A MICRO PROJECT REPORT ON

WHAT IS AN ELECTRICAL ISOLATOR : WORKING

& ITS APPLICATIONS

UNDER THE SUBJECT OF SWITCHGEAR & PROTECTION

WINTER 2021-22
SUBMITTED BY

Name of Student Roll no Enrollment no.

Pagar Ujjwal Bhausaheb 31 2005300120

Jadhav Akash Shriram 70 2005300159

Chaudhari Nikhil Vithal. 68 2005300157

Chavan Chetan Ramdas 66 2005300155

Project Guided By

Prof.S.B.Patil

MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNCAL EDUCATION, MUMBAI

2021-22

MAHAVIR POLYTECHNIC, NASHIK (0530)

 MAHAVIR POLYTECHNIC NASHIK

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGNEERING

CERTIFICATE
This is certify that the micro project on “What is an Electrical Isolator : Working & Its
Applications “ is satisfactorily completed and submitted in the partial fulfillment requirement of
the project of the subject of "Switchgear & protection” in the third year of electrical
engineering in the fifth semester for academic year 2021 – 22

Prepared By
Ujjwal Pagar

Akash Jadhav

Nikhil Chaudhari

Chetan Chavan

Prof. S.B.Patil Prof.J.D .Pradhan Prof. S.V. Sagare

( Project Guide ) ( H. O. D. ) ( Principal )

 INDEX

Sr. No. Name of resource page no.

1 What is Electrical 9
Isolator?

2 Working Principle 10

3 Operation of Electrical 10
Isolator

4 Types of Electrical 11
Isolator

5 Electrical Isolator 13
Operation

6 Difference between 13
Electrical Isolator and
Circuit Breaker

7 Earthing Switches 15

8 How to Maintain 15
Electrical Isolators?

9 Electrical Isolator for Air 16

Conditioner

10 Electrical Isolator 16
Selection Guide

11 Applications of Isolator 17
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It gives me immense pleasure to express my deepest sense of gratitude and sincere thanks to
my Highly respected and esteemed guide prof S.B.patil Electrical department, Mahavir
Polytechnic, Nashik for their valuable guidance, encouragement and help for completing this
Work their useful suggestion for this whole work and co-operative behavior are sincerely
Acknowledge.

In finishing this project within the limited time and making this project not only for marks but
Also to increase my knowledge once again thanks to Teacher for guidance to me to complete
this Project.

At the end I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my friends and others who help me
Directly this project work.

Pagar Ujjwal Bhausaheb

Chaudhari Nikhil Vitthal

Chavan Chetan Ramdas

Jadhav Akash Shriram

T. Y. E. E.

Academic Year 2021 –22

5th Semester
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It gives me immense pleasure to express my deepest sense of gratitude and sincere thanks to
my Highly respected and esteemed guide Prof S.B.Patil Electrical department, Mahavir
Polytechnic, Nashik for their valuable guidance, encouragement and help for completing this
Work their useful suggestion for this whole work and co-operative behavior are sincerely
Acknowledge.

In finishing this project within the limited time and making this project not only for marks but
Also to increase my knowledge once again thanks to Teacher for guidance to me to complete
this Project.

At the end I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my friends and others who help me
Directly this project work.

Pagar Ujjwal Bhausaheb

Enrollment no- 2005300120

T.Y.E.E.

Academic Year 2021 –22

5th Semester
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It gives me immense pleasure to express my deepest sense of gratitude and sincere thanks to
my Highly respected and esteemed guide Prof S.B.Patil Electrical department, Mahavir
Polytechnic, Nashik for their valuable guidance, encouragement and help for completing this
Work their useful suggestion for this whole work and co-operative behavior are sincerely
Acknowledge.

In finishing this project within the limited time and making this project not only for marks but
Also to increase my knowledge once again thanks to Teacher for guidance to me to complete
this Project.

At the end I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my friends and others who help me
Directly this project work.

Jadhav Akash Shriram

Enrollment no- 2005300159

T.Y.E.E.

Academic Year2021 –22

5th Semester
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It gives me immense pleasure to express my deepest sense of gratitude and sincere thanks to
my Highly respected and esteemed guide Prof S.B.Patil Electrical department, Mahavir
Polytechnic, Nashik for their valuable guidance, encouragement and help for completing this
Work their useful suggestion for this whole work and co-operative behavior are sincerely
Acknowledge.

In finishing this project within the limited time and making this project not only for marks but
Also to increase my knowledge once again thanks to Teacher for guidance to me to complete
this Project.

