A Century of Innovation: From Cleveland to Industry Leadership
The Joslyn Hi-Voltage brand has roots in the 1919 founding of the Hi-Voltage Equipment Company. Later acquired by Joslyn Corporation in the 1950s, the brand has delivered over 105 years of high-voltage switching innovation.
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Joslyn Corporation built a reputation for engineering excellence in high-voltage electrical equipment throughout the 20th century. The company was later acquired by Thomas & Betts, bringing Joslyn's proven switching technology into a broader portfolio of electrical solutions. Today, as part of ABB Installation Products, Joslyn Hi-Voltage products are 100% manufactured at ABB's Hackettstown, New Jersey facility, continuing the legacy of American manufacturing excellence that began over a century ago.
From the original Hi-Voltage Equipment Company's innovations in 1919 to today's advanced VerSaVac vacuum switching technology, Joslyn Hi-Voltage has consistently delivered reliable, durable switching solutions for utility substations, capacitor banks, and industrial applications. The brand's evolution reflects continuous commitment to engineering excellence—from traditional air break switches to modern sealed vacuum technology. This heritage of innovation ensures utilities and industrial customers receive switching solutions backed by over a century of proven performance, American manufacturing quality, and ABB's global technical support network.
VerSaVac Technology: Maintenance-Free Vacuum Switching
The Joslyn Hi-Voltage VerSaVac capacitor switch delivers breakthrough performance—a completely sealed vacuum switch providing 100,000+ operations (50,000 open/close cycles) with virtually no maintenance required. Traditional capacitor switches need regular maintenance, oil changes, and component replacements that increase lifecycle costs. VerSaVac eliminates these concerns with sealed vacuum interruption technology and solid dielectric insulation for 15kV to 230kV applications, offering the longest operational life of any distribution capacitor switch. .
The vacuum interrupter provides clean, reliable switching without oil or gas, reducing environmental impact and eliminating contamination risks. This design maximizes capacitor bank uptime, reduces maintenance costs, and improves power quality through consistent performance. Ideal for capacitor bank switching, shunt reactor switching, and voltage regulation, VerSaVac features no exposed live parts and a completely sealed design—enhancing safety for utility personnel while delivering dependable performance for critical power system applications. Optional zero voltage closing (ZVC) control provides transient mitigation of system over-voltages and inrush current, protecting capacitors and extending their operational lifespan.
Comprehensive Switching Solutions for Utility and Industrial Applications
Joslyn Hi-Voltage offers a complete portfolio of switching solutions beyond VerSaVac vacuum technology. The product line includes air break switches, capacitor switches, electric air furnace switches, and Varmaster VBM capacitor switches for applications from 15kV through 230kV. This comprehensive range ensures utilities and industrial customers find the right switching solution for their specific voltage class, application requirements and operational environment. All products are manufactured in Hackettstown, New Jersey, to deliver consistent American quality and rapid technical support.
Joslyn Hi-Voltage switches are engineered for demanding utility and industrial environments where reliability is non-negotiable. Products feature robust construction, proven designs, and extensive testing to help ensure long-term performance in substations, capacitor banks, and industrial power systems. The Vacstat vacuum interrupter monitor option provides breakthrough monitoring technology, enabling utilities to track switch health and plan maintenance proactively. Combined with ABB's global technical support network and extensive spare parts availability, Joslyn Hi-Voltage delivers total lifecycle value from initial installation through decades of reliable operation. This commitment to customer success has made Joslyn a trusted name in high-voltage switching for over a century.
Why Joslyn Hi-Voltage? Because Reliable Switching Is Critical.
<p>Since 1919, Joslyn Hi-Voltage has delivered proven switching solutions for utility and industrial high-voltage applications. Manufactured in the USA with advanced vacuum technology, Joslyn Hi-Voltage provides the reliability critical systems demand.</p>
Over 105 years of switching expertise
<p>Heritage dating to the 1919 founding of Hi-Voltage Equipment Company and continuing today as part of the Installation Products division in ABB.</p>Comprehensive switches portfolio
<p>Complete range includes air break switches, capacitor switches, VerSaVac VSV vacuum switches, and electric air furnace switches for diverse utility and industrial applications.</p>VerSaVac vacuum technology
<p>Sealed vacuum interruption provides 100,000+ operations with virtually no maintenance, eliminating oil and gas while delivering exceptional reliability and reduced lifecycle costs.</p>Wide voltage range
<p>Solutions available for applications from 15kV through 230kV, covering distribution, sub-transmission and transmission voltage classes.</p>Enhanced safety design
<p>Sealed designs with no exposed live parts and solid dielectric insulation helps improve safety for utility personnel during operation and maintenance.</p>How We Help
Products
Joslyn Hi-Voltage® Switches
ABB's Joslyn Hi‑Voltage capacitor switches provide high‑performance switching solutions for medium‑ and high‑voltage applications. They are engineered for safety, reliability, and long service life.
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Industries we support
From residential construction to commercial and industrial projects, our products support professionals across diverse industries.
Continuous operation demands, Long service life requirements, Labor constraints and workforce gaps
Frequently asked questions
Joslyn Hi-Voltage offers switching solutions from 15kV through 230kV, covering distribution, sub-transmission and transmission voltage classes. This comprehensive range includes VerSaVac vacuum switches, air break switches, capacitor switches and electric air furnace switches, ensuring utilities and industrial customers find the right solution for their specific application and voltage requirements.
Joslyn Hi-Voltage has over 105 years of heritage, dating to the 1919 founding of the Hi-Voltage Equipment Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Later acquired by Joslyn Corporation in the 1950s and subsequently by Thomas & Betts, the brand is now part of ABB Installation Products, continuing American manufacturing excellence at the Hackettstown, New Jersey facility.
Joslyn Hi-Voltage switches are engineered for utility substations, capacitor bank switching, shunt reactor switching, voltage regulation, and electric air furnace applications. The VerSaVac technology is designed for capacitor bank switching where reliability, minimal maintenance and long operational life are critical for power quality and system efficiency.