What's New

SEL BEACON^® electric field reset fault indicators (BER) derive their operating power from the potential gradient around high-voltage power lines. The BERs inrush restraint option prevents false tripping that might otherwise occur because of reclosing operations When the upstream protection operates, the indicator senses the collapse of the voltage field and prohibits tripping until the utility is able to restore normal system conditions. The BERs versatility and reliability have made it a favorite for utilities working to improve their reliability statistics. The BER indicates with both a target and an LED. However, only the red LED display is battery-powered. As a result, the BER will continue to indicate via its red target even after the battery powering the LED has been depleted.

Utilities and other users typically apply BERs on overhead conductors on main line feeders: one set at the first upfeed and one set at each tap location. Installing BERs before each downfeed and after each upfeed allows the utility to determine whether the fault is in the underground section. Installing one of SEL's many models of underground fault indicators can help to further narrow in on the location of the fault along the underground portion of line. Midfeeder disconnects provide another optimal location for BERs. Once a lineman is dispatched to the midpoint, he opens the midpoint and uses the BER to determine which half of the feeder contains the fault. Then, the utility can quickly restore half of the feeder while the lineman patrols the remaining half of the feeder.