Medium Voltage Load Break Switches

Compare 10 indoor and outdoor medium voltage load break switch models from 10 kV to 40.5 kV. Review electrical ratings, switching duties, operating mechanisms, fuse and earthing options, installation dimensions and model-specific drawings.

Compare models and ratings

Indoor and outdoor product range

Medium Voltage Load Break Switch Types and Models

Compare ten medium voltage load break switch models by installation, interruption technology, voltage class and rated current. Open a model to review detailed specifications, configuration options and its dimensional drawing.

10 products shownOpen a product to view technical specifications and its dimensional drawing.



Load break switch selection guide

How to Select a Medium Voltage Load Break Switch

Start with the circuit function and load-switching duty, then match the electrical ratings, installation environment, interruption technology and physical interface. This gives engineers and procurement teams a clear, comparable basis for model selection and quotation.

01 Function and installation
Indoor panel or RMU, outdoor pole or support mounting, new supply or replacement, load switching, transformer feeder, cable feeder or fuse-combination duty.
02 System and switching ratings
Rated voltage, frequency, continuous current, active-load and closed-loop breaking current, cable-charging duty, short-circuit making current and withstand duration.
03 Insulation and service conditions
Power-frequency and impulse withstand levels, altitude, ambient temperature, wind, pollution, ice, seismic and enclosure conditions for the selected indoor or outdoor model.
04 Mechanism and protection
Manual, motor, automatic or remote operation, control voltage, earthing switch, fuse combination, trip device, interlocking and auxiliary indication.
05 Interface and RFQ details
Phase spacing, mounting and terminal dimensions, operating side, cabinet or pole interface, approved drawing, quantity, destination and required documents.

Product range by installation and interruption technology

Indoor and Outdoor Medium Voltage Load Break Switch Types

Choose the load break switch type by installation and arc-interruption technology, then compare voltage class, current, switching duties, mechanism and dimensional interface. The range includes three indoor SF6 models, five indoor non-SF6 models and two outdoor models.

01RMU and panel installation

Indoor SF6 load break switches

Available models

  • FL(R)N36-12 at 12 kV and 630 A
  • FL(R)N36-24 at 24 kV and 630 A
  • FL(R)N36-40.5 at 40.5 kV with separate FLN and FLRN ratings
Compare these details

  • Power-frequency and impulse withstand levels, switching duty and short-circuit data
  • SF6 pressure, leakage, mechanism, earthing switch and fuse-combination options
  • Phase spacing, cabinet position, terminals and model-specific drawing
02Indoor alternative technologies

Indoor non-SF6 load break switches

Available models

  • FZN25-12 / FZR25-12 indoor vacuum family
  • FN12-12 gas-pressure and FN18-12(24) puffer-type families
  • FN7-12(24) and WTD-10/630A indoor models
Compare these details

  • Voltage and current column, interruption technology and declared switching duties
  • Fuse family, earthing-switch rating, manual or electrical mechanism and endurance
  • Ordering designation, replacement cross-reference, mounting interface and dimensional drawing
03Pole and outdoor support installation

Outdoor load break switches

Available models

  • FZW32-12/T630-20 outdoor isolating vacuum load break switch
  • PGS-12/24/40.5 pole-mounted SF6 load break switch family
  • Manual, electric, automatic and remote-control operating options
Compare these details

  • Outdoor voltage class, current, switching and withstand ratings, service temperature and altitude
  • Wind, pollution, ice, creepage, support, terminal and operating-interface requirements
  • Required control mode, accessories, installation drawing and approved rating schedule

Use the technical specifications and drawing for the exact model and voltage column. Similar product appearance does not confirm the same interruption technology, switching duty, mechanism or installation interface.

Mechanism and protection selection

Load Break Switch Operating Mechanisms and Protection Options

Select the operating mechanism and protection arrangement with the exact load break switch model. Control voltage, fuse family, earthing switch, trip device, auxiliary contacts and interlocking define the supplied configuration and panel interface.

Option 01

Manual and local operating mechanisms

Best for
Local operation where the project does not require electrical, automatic or remote switching.
Specify
Exact switch model, operating side, handle or mechanism family, shaft position and required travel.
Confirm
Open, closed and earth positions, access, indication, padlocking and interlocking within the installed equipment.
Option 02

Motor, automatic and remote operation

Best for
Electrical or remote operation when the selected model and project control philosophy support it.
Specify
Control voltage, operating command, auxiliary contacts, local manual override and required automatic or remote-control mode.
Confirm
Mechanism compatibility, output arrangement, wiring interface, operating time and available indication for the exact model.
Option 03

Fuse combinations, earthing and interlocks

Best for
Configurations that combine load switching with a fuse function, earthing position or coordinated operating sequence.
Specify
Fuse family and current, striker or trip device, earthing-switch arrangement, auxiliary indication and interlock logic.
Confirm
Transfer current, fuse coordination, mechanical sequence and compatibility with the approved cabinet or outdoor assembly.
Operating configuration for RFQ

Define the complete switching configuration for quotation.

Model and switching duty
Exact model designation, voltage, current, declared making and breaking ratings and required quantity.
Mechanism and controls
Manual, motor, automatic or remote mode, operating side, control voltage, indication and auxiliary contacts.
Protection and earthing
Fuse combination, fuse family and current, trip device, earthing switch and required interlocking.
Interface and accessories
Mounting, terminals, phase spacing, handles, mechanisms, associated parts and model-specific drawing reference.
Engineering and procurement checklist

Medium Voltage Load Break Switch Specifications for RFQ

A complete load break switch RFQ should define the application, switching duty, electrical ratings, installation environment, operating configuration, physical interface and required documents. Use the exact model designation and voltage column when comparing offers.

