G&W Electric Unveils Next-Generation Viper®-ST Recloser at DISTRIBUTECH 2025

Expanded Ratings, Enhanced Automation, and Future-Ready Grid Resiliency

Bolingbrook, Illinois, March 24, 2025 – G&W Electric, a global leader in power grid solutions, today announced the latest evolution of its Viper®-ST recloser, featuring expanded voltage and current ratings designed to meet the growing demands of modern electrical distribution systems. Now available with ratings up to 170kV BIL and 1000A continuous current, this next-generation recloser delivers unmatched reliability, flexibility, and automation readiness to help utilities build a smarter, more resilient grid.

“Utilities today are facing mounting pressure to enhance grid reliability while integrating distributed energy resources,” said John Gounaris, Vice President of Global Marketing for G&W Electric. “The Viper-ST recloser is designed to provide the advanced protection and monitoring that utilities need to strengthen their networks, reduce outages, and enable future automation—all in a compact and flexible design.”

With its enhanced dead-front module design and integrated mechanical block, the Viper-ST recloser ensures greater safety and ease of installation in pole-mount, substation, and padmount configurations. In addition, its high-performance epoxy encapsulation delivers superior insulation and environmental protection. Key features of the newest Viper-ST model include:

  • Expanded Ratings: Now available in all distribution voltage classes and with up to 170kV BIL and 1000A continuous current ratings, with interrupting capabilities of 12.5kA and 16kA.
  • Seamless Automation Integration: Fully compatible with the SEL-651R control and other advanced control options, enabling remote operation and real-time grid monitoring.
  • Advanced Voltage and Current Sensing: Supports up to six internal voltage sensors and three dual-ratio CTs, with optional six external Accusense® voltage sensors and three external CTs for precise grid diagnostics.
  • Reduced Installation Time: Lightweight, compact, and site-ready for faster deployment.
  • Future-Proof Grid Readiness: Designed to support evolving smart grid automation requirements.
  • Application Flexibility: Leveraging dead-front module configurations and extensive frame design options allows tailored solutions to enable switching, metering, and even power quality analysis in a single, site-ready package.

Meet the Viper-ST Recloser at DISTRIBUTECH 2025

The new Viper-ST recloser will debut at DISTRIBUTECH Booth 3403. Attendees can experience firsthand how its expanded ratings and advanced automation capabilities enhance grid resiliency and efficiency. G&W Electric experts will be on-site to discuss how this next-generation solution helps utilities future-proof their distribution networks.

About G&W Electric

Founded in 1905, G&W Electric is a global leader in innovative power grid solutions, offering advanced load and fault interrupting switches, reclosers, sensors, system protection equipment, power grid automation, and transmission and distribution accessories. Headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois, U.S.A., with manufacturing and sales support in over 100 countries, G&W Electric helps customers overcome challenges and gain a competitive edge with cutting-edge products and technical services. For more information visit  www.gwelectric.com. Follow G&W Electric on X @GW_Electric and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Carol Magosky
G&W Electric
[email protected]

Katie Schimmel
Outlook Marketing
[email protected]