Finder industrial relays used at over 4800 meters above sea level in the heart of the Andes

How Finder 55 and 60 Series industrial relays guarantee operational continuity and safety even in extreme weather conditions

In the mining sector, the reliability of electrical infrastructure is not merely a matter of production efficiency; it is a fundamental pillar for personnel safety and the protection of critical assets. When these operations take place in extreme geographical contexts, the engineering challenge reaches literally soaring heights. This is the case for the project developed by Finder, in collaboration with the distributor Promelsa, at a polymetallic mine located in Huaral–Pacaraos, in the heart of the Andes, more than 4,800 meters above sea level.
The extraction and processing of polymetallic minerals at high altitudes present unique criticalities. At over 4,800 meters, the rarefaction of the air reduces thermal dissipation capacity and dielectric strength, increasing the risk of electric arcs and premature failure. The mine required a power distribution and protection system capable of withstanding violent thermal swings and harsh climatic conditions, ensuring total continuity of service. Any unplanned downtime in such a remote environment translates into enormous logistical and operational costs. The objective was clear: to isolate and protect the electrical system using components certified for heavy-duty industrial performance.
The technological response was the implementation of Medium Voltage (MV) secondary switchgear housed in NEMA 3R enclosures, ideal for outdoor installation in severe environments. The heart of the control and monitoring system is entrusted to the precision of Finder relays. These components, chosen for their proven reliability in the power and energy sectors, fulfill three strategic roles:

- Backup System Management: The relays control the activation of battery charging, which is essential for providing the necessary operating energy for opening circuit breakers in the event of a blackout or fault.

- Monitoring and Diagnostics: Acting as interface plug-in relays for sending alarm signals, they allow the control room to react promptly to any thermal or electrical anomalies.

- Active Safety: They drive the tripping coils, ensuring that the intervention of the protection devices is instantaneous and precise whenever grid parameters fall outside safety ranges.

The success of the installation at Huaral–Pacaraos demonstrates that the manufacturing quality of Finder components transcends the barriers of altitude. Thanks to the specialized technical support from Promelsa and the performance of the installed devices, the mine has achieved total operational stability. Key results include a drastic reduction in the risk of electrical failure and increased longevity of the medium-voltage apparatus. This project reaffirms Finder as a partner of excellence for the most challenging industrial applications, where "continuity" is not an option but a vital requirement guaranteed by technology, even just a step away from the sky.