Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters (REFCL)
Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters are part of our bushfire mitigation strategy. The technology helps to reduce the likelihood of powerline-related bushfires by operating like a large safety switch.
Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters are part of our bushfire mitigation strategy.
The technology helps to reduce the likelihood of powerline-related bushfires by operating like a large safety switch. It detects when one line out of a three-phase powerline has fallen to the ground and almost instantly reduces the voltage on the fallen line. At the same time, it boosts the voltage on the two remaining lines in service. This means we can maintain power to homes and businesses while substantially reducing the fire risk.
The introduction of REFCLs was part of the Government’s response to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.
Powercor has 22 REFCLs operating across 135 feeders and protecting more than 17,800km of powerlines and 289,000 homes and businesses in many communities.
And they’re not just helping prevent bushfires. We’ve also found important other safety benefits. For example, REFCLs have activated when operators of heavy machinery such as excavators or bulldozers accidentally hit overhead powerlines while working – protecting the operators.
While REFCLs are effective all year round, on total-fire-ban days they will operate at heightened fault sensitivity, in line with regulatory requirements. When they operate, crews patrol the line to determine the cause of the fault and ensure it is safe for the community before switching power back on.
REFCL FAQs
When a powerline comes into contact with the ground or a tree, the energy released can cause a large spark. The line can continue sparking if it remains live, increasing the potential for a fire.
After a few moments, the device checks if the fault is still active. If it is temporary, then power is restored to the line. If it is a continuing fault, power to all three lines will be shut off to protect against fire risk and make it safe for our crews to fix.
While the safety devices are effective all year round, on total-fire-ban days they will operate at heightened fault sensitivity, in line with regulatory requirements.
When they operate, crews patrol the line to determine the cause of the fault and ensure it is safe for the community before switching power back on.
Powercor has installed REFCLs at 22 zone substations across regional Victoria.
The program was divided into three tranches with regulated deadlines set by the Victorian government.
For all REFCL locations across Victoria you can visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Actions webpage (opens external site in a new window).
REFCL locations were chosen by the Powerline Bushfire Safety Program (PBSP) based on the risk and consequence of a bushfire starting. The locations listed are all considered as high risk for bushfires
The REFCL technology monitors powerlines up to 40km away from a zone substation. The entire network in this area must be compatible with the REFCL technology, which means we need to make improvements to the network in town, on the outskirts of town and beyond.
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