G&W Electric Installs First Vault Style SF6 Insulated Switching Solutions in Brazil

Company continuing to meet global market demand for reliable power

Bolingbrook, Illinois, February 4, 2019 – G&W Electric, a global supplier of electric power equipment since 1905 has recently installed their first Vault Style SF6 Insulated Switchgear in São Paulo, Brazil. Working with ENEL São Paulo (Eletropaulo)employees to retrofit old switchgear, G&W provided customized solutions for implementation of automation and automatic line transfers to deliver fast and reliable power to the Mario de Andrade Municipal Library.

“As we continue to build our global presence, we are thrilled to have São Paulo as our first installation for this switchgear in Brazil,” said John Mueller, Chairman and Owner of G&W Electric. “These installations help us meet our global goals and the growing demand around the world to provide efficient and reliable power.”

The first switchgear was installed in 2017 replacing a 20kV system, and the second unit was installed and energized in December 2018 to replace obsolete equipment on a 34.5kV selective system. The new switches are submersible and include an internal arc-resistant tank. These features reduce the need for maintenance and improve safety and ease of operation.

G&W load and fault interrupting switches combine the total cost and operating benefits of fuseless, electronically controlled, resettable overcurrent protection with the safety and maintenance benefits of a sealed for life, dead front, SF6 insulated device. The switches are designed for automatic single or three phase fault interruption with load break capabilities for systems through 35kV, 630A continuous. Ratings to 900A continuous are available on certain models.

Along with increased system reliability, the recent installations lower SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) and SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index).

This latest installation adds to G&W’s expanding presence in South America. Previously, G&W has worked with ENEL to install equipment in Argentina, Chile and Colombia.

About G&W Electric

Since 1905, G&W Electric has helped power the world with innovative power distribution solutions and products. With the introduction of the first disconnectable cable terminating device in the early 1900s, G&W began to build a reputation for innovative engineered solutions to meet the needs of systems designers. With an ever-present commitment to customer satisfaction, G&W enjoys a worldwide reputation for quality products and superior service.  For more information on G&W visit www.gwelec.com.

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