The electrical industry is in the midst of a fundamental shift.
For more information visit https://campaign-el.abb.com/l/961032/2026-05-26/83f7b
Across solar photovoltaic, battery energy storage, mining and marine sectors, system designers are pushing AC bus voltages beyond the conventional 690V threshold to 800V and even 1000V AC. The reasons are compelling: higher voltages mean lower currents, which translate into reduced cable costs, lower losses and more compact plant layouts. But with higher voltages come higher responsibilities, particularly when it comes to the switching and isolation equipment at the heart of these systems.
ABB's OTHV switch-disconnectors have been engineered specifically for this new generation of higher voltage AC environments. Designed to the motto "Power you can trust. Safety you can rely on", the OTHV portfolio gives electrical professionals the tools to specify, install and operate switching solutions that keep pace with the demands of today's most advanced energy and industrial systems.
The OTHV Advantage: Key Benefits at a Glance
The OTHV switch-disconnector range has been developed to deliver tangible value across the entire project lifecycle, from design and procurement through installation and long-term operation. Key advantages include:
Cost Efficiency: Up to 20% overall system savings through optimised higher-voltage architecture, reduced cable sizing and lower BOS costs.
Compact Design: Smaller footprint compared to lower-voltage equivalents, ideal for space-constrained enclosures and inverter cabinets.
High Power Density: Enables more energy-efficient system designs with a reduced physical footprint.
Safety & Compliance: Full compliance with IEC 60947-3 and UL98, with padlockable handles and door interlocks.
Broad Range: IEC current ratings from 100A to 2500A; UL ratings from 200A to 800A; enclosed version from 125A to 1250A.
Plug-and-Play Ready: Factory-integrated and metal enclosed versions minimise on-site installation time and complexity.
Solar PV: Smarter Isolation for Every Inverter Architecture
Large-scale solar power plants are among the most demanding environments for switching equipment. Hundreds of string inverters operate continuously across vast sites, and maintenance activities must be conducted safely without taking the entire plant offline. ABB OTHV switch-disconnectors provide reliable isolation at the AC output of each string inverter, enabling safe individual disconnection during fault diagnostics and repair operations, a critical capability for maximising plant uptime and protecting maintenance personnel.
In compact secondary substation (CSS) architectures, the OTHV serves as the interface between the string inverter and the LV/MV transformer, handling voltages up to 1000V AC while maintaining a compact panel footprint. For OEMs and inverter manufacturers, factory-integrated OTHV units deliver true plug-and-play functionality that streamlines deployment and accelerates time-to-operation for large-scale photovoltaic installations. Higher AC voltage also directly reduces current, enabling smaller cable cross-sections and delivering measurable energy efficiency improvements across the entire plant.
Battery Energy Storage: Where Endurance and Reliability Are Non-Negotiable
Battery energy storage systems are central to the energy transition, providing the grid flexibility needed to integrate large amounts of renewable generation. But the continuous charge-discharge cycles that make BESS so valuable also impose severe demands on switching equipment. Every cycle is a switching event, and every switching event must be executed with absolute precision and reliability.
ABB OTHV switch-disconnectors are built for exactly this duty. In 800V AC string PCS configurations, the OTHV provides isolation between battery racks, the power conversion system and the LV/MV transformer, ensuring safe disconnection during maintenance and fault response. With high mechanical and electrical endurance ratings, the OTHV delivers the long-term operational integrity that grid-scale and industrial BESS applications demand, at every scale from small industrial installations to utility-grade storage farms.
Mining and Marine: Trusted Performance in the Toughest Conditions
Mining and marine environments share a fundamental challenge: extreme operating conditions where equipment failure carries severe consequences for both safety and productivity. In mining, switchboards must endure continuous vibration, dust ingress, high humidity and wide temperature swings, while still providing reliable isolation for high-power drives, motors and distribution systems. In marine applications, compactness, robustness and adherence to strict international safety regulations are non-negotiable requirements.
ABB OTHV switch-disconnectors meet these challenges with robust construction engineered for durability under adverse conditions. The metal-enclosed version, with its IP65-rated galvanized steel enclosure, provides an additional barrier against contamination, making it the preferred choice for exposed industrial environments. Padlockable pistol handles in clearly distinguishable red/yellow or black colours support lockout/tagout safety procedures and reduce operator error in high-pressure working conditions. The compact footprint of the OTHV is particularly valued on marine vessels, where panel space is at an absolute premium.
A Ready-to-Install Solution for Distributors and Panel Builders
For distributors and panel builders, the ABB OTHV enclosed version represents a significant commercial and technical opportunity. Pre-assembled in a galvanized steel IP65 enclosure, this ready-to-install product reduces wiring time on site, eliminates the need for custom enclosure procurement, and provides an immediately deployable solution at the AC side of solar inverters, BESS systems and industrial applications. Available in IEC current ratings from 125A to 1250A, it offers the flexibility to address a wide range of project sizes.
The comprehensive OTHV accessories range, including pistol handles, shaft systems, padlockable knobs and door-interlock mechanisms, allows full customisation for specific installation requirements, giving panel builders the freedom to adapt the product to their exact needs.
The Switch-Disconnector for the Next Generation of Energy Systems
As the energy transition accelerates and industries worldwide push voltage boundaries, the specification of correct and certified switching equipment becomes a critical competitive differentiator. ABB's OTHV switch-disconnectors combine proven engineering quality with a comprehensive range, dual compliance with IEC and UL standards, and application-specific solutions for solar PV, BESS, mining and marine.
For electrical professionals, contractors, panel builders and distributors operating in these sectors, the ABB’s OTHV is not simply a component — it is a strategic choice that enhances system performance, simplifies installation, reduces total cost of ownership and, above all, keeps people safe. It is, in every sense of the word, engineered to outrun.
For more information visit https://campaign-el.abb.com/l/961032/2026-05-26/83f7b