How many times can a recloser operate before it "locks out"?

A recloser is a type of switch designed to protect electrical circuits by automatically interrupting the flow of electricity during a fault and then attempting to restore power after a brief delay. The recloser typically operates in a predetermined sequence: when a fault occurs, it will attempt to close the circuit multiple times. If the fault persists after several attempts, the recloser will "lock out," meaning it will remain open until it is manually reset by an operator or maintenance crew.

The correct answer indicates that reclosers commonly operate between one to four times before locking out. This sequence allows for temporary faults, which may clear themselves, to be addressed by restoring power without requiring manual intervention. If the recloser were to operate fewer times, it might not effectively handle transient faults, and if it operated more times, it could allow too many attempts under conditions that could damage equipment or pose safety risks.

Understanding this operational characteristic of reclosers is essential for linemen, as it informs their response planning and safety procedures when working on or near electrical distribution systems.