At the end I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my friends and others who help me
Directly this project work.

Chaudhari Nikhil Vitthal

Enrollment no-2005300157

T.Y.E.E.

Academic Year 2021 –22

5th Semester
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It gives me immense pleasure to express my deepest sense of gratitude and sincere thanks to
my Highly respected and esteemed guide Prof S.B.Patil Electrical department, Mahavir
Polytechnic, Nashik for their valuable guidance, encouragement and help for completing this
Work their useful suggestion for this whole work and co-operative behavior are sincerely
Acknowledge.

In finishing this project within the limited time and making this project not only for marks but
Also to increase my knowledge once again thanks to Teacher for guidance to me to complete
this Project.

At the end I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my friends and others who help me
Directly this project work.

Chavan Chetan Ramdas

Enrollment no- 2005300155

T.Y.E.E.

Academic Year2021 –22

5th Semester
 What is an Electrical Isolator : Working & Its Applications

The isolator is one type of switching device, and the main function of this is to make sure that a
circuit is totally not triggered in order to perform the preservation. These are also recognizable
like isolation switches to isolate the circuits. These switches are applicable in industrial,
distribution of electrical power, etc. High voltage type isolation switches are utilized in
substations for permitting isolation of equipment like transformers, circuit breakers. Usually,
the disconnector switch is not proposed for circuit control but it is for isolation. Isolators are
activated either automatically or manually.

What is Electrical Isolator?

The isolator can be defined as; it is one type of mechanical switch used to isolate a fraction of
the electrical circuit when it is required. Isolator switches are used for opening an electrical
circuit in the no-load condition. It is not proposed to be opened while current flows through the
line. Generally, these are employed on circuit breaker both the ends thus the circuit breaker
repair can be done easily without any risk.

Electrical Isolator is used to separate any type of electrical component from the system while
the system is offline/ online. Isolator doesn’t include any kind of system for avoiding arching
throughout disconnection. As in an electrical substation, an electrical isolator switch is mainly
used for disconnecting a power transformer once it is in a no-load situation otherwise a little
load is there. In full load condition, isolators don’t operate.
Working Principle

An electric isolator working principle is extremely easy as it operates in different ways like
manually operated, semi-automatic, and fully-automatic. Sometimes, these are used like
switches so-known as electrical isolator switches. This switch can be opened or closed
depending on the necessity. However, several times, these are arranged in a fixed position
permanently to maintain isolation like transformers, in electrical transmission lines, grid
stations.

An electrical isolator switch is one kind of device used to isolate a specific circuit by maintaining
as well as preventing flowing currents. These switches are used in electrical appliances like
kitchen tools, power grids, etc. Isolator switches are available in different types like a single-
pole, double-pole, 3-pole, 4-pole, fused, and battery isolator switches

Operation of Electrical Isolator

When there is no arc quench method is offered in the electrical isolator, it should be worked
once there is no possibility of current flow throughout the circuit. So, no live circuit must be
open otherwise closed through the isolator process.

A complete live closed-circuit should not be opened through the isolator process & also a live
circuit should not be closed as well as completed through the isolator process to keep away
from huge arcing among isolator contacts. So, this is the reason isolators should be open once
the circuit breaker is open. Similarly, the isolator must be closed once the circuit breaker is
before closed.

The operation of an isolator can be done through hand locally & using mechanical mechanism
from a remote location. The arrangement of motorized operation is expensive as compared
with hand operation; therefore choice must be taken before selecting an electrical isolator for
the system which operates manually or mechanically is best for the system.

The isolators which operate manually can be operated by using the system with up to 145 kV
whereas, for high voltage systems using 245 kV otherwise 420 kV, motorized isolators are
utilized.
Types of Electrical Isolator

The electrical isolators are classified based on the requirement of the system

• Double Break Type Isolator

• Single Break Type Isolator
• Pantograph Type Isolator

Double Break Type Isolator

This type of isolator consists of three loads of post insulators. The middle insulator holds a flat
male or tubular contact that can be turned straightly by a spin of the middle post insulator. The
rotation of the middle post insulator can be done by a lever method at the bottom of the post
insulator, as well as it is related to manual operation (operating handle) or motorized operation
motor (using motor) of the isolator via a mechanical knot rod.
Single Break Type Isolators

In this type of isolator, arm contact is separated into two elements. The first arm contact holds
male contact, as well as second arm contact, holds female contact. The arm contact shifts
because of the post insulator rotation upon which the arm contacts are fixed.

