Mitigation of circuit breaker transient recovery voltages associated with current limiting reactors

B.C. Hydro and Hydro-Quebec utilize current limiting reactors on medium voltage distribution feeders to limit the magnitude of fault current. The reactors make a significant contribution to the severity of the transient recovery voltage experienced by feeder and bus circuit breakers on clearing feeder faults. Based on the conclusions of an investigation of actual circuit breaker failures while performing this duty, the mitigation of the transient recovery voltage associated with the reactors is described.