Colombia – High-Altitude Grid Insulation Coordination for 15-36kV Overhead Lines

Project Background

Colombia’s power distribution network runs largely through the Andes Mountains, at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,500 meters. At high altitudes, lower air density significantly reduces external insulation strength, requiring strict insulation correction factors. A major regional utility faced chronic issues:

• Frequent flashovers and lightning tripsduring rainy seasons
• Contact burnout and arc damageon disconnecting switches during load switching

They needed a complete 15-36kV fuse cutout and disconnecting switch solution tailored to high-altitude, high-humidity, and high-lightning environments.

Fuerte Solution

Zhejiang Fuerte provided a customized insulation coordination package under IEC and local RETIE technical standards:

1. HRW12-36kV Outdoor Drop-out Fuse

• Creepage distance increased by 25% above IEC baselinefor 3,000m altitude correction
• Enhanced arc-extinguishing chamber for reliable short-circuit interruption in humid conditions
• Fuse link range: 6A–200A for flexible protection coordination

2. FSC-36kV / GW-36kV Outdoor Disconnecting Switch

• Optimized silicone rubber post insulators with UV and tracking resistance
• Silver-plated contacts + self-cleaning wiping action– reduces contact resistance, extends service life
• Multiple configurations: single-pole, three-pole, vertical break, horizontal break

3. Full Technical Support

• Pre-sales insulation coordination calculation based on actual altitude correction factors
• On-site installation guidance and aftersales support

Project Results & Customer Feedback

After 8 months of operation (including a full rainy season), the customer reported:

• >60% reductionin flashover and lightning-related trip-outs
• 70% fewer maintenance work ordersfor switch contact wear and jamming
• 100% correct fuse operation– no misoperations, no failures to clear faults

“Fuerte gave us more than just hardware – they gave us a complete insulation coordination study. Their fuses and switches perform excellently at high altitude. We have found a reliable long-term partner.”
— Project Electrical Engineer, Colombia