Load Break Tools with Lower BIL for 33KV

Why do you want a lower BIL, for a lower cost? If so then I suggest that you go out with your linemen and do some hot-stick work yourself, then decide if you want to go with the low bidder.

I understand your apprehension.. let me explain my point..

Since BIL rating is usually for lightning impulse and when we are sure that we are not going to use the load buster during such conditions, can't we use a load breaker tool with lower BIL but can definitely withstand the operating voltages? Also I hope this can reduce the weight of the tool which would help the lineman to handle it more easily..

I'm as much concerned as you for the safety of the lineman...

Correct me if I'm technically wrong!!!

Sorry, technically correct or otherwise, I can't condone compromising on safety.

There's a reason why you can't find a lower BIL tool, the manufacturer doesn't want the liability. He knows that lightning and switching transients can compromise the safety of the personnel using his tool. He is also wise enough to know that he can't predict how or when lightning strikes; even though you think you can, in reality you can't.

And the excuse about the weight of the tool, I challenge you to explain how the BIL will have any substantive effect.

One of the needs for a BIL rating is for switching. Whenever current is broken, the sudden interruption of current causes a voltage spike which may be as high as the BIL rating. The only thing that will limit the spike for sure are the surge suppressors. The old lightning arrestors didn't do a very good job of suppressing switching surges, but a lot of the newer ones do. The company I worked for brought out the first combination surge suppressor and lightning arrestor. I took a IEEE course soon after that taught by an engineer from a competitor, and he really did a great job of selling our product.

The bottom line is that you must base the BIL rating not on what you guess might happen but on the rating of the surge suppressors and what level they can keep the transient voltage to. Don't forget to take into account the distance from disconnect to the surge suppressor, the farther away the higher the voltage can be. I would not recommend going below 150BIL!