classes including 15.5 kV, 27 kV and 35 kV, while the current recloser product page states availability up to 38 kV. Both single-phase and three-phase configurations are referenced in the wider Chardon portfolio.
This allows utilities to evaluate the technology across several medium-voltage distribution classes.
Voltage selection is only one part of the specification.
Engineers should also confirm:
· continuous current requirement
· short-circuit interrupting duty
· feeder protection philosophy
· communication requirements
· control power
· environmental conditions
· pole and structure arrangement
· coordination with upstream and downstream protection
Reclosers and the Move Towards Smarter Grids
Distribution automation is becoming increasingly important as networks support higher electrical demand, renewable generation and more complex customer loads.
Middle East Energy’s current event information highlights digitalisation and smarter grids as important parts of the evolving energy sector. The event’s 2026 edition also comes as regional demand increases due to electrification, industrial expansion and data-centre growth.
Automatic fault restoration is one part of this transition.
When reclosers are integrated with suitable sensing, communication and protection logic, utilities gain more control over how the distribution network responds to faults.
Distribution Automation at Middle East Energy 2026
Middle East Energy 2026 will take place from 1–3 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. The event will bring together utilities, EPC contractors, consultants and technology providers from across generation, transmission, distribution, critical power and digital infrastructure.
For professionals evaluating next-generation distribution automation, the recloser provides a clear example of how protection and control are moving closer together.
By detecting faults, interrupting current, assessing system conditions and automatically attempting restoration, modern reclosers can help utilities create distribution networks that respond more intelligently to temporary and permanent faults.
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