Electrical specification

Match the declared switching duty.

Compare voltage, insulation, continuous current, making, breaking and short-circuit values against the exact model and required function.

Installation interface

Match the equipment and mechanism.

Confirm indoor or outdoor mounting, terminals, phase spacing, operating side, mechanism, fuse or earthing option, interlocks and approved dimensions.

Selection itemWhat to specifyWhy it matters
01

Application and switching duty

Circuit position, indoor or outdoor installation, load, loop, cable-charging or transformer-feeder duty, fuse-combination need and required quantity.

It determines the correct product group and which declared making and breaking ratings must be checked.

02

Voltage, current and breaking ratings

Rated voltage, frequency, continuous current, active-load and closed-loop breaking current, cable-charging current and transfer current where applicable.

These values define normal service and switching capability for the exact model and configuration column.

03

Insulation and short-circuit data

Power-frequency and lightning-impulse withstand levels, short-time withstand current and duration, peak withstand and short-circuit making current.

Insulation coordination and withstand performance must match the project system and switching arrangement.

04

Technology and service environment

SF6, vacuum, puffer or other stated interruption technology, gas pressure and leakage where applicable, plus altitude, temperature, wind, pollution, ice and seismic conditions.

The interruption technology and site conditions affect model choice, enclosure, insulation and maintenance requirements.

05

Mechanism, protection and interlocking

Manual, motor, automatic or remote operation, control voltage, fuse family and current, trip device, earthing switch, indication and interlocking.

The operating and protection configuration must be supported by the selected model and project control sequence.

06

Dimensions, drawings and supply scope

Phase spacing, terminals, mounting centres, operating side, shaft or pole interface, approved drawing, accessories, documents and delivery destination.

A complete interface and supply list reduces replacement errors, omitted parts and quotation revisions.

Related products for distribution projects

Related Medium Voltage Switching Equipment

Browse the parent category when your project also requires medium voltage circuit breakers, disconnect switches or related switching devices. Return to this page to compare the 10 indoor and outdoor load break switch models.

Current product categoryMedium Voltage Load Break SwitchesIndoor SF6, indoor non-SF6 and outdoor models with technical specifications, operating options and drawings.
Parent product categoryMV Switching EquipmentBrowse medium voltage switching equipment by application, switching function and system duty.Browse MV switching equipment

Engineer and procurement FAQ

Medium Voltage Load Break Switch FAQ

Practical answers for engineers, panel builders, EPC teams and professional buyers comparing switching duty, ratings, installation, protection, replacement and RFQ requirements.

01What is a medium voltage load break switch?

A medium voltage load break switch is a switching device designed to carry, make and interrupt the normal load duties stated for its rating. IEC 62271-103 covers AC switches and switch-disconnectors above 1 kV up to and including 52 kV. Typical applications include RMU line feeders, transformer feeders, indoor switchgear and outdoor distribution sectionalizing.

02Can a load break switch interrupt fault current?

A stand-alone load break switch is not selected to interrupt short-circuit fault current. It can interrupt its declared load current, make a stated short-circuit current and carry short-time current for the specified duration. Fault interruption must be provided by a coordinated switch-fuse combination or by a circuit breaker and protection relay.

03What is the difference between a load break switch, disconnect switch and circuit breaker?

A load break switch interrupts specified normal load duties and may also provide isolation when designed as a switch-disconnector. A disconnect switch is primarily an isolating device and normally operates off load. A circuit breaker interrupts both normal current and fault current when commanded by its protection system. Always compare the exact device ratings and approved switching duty.

04How do I select the correct voltage, current and switching ratings?

Match the system highest voltage and frequency first, then check continuous current, power-frequency and lightning-impulse withstand levels, active-load and closed-loop breaking current, cable-charging duty, short-circuit making current, short-time withstand current and duration. For a switch-fuse combination, also specify the fuse rating and transfer current.

05Should I choose an indoor SF6, vacuum, air or outdoor load break switch?

Choose the installation first: RMU or enclosed switchgear, compact substation, indoor replacement, or outdoor pole and support mounting. Then compare SF6, vacuum, air or puffer technology by switching duty, insulation level, footprint, mechanism, endurance, maintenance policy, environmental requirements and dimensional interface. Similar appearance does not establish interchangeability.

06When is a switch-fuse combination required?

Use a switch-fuse combination when the approved protection study assigns short-circuit interruption to current-limiting fuses while the switch performs normal load switching. IEC 62271-105 covers alternating-current switch-fuse combinations. Specify the fuse family and current, striker or trip linkage, transfer current, earthing switch and interlocking sequence.

07Which operating mechanism, earthing switch and interlocks should I specify?

State manual, motor, automatic or remote operation; operating side; control voltage; auxiliary contacts; position indication; local override; and required opening or closing time. Also define the earthing-switch making rating, fuse striker or trip device, key and door interlocks, padlocking, and the permitted LINE, OPEN and EARTH operating sequence.

08What information is required for a quotation or replacement?

Send the application and single-line diagram, system voltage and frequency, rated current, switching duty, short-circuit level, indoor or outdoor service conditions, operating mechanism, control voltage, fuse and earthing requirements, quantity and delivery destination. For replacements, also provide the complete nameplate, clear installation photos, mounting and terminal dimensions, phase spacing, operating side and marked dimensional drawing.