A protective device which automatically disconnects and then reconnects the flow of electricity when it detects trouble on an electric line. The timing (usually 2-5 seconds) is designed so that the problem may clear and the electric service will experience a brief interruption. If it operates several times and the cause of the trouble remains, the recloser will lock itself open, de-energizing the line until the trouble can be repaired by our lines workers.

Device that is initiated when a power circuit breaker is opened and will close the breaker for a test after a pre-set length of time.

This rectangular box, found on distribution utility poles, acts as a smart circuit breaker. It can determine if a short circuit occurs ahead or behind it. If the problem is behind the recloser it disconnects service. It can be programmed to try to reconnect after a short time period. This action may cause "blinks" on the line but can drastically reduce the length of the outage. Often short circuits on overhead distribution lines are caused by conditions that will disappear given a little time. Things like animal contacts or tree branches in the line. Many times the recloser can automatically re-energize the line after a very brief time. If the short circuit remains, the recloser will trip and lockout. At that point a service person must be dispatched to locate and repair the problem.