The post insulators’ rotation stacks in reverse to each other which makes to shut the isolator by
shutting the arm contact. Post insulators counter-rotation stacks to open the arm contact, as
well as an isolator, rotate into an off condition. Generally, the motor-operated isolator is used
however an emergency manual operated isolator is also offered.

Pantograph Type Isolator

The pantograph type isolator permits current switchgear installation, and it requires the least
space. This type of insulator includes a post insulator as well as an operating insulator.

According to the power system location, the isolator can be classified into three types namely
bus side, line side, and transfer bus side isolator.
 • Bus Side Isolator is a type of Isolator that connects by the major bus.
• Line Side Isolator stay connected by a feeder inline side.
• Transfer Bus Side Isolator stay connected by the major bus of a transformer.

Electrical Isolator Operation

The operation of an electrical isolator can be done by the following two operational methods
namely opening and closing.

Opening Operation of Electrical Isolator

• In the beginning, open the major circuit breaker.

• Then divide the load from a system with an isolator opening
• Close the earth switch. Earth switch can become an interlock system with an isolator.
That’s means when the isolator is open only that time earth switch can be closed.

Closing Operation of Electrical Isolator

• Detach the earth switch.

• Shut the isolator.
• Shut the circuit breaker.

Difference between Electrical Isolator and Circuit Breaker

The main difference between the isolator as well as the circuit breaker is that the isolator
detaches the circuit at the OFF-load situation while the circuit breaker detaches the circuit at
the ON-load situation.

But these two have a similar principle like disconnection for isolating the parts of the electrical
circuit from the system. This cannot function in an on-load situation where there is any fault
that occurs in the system then the circuit breaker will trip routinely. The main differences
between these two are discussed below.
Type of Device
An isolator is an off-load apparatus whereas a circuit breaker is an ON-load apparatus.

Operation
The operation of the isolator is manual whereas the operation of the circuit breaker is
automatic.

Device Action
The isolator is one type of mechanical apparatus that works like a switch whereas a circuit
breaker is an electronic apparatus made with BJT or MOSFET.

Function
When a fault occurs in a substation, the isolator cuts out a portion of a substation. The other
apparatus works without any intrusion.

The circuit breaker is like an MCB or ACB that trips the complete system if there is an error
occurs

Withstand Capacity

• Isolators have a small withstand capacity when contrasted to Circuit Breaker.

• Circuit breakers have a high withstand capacity at the condition of ON-load.

An insulator is one type of detaching switch which works under the condition of off-loading. It
separates the circuit part in which the error takes place from the power supply. Isolators are
applicable for high voltage devices like transformers. The main function of the Isolator is, it
blocks the DC signals & allows the AC signals to flow.
Circuit Breaker is one kind of protection device which works like a switch. When the fault
happens in the system, it opens as well as closes the circuit contact. It separates the circuit
automatically when a short circuit or overload takes place.

Earthing Switches

The arrangement of earthing switches can be done on the bottom of the line side isolator.
Usually, these switches are broken vertically. Earthing arms are connecting horizontally at off-
state throughout switching on the process where these arms turn as well as a move to a vertical
place to make contact with earth female contacts which are fixed at the peak of the post
insulator stack at its outgoing face.

So, these arms are interlocked by the moving contacts of the main isolator that can be closed
simply once the main contacts of the isolator are in an open situation. Likewise, the contacts of
the main isolator can be closed simply once the earthing arms are in an open situation.

What is the Role of Isolator in Transmission Line?

Electrical isolators play a key role within a transmission line like insulators isolate the
transmission line from the conductor. Here, isolators are mainly useful to eliminate grounding
loops like lowering the hazard of accidental lanes for the flow of current towards the
ground.Classification based on Source of Energy.

How to Maintain Electrical Isolators?

Electrical isolators suffer from different mechanical problems, so to overcome this, proper
maintenance is required. In power systems, isolators are switches where their opened and
closed positions are visible clearly. Generally, isolators are operated in offload conditions
whereas some isolators operate in on load conditions. There are two essential parts in an
isolator like the insulating part as well as conducting part. So some actions need to take for
maintaining isolators properly from mechanical issues.
 • We need to clean the insulator body by removing salt cement as well as acid fumes if
build-up.
• If we found any defect, then we have to replace the isolator with a new one. If the
defect on an isolator is very small, then we can rub to clean it by using sandpaper. And,
contact rods proper arrangement must be checked while maintaining.
• We must connect the bolts and their connections like power and earth tightly. Before
closing the isolators, we need to cross-check whether the male contacts are fitted
properly into female contacts or not, otherwise, we need to adjust.
• We need to check the working of the mechanical interlock by closing the earth switch
once the isolator is closed. If the physical operation is not possible then we can use the
mechanical operation to rectify it.
• Frequently, we need to grease the assembly of shaft bearing with mechanical
connections of auxiliary switches.
• We should determine the contact resistance for every contact of every phase. For that,
we can employ a ‘Digital Micro Ohm Meter’.
• Finally, we must verify the electrical interlocking method for every isolator.

Electrical Isolator for Air Conditioner

The cheaper option while installing AC is to connect the aircon unit to the switchboard directly.
When doing this connection, still meets production standards.. Isolator switches are arranged
on the outdoor units once we set up home AC for two main reasons. Initially, it means you can
separate your unit to defend it from strikes in a cloudburst.

Secondly, you can avoid your home security switch from frequently tripping if your AC system
has an error. So in this situation, the power supply toward the unit can be disconnected easily
with the help of the isolator switch till the electrician comes to repair it.

Electrical Isolator Selection Guide

Electrical isolators operate at no-load conditions, therefore many factors need to be considered
while selecting isolators
 • Voltage level
• Rated continuous current carrying capability
• Selection of short duration current capacity
• Breaker tripping & closing timing
• Breaker open & close capacity is also significant

Applications of Isolator

• The applications of Isolators involve high voltage devices such as transformers.

• These are protected with a locking system on the external or with a lock to stop
accidental usage.
• Isolator in Substation: When a fault occurs in a substation, then the isolator cuts out a
portion of a substation
 Teacher Evaluation Sheet

Name of Student : Ujjwal Pagar Enrollment No : 2005300120

Semester : 5th
Course Title : Electrical Engineering

Title of the Micro-Project: “What is an Electrical Isolator : Working & Its Applications”

Course Outcomes Achieved :

Improvement in self-thinking.
Improve the practical knowledge.
Develop team work & individual work.

Evaluation as per Suggested Rubric for Assessment of Micro Project

(Please tick in appropriate cell for each characteristic)
S. Characteristic Poor Average Good Excellent
No. to be assessed ( Marks 1- ( Marks 4 - 5 ) ( Marks 6 - 8 ) ( Marks 9- 10 )
3)
1 Relevance to
the course
2 Literature
Survey
/information
collection
3 Completion of
the Target as
per project
proposal
4 Analysis of Data
and
representation
5 Quality of
Prototype/Mod
el

6 Report
Preparation
 S. Characteristic Poor Average Good Excellent
No. to be assessed ( Marks 1- ( Marks 4 - 5 ) ( Marks 6 - 8 ) ( Marks 9- 10 )
3)
7 Presentation

8 Any other
(depending
upon nature of
project: please
write indicators
by pen)
9 Defense

MIcro-Project Evaluation Sheet

Process Assessment Product Assessment Total

Part A - Project PartB - Project individual Marks
Project Methodology Report/Working Presentation/Viva 10
Proposal (2 marks) Model (4 marks)
(2 marks) (2 marks)

Note:
Every course teacher is expected to assign marks for group evolution for each group of students
in first 3 columns as per rubrics & individual evaluation in 4TH column for each group of
studentsas per rubrics based on viva.

Comments/Suggestions about team work/leadership/inter-personal communication (if any)

………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Any Other Comment:
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Name and designation of the Faculty Member…………………………………….
Signature……………………………………………
 Teacher Evaluation Sheet

Name of Student : Akash Jadhav Enrollment No : 2005300159

Semester : 5th
Course Title : Electrical Engineering

Title of the Micro-Project: “What is an Electrical Isolator : Working & Its Applications.”

Course Outcomes Achieved :

Improvement in self-thinking.
Improve the practical knowledge.
Develop team work & individual work.

Evaluation as per Suggested Rubric for Assessment of Micro Project

(Please tick in appropriate cell for each characteristic)
S. Characteristic Poor Average Good Excellent
No. to be assessed ( Marks 1- ( Marks 4 - 5 ) ( Marks 6 - 8 ) ( Marks 9- 10 )
3)
1 Relevance to
the course
2 Literature
Survey
/information
collection
3 Completion of
the Target as
per project
proposal
4 Analysis of Data
and
representation
5 Quality of
Prototype/Mod
el

6 Report
Preparation
 S. Characteristic Poor Average Good Excellent
No. to be assessed ( Marks 1- ( Marks 4 - 5 ) ( Marks 6 - 8 ) ( Marks 9- 10 )
3)
7 Presentation

8 Any other
(depending
upon nature of
project: please
write indicators
by pen)
9 Defense

MIcro-Project Evaluation Sheet

Process Assessment Product Assessment Total

Part A - Project PartB - Project individual Marks
Project Methodology Report/Working Presentation/Viva 10
Proposal (2 marks) Model (4 marks)
(2 marks) (2 marks)

Note:
Every course teacher is expected to assign marks for group evolution for each group of students
in first 3 columns as per rubrics & individual evaluation in 4TH column for each group of
studentsas per rubrics based on viva.

