EcoLink® and Line Worker Safety: Eliminating External Arcing Risks

As utilities continue to prioritise worker safety and improve switching reliability on overhead distribution networks, attention is shifting toward a long standing operational hazard: external arcing during manual fuse operation.

While fuse installation itself has not changed for decades, the moment when the fuse is re-closed after replacement can produce a dangerous arc if the upper contact is already energised but the tube is not properly seated. This is one of the most common causes of incidents during fuse handling.

On the other hand, increased reliance on manual handling and a growing proportion of less experienced line workers are driving a rise in these incidents. Traditional fuses provide no mechanism to prevent a mis closure, so even small handling errors can escalate into external arcing events.

How EcoLink® Reduces the Risks

Long service design reduces the need for repeated fuse replacement
NOJA Power EcoLink® is a cutout mounted fuse alternative designed to replace a traditional fuse without changing the existing fuse holder. Once installed, the device stays in place.

Internal vacuum interrupter (VI) ensures controlled disconnection
EcoLink uses a sealed internal vacuum interrupter to perform all opening and closing operations. Because the switching arc occurs entirely inside the VI, the external contacts are never required to carry a mechanical closing arc, and operators no longer manually close an energised interface. This design keeps any arcing contained within the interrupter, preventing exposure to external arc events.

Mechanical interlock for safe removal
EcoLink is fitted with a mechanical interlock that requires the internal vacuum interrupter to be open during both installation and removal. This reduces the risk of the device from being inserted into energised contacts or withdrawn while carrying current, eliminating two of the most common causes of external arcing in traditional fuse operations.

Automatic fault clearing and reclosing
EcoLink can detect overcurrent and other conditions, open the circuit automatically, and reclose based on settings. This reduces the number of manual interactions required during fault events, lowering the potential for handling errors.

A Safer Path for Field Switching

NOJA Power Group Managing Director, Neil O'Sullivan, commented:

“EcoLink represents a meaningful step forward in operational safety by eliminating the need to manually close an energised fuse, EcoLink provides line workers with a safer, more reliable way to perform switching in the field.”

For more information, visit www.nojapower.com or contact your local NOJA Power Distributor.