Why does a recloser stay energized longer on the third or fourth shot?

A recloser is designed to temporarily interrupt the flow of electricity when it detects a fault in the system, allowing for a process of automatic restoration. The reason a recloser stays energized longer on the third or fourth shot is primarily to allow a fuse to blow if there is a tree fault or a similar temporary issue.

In the case of a fault caused by objects like trees, a recloser will first try to restore power quickly because such faults may clear themselves once the cause is removed (e.g., a branch falling). However, if the fault persists, the recloser provides additional time on subsequent attempts to allow any protective devices (such as fuses) downstream to operate correctly. If the recