What is the purpose of a recloser in a distribution system?

The purpose of a recloser in a distribution system is to automatically restore power after momentary faults. A recloser is designed to detect short-term disturbances in the electrical system, such as transient faults that may occur due to weather phenomena, such as lightning or tree branches temporarily touching lines. Upon detecting such a fault, the recloser will automatically interrupt the flow of electricity to protect equipment and maintain system integrity.

After a short period, the recloser attempts to reconnect the circuit, allowing the system to resume operation if the fault has cleared. This function reduces the need for manual intervention, minimizing downtime and enhancing reliability in power distribution. In contrast, devices that measure power consumption, disconnect systems during overloads, or regulate voltage levels serve different purposes and do not perform the critical function of automatically restoring power following transient faults.