JST’s OD3Mag™ Outdoor Breaker offers robust upgrade at utility substation in Pacific Northwest

To avoid service disruption to their network of 20,000+ members, Salem Electric needed to find a robust, high-quality circuit breaker to deliver continuous power to the region.

Founded in 1938, Salem Electric is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that provides electricity to its consumer-members at cost. With the goal of supplying reliable electricity at affordable rates, Salem distributes power to its network of more than 20,000 members across a 17.5 square mile service territory.

When the team at Salem Electric realized that one of the distribution breakers at their Salem, Oregon substation was approaching end-of-life, they looked for a replacement breaker with a robust enclosure that could withstand the rainy climate of the Pacific Northwest. It was important to Salem that this new breaker would integrate seamlessly into their existing system, both from a physical form factor and technology standpoint. As early adopters of magnetic actuation for the primary operating mechanism, the team at Salem understood the benefits of such technology –particularly as it relates to reduction in maintenance time – and developed a preference for magnetically actuated circuit breakers. They were intrigued to learn that JST Power Equipment, a Florida-based power equipment manufacturer, offered a product that met all of their technical criteria and could also meet their project timeline.

Meeting the need with quality design and proven technology

The team at JST Power Equipment designed the OD3Mag™ Outdoor Substation Breaker with a robust enclosure to minimize moisture ingress by reducing exterior structural bolts and sealing the roof bushings with a dynamic gasket system. These principles are often found in boating, marine and deep-water engineering applications. Senior R&D Engineer, Patrick Fischer-Carne, whose many years designing medium voltage outdoor apparatus, understood the challenges associated with moisture ingress and outdoor rated equipment and applied the unique design features to OD3Mag breaker.

Salem Electric had an opportunity to see the OD3Mag breaker at the Northwest Public Power Association Expo & Tradeshow in Reno, NV, and recognized the thoughtful and innovative approach JST took with the design of the enclosure. Additionally, the physical dimensions and footprint were consistent with the existing breakers at the substation, allowing for a harmonious integration of the OD3Mag breaker. Lastly, the use of magnetic actuators adheres to Salem’s preference for its primary operating mechanism.

“The JST breaker checked all the boxes for our technical specifications. The JST team was great to work with throughout the process of ordering the breaker – from approval drawing review to installation/commissioning, they were very responsive and helpful. The final product was produced with a high level of quality and craftsmanship.”

Jamie Buystedt, Lead Project Engineer, Salem Electric

Going above and beyond with unparalleled service and support

Erin Browning, Regional Sales Manager for JST Power Equipment, explained the value of having the JST team on site during the installation process. “It allows us to address any questions that the customer may have and review the unique features of our breaker related to the single-coil magnetic actuators. Being present for the installation allowed us to train the crew on how to properly service the breaker and discuss opportunities for improved system reliability if Salem were to utilize the breaker as a triple-single recloser in the future.”

The final result

As JST Power Equipment has grown and expanded its business across the North American region over the past decade, excellence in service and support has become synonymous with the way they do business, and their work with Salem Electric was no exception. In the end, Salem Electric accomplished its goals and got the reliable solution that they were looking for and experienced the ease of doing business that only the team at JST could provide.