A True Evolution: 100 Years of On‑Load Tap Changers

Like every successful technology, the on‑load tap changer has not evolved in a linear way. Over the decades, new design principles, materials, and application classes emerged—developing in parallel, branching out, and repeatedly recombined. This evolution tells the story of a technical system that has continuously adapted to changing energy, grid, and market requirements—leading up to today’s integrated vacuum era.

  • Evolution
    • Year / Period
      • 1933 – 1977
      • 1978 – 1999
      • 2000 – 2026
    • Power Grids
      • Extra‑High‑Voltage Grids
      • High Voltage Grids
      • Distribution Grid
    • EN: Löschmittel
      • Oil
      • Vacuum
      • Dry
    • Switch
      • Diverter Switch
      • Selector Switch
    • Insulation
      • Pressboard
      • GFRP
  • Reset filter
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  • 1978 – 1999
  • High Voltage Grids
  • Oil
  • Diverter Switch
  • GFRP
1978

Expanding the Performance Range
Type T

The double‑resistor principle advances the modular system—enabling higher load currents and larger step voltages.

After the lower to medium switching capability range of type D and its derivatives had been replaced by Types M and MS, Type T was developed to also replace the higher current variants of the Type D family.

In contrast to Type M, Type T was implemented using the double resistor switching principle, which made it possible to achieve both higher load currents and higher step voltages. Similar to the development of the Type M, the aim for the Type T was both a largely modular system and the introduction of glass fiber reinforced composites as insulating material in the diverter switch. The implementation of the request for plastic composites was carried out in stages, as with type M.