Comparative analysis of GW5 and GW4 outdoor isolation switches

2025-07-13 11:48:12

The following is a deep comparative analysis of GW5 and GW4 outdoor isolation switches, combined with structural design, environmental adaptability, and engineering scenario requirements, to clarify the core advantages and applicable areas of GW5:

 1、 Differences in Core Structure and Performance Comparison

>Key interpretation:

>The V-shaped double column and gear transmission of GW5 endow it with better torsional stability, while the central disconnect structure of GW4 is more flexible when deployed in compact spaces. Both support single/double grounding configurations, but GW5's sealing (base waterproof adhesive+silicone corrugated tube) is more suitable for corrosive environments.

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 2、 Core advantage scenarios of GW5

1. Severely polluted areas (coastal/industrial zones)

-Creepage performance: Equipped with anti fouling ceramic bottles as standard, with a creepage distance of ≥ 25mm/kV (such as GW5-126W), it can be directly used in Class IV polluted areas; GW4 requires additional application of RTV coating or replacement of silicone rubber composite insulators.  

-Sealing protection: Fully sealed bearing seat+waterproof adhesive encapsulation, preventing rotation jamming caused by salt spray/dust intrusion.  

2. High altitude and large-span lines

-Altitude adaptability: Supports up to 3000m (minrong GW5-126) for high-altitude models, up to 4000m for high-altitude models; GW4 standard models are limited to 1000m, and high-altitude models require special design.  

-Span stability: The V-shaped structure disperses the tension of the conductors, reducing wind deflection and swinging, making it particularly suitable for cross river/canyon lines (such as GW5-72.5 used for high-voltage overhead lines).  

3. Electrified railways and frequent operating scenarios

-Institutional reliability: Equipped with CJ series electric mechanisms (such as CJ12A-G) as standard, it supports remote opening and closing, meeting the rapid maintenance needs of railway power supply during the "skylight period".  

-Mechanical lifespan: Conical roller bearings with oil injection hole design, maintenance cycle extended by 50%, suitable for unmanned substations.  

  3、 The irreplaceable scenario of GW4

>Case comparison:

>- A certain coastal wind farm: using GW5-72.5W, has not experienced pollution flashover for ten years (climbing distance 31mm/kV);  

>Suburban substation: minrong GW4-40.5 is used to adapt to narrow areas using its horizontal rotation characteristics.

 4、 Comparison of maintenance and upgrade costs

graph LR

A [Maintenance Cost] -->B [GW5]

A --> C[GW4]

B -->D [Sealed bearings require no oil injection]

B -->E [Silicone corrugated tube for bird protection]

C -->F [Regularly lubricate the shaft]

C -->G [Clean porcelain bottles in polluted areas]

-GW5: Universal joint silicone corrugated tube prevents bird nesting and sand erosion, reducing mechanical failures by 80%;  

-GW4: The exposed connecting rod needs to be lubricated quarterly, and the annual cleaning frequency in heavily polluted areas should be ≥ 2 times.

5、 Selection decision tree

mermaid

A [demand scenario] -->B {Pollution level ≥ III or altitude>2000m?}

B -->| Yes | C [Choose GW5 anti fouling/plateau type]

B -->| No | D {Is the space narrow or cost sensitive? }

D -->| Yes | E [Select GW4 standard type]

D -->| No | F {Does it require wind deflection or frequent operation? }

F -->| Yes | C

F -->| No | E

>Conclusion:

>- Preferred GW5: heavily polluted areas, high altitudes, large-span lines, electrified railways;  

>- Preferred GW4: Urban substation renovation, low-voltage distribution branch lines, cost sensitive projects.  

>The final selection needs to be comprehensively judged based on the short-circuit current (Ith ≥ 31.5kA, GW5-III grounding is selected) and the operation mode (remote control, electric mechanism is selected).