Comments/Suggestions about team work/leadership/inter-personal communication (if any)

………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Any Other Comment:
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Name and designation of the Faculty Member…………………………………….
Signature……………………………………………………………
 Teacher Evaluation Sheet

Name of Student : Nikhil Chaudhari Enrollment No : 2005300157

Semester : 5th
Course Title : Electrical Engineering

Title of the Micro-Project: “What is an Electrical Isolator : Working & Its Applications.”

Course Outcomes Achieved :

Improvement in self-thinking.
Improve the practical knowledge.
Develop team work & individual work.

Evaluation as per Suggested Rubric for Assessment of Micro Project

(Please tick in appropriate cell for each characteristic)
S. Characteristic Poor Average Good Excellent
No. to be assessed ( Marks 1- ( Marks 4 - 5 ) ( Marks 6 - 8 ) ( Marks 9- 10 )
3)
1 Relevance to
the course
2 Literature
Survey
/information
collection
3 Completion of
the Target as
per project
proposal
4 Analysis of Data
and
representation
5 Quality of
Prototype/Mod
el

6 Report
Preparation
 S. Characteristic Poor Average Good Excellent
No. to be assessed ( Marks 1- ( Marks 4 - 5 ) ( Marks 6 - 8 ) ( Marks 9- 10 )
3)
7 Presentation

8 Any other
(depending
upon nature of
project: please
write indicators
by pen)
9 Defense

MIcro-Project Evaluation Sheet

Process Assessment Product Assessment Total

Part A - Project PartB - Project individual Marks
Project Methodology Report/Working Presentation/Viva 10
Proposal (2 marks) Model (4 marks)
(2 marks) (2 marks)

Note:
Every course teacher is expected to assign marks for group evolution for each group of students
in first 3 columns as per rubrics & individual evaluation in 4TH column for each group of
studentsas per rubrics based on viva.

Comments/Suggestions about team work/leadership/inter-personal communication (if any)

………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Any Other Comment:
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Name and designation of the Faculty Member…………………………………….
Signature………………………………………………………
 Teacher Evaluation Sheet

Name of Student : Chetan Chavan Enrollment No : 2005300155

Semester : 5th
Course Title : Electrical Engineering

Title of the Micro-Project: “What is an Electrical Isolator : Working & Its Applications.”

Course Outcomes Achieved :

Improvement in self-thinking.
Improve the practical knowledge.
Develop team work & individual work.

Evaluation as per Suggested Rubric for Assessment of Micro Project

(Please tick in appropriate cell for each characteristic)
S. Characteristic Poor Average Good Excellent
No. to be assessed ( Marks 1- ( Marks 4 - 5 ) ( Marks 6 - 8 ) ( Marks 9- 10 )
3)
1 Relevance to
the course
2 Literature
Survey
/information
collection
3 Completion of
the Target as
per project
proposal
4 Analysis of Data
and
representation
5 Quality of
Prototype/Mod
el

6 Report
Preparation
 S. Characteristic Poor Average Good Excellent
No. to be assessed ( Marks 1- ( Marks 4 - 5 ) ( Marks 6 - 8 ) ( Marks 9- 10 )
3)
7 Presentation

8 Any other
(depending
upon nature of
project: please
write indicators
by pen)
9 Defense

MIcro-Project Evaluation Sheet

Process Assessment Product Assessment Total

Part A - Project PartB - Project individual Marks
Project Methodology Report/Working Presentation/Viva 10
Proposal (2 marks) Model (4 marks)
(2 marks) (2 marks)

Note:
Every course teacher is expected to assign marks for group evolution for each group of students
in first 3 columns as per rubrics & individual evaluation in 4TH column for each group of
studentsas per rubrics based on viva.

Comments/Suggestions about team work/leadership/inter-personal communication (if any)

………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Any Other Comment:
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Name and designation of the Faculty Member…………………………………….
Signature…………………………………………………………………………