ABB Press Release -- March 23, 2010
ABB announces GridGuard overhead switch for Smart Grid
distribution systems
New three-phase, gang-operated medium voltage switch provides utilities with easy
integration, flexible switching capabilities
Tampa, Florida, March 23, 2010 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group,
announced the introduction of a new distribution class three-phase overhead, gang-operated
medium voltage switch for emerging Smart Grid systems.
The ABB GridGuard switch – the only unit on the market that meets or exceeds both IEEE and
ANSI standards, which is very important considering current rating and momentary interruptions
– provides investor-owned and public power utilities with easy integration, remote and local
operation, and flexible switching capabilities.
With the ABB GridGuard switch as a line management and restoration tool, utilities can more
efficiently maintain their lines and manage and restore power as needed. Utilities using
GridGuard should experience higher reliability with fewer interruptions, shorter downtimes and
efficient line management. The GridGuard switch also includes maximum safety features for
crews during line disconnection, increasing both line crew confidence and productivity.
“We are pleased to announce the new GridGuard overhead switch as a major expansion of our
medium voltage distribution components portfolio,” said Mohamed Abdelrahim, sales and
marketing manager for ABB. “Along with the ABB AutoLink electronic sectionalizer, this switch is
an ideal fit within newly-designed Smart Grid systems and provides utilities with easy
integration, standards compliance and flexible switching capabilities.”
ABB announced it will provide full engineering, customer service and sales support for this
comprehensive switch product offering. The switch is available with a variety of interrupter
options, mounting configurations and control mechanisms, including a motor-driven feature. The
GridGuard switch, supported by ABB’s medium voltage facility in Greensboro, North Carolina,
also provides no external-arc interruption for line, transformer or cable switching.
For more information, please visit www.abb.com/mediumvoltage.
This announcement was made at DistribuTech, a major annual transmission and distribution
trade show and exhibition held this year in Tampa.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and
industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB
Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people. The
company's North American operations, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, employ about
12,000 people in 20 manufacturing and other major facilities.
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