How many times can a recloser recluse the line after a temporary fault?

A recloser is a crucial device in electrical distribution systems designed to automatically interrupt and restore power in the event of temporary faults, such as those caused by short circuits from tree limbs or animal contacts. The functionality of reclosers is integral to maintaining system reliability and minimizing outage durations.

Typically, modern reclosers are designed to perform multiple reclosing operations after detecting a temporary fault. It is common for reclosers to have a standard configuration that allows them to attempt to reclose and restore power for a preset number of times before locking out to prevent damage to the equipment and ensure safety.

In many systems, this number is set at four reclose attempts after a temporary fault is detected. This means the recloser will automatically attempt to restore the circuit four times before it remains open, allowing for troubleshooting or repairs to be conducted. The choice for four attempts balances reliability and safety, as it allows sufficient opportunities for the fault to clear while preventing unnecessary wear on the system.

This practice is designed to improve service continuity, especially in areas where transient faults are more frequent, thus optimizing the operability of the electrical grid. Therefore, four reclosing attempts are the standard before the device locks out, making this the correct answer.