Underground Distribution Networks and DIN-C Equipped OSM Reclosers

As underground distribution networks continue to expand across urban centres, renewable energy installations, and industrial facilities, utilities face increasing challenges when integrating protection equipment into cable-based networks. In many of these applications, the cable termination interface can be just as important as the protection device itself.

From underground feeders in city distribution systems to collector circuits in wind and solar farms, engineers often need equipment that can be connected directly to existing cable infrastructure while maintaining flexibility for future network development. NOJA Power's DIN-C termination solutions provide a practical approach to addressing these requirements across the OSM Recloser range.

Why Cable Termination Compatibility Matters

Many underground distribution networks are built around standardised cable termination systems. As utilities modernise ageing infrastructure or expand existing networks, compatibility with installed cable connections can become a critical consideration.

In retrofit projects, replacing a recloser may be straightforward from a protection perspective, but differences in cable termination arrangements can introduce additional engineering work, installation complexity, or unplanned project delays. Selecting a recloser with the appropriate cable interface can help utilities integrate new protection equipment while maintaining compatibility with existing network infrastructure.

This consideration is particularly important for underground distribution systems, overhead-to-underground transition points, and renewable energy installations where medium-voltage cables form the backbone of the network.

DIN-C Solutions Across the OSM Recloser Range

OSM15 and OSM27

Many users may not realise that DIN-C compatibility is already available as a standard feature on OSM15 and OSM27 Reclosers.

These units can be configured for DIN-C cable terminations by removing the terminal protection caps and fitting standard Dead Break Elbow connectors. This allows direct connection to underground cable systems without requiring a dedicated product variant.

The arrangement provides utilities with a simple and effective method of integrating protection equipment into cable-based distribution networks while maintaining compatibility with commonly used termination systems.

OSM38 Dedicated DIN-C Configuration

For 38 kV applications, a dedicated configuration is available for networks requiring DIN-C terminations.

The OSM38-12-630-305 has been specifically designed to support DIN-C cable connections and must be specified at the time of ordering. Unlike the standard OSM38 configuration, this model is intended for direct integration into underground cable networks using DIN-C interfaces.

To support a wide range of applications, the OSM38 DIN-C configuration can be supplied with:

• DIN-C interfaces on one side only (three bushings), or
• DIN-C interfaces on both sides (all six bushings).

This flexibility allows engineers to tailor the installation to suit specific network requirements.

Supporting Modern Distribution Network Requirements

While the DIN-C interface addresses cable connection requirements, OSM Reclosers can also be paired with NOJA Power RC Control platforms to provide advanced distribution automation and monitoring capabilities.

These capabilities may include:

• Advanced protection functions
• Power quality monitoring
• Distributed Energy Resource (DER) integration
• Event and fault recording
• Remote communications
• Distribution network automation

Whether deployed on underground feeders, overhead-to-underground transition points, wind farms or solar installations, DIN-C equipped OSM Reclosers can be combined with NOJA Power's advanced control platforms to deliver protection, visibility, automation and network intelligence for modern distribution networks.

For more information about NOJA Power’s OSM Reclosers, visit www.nojapower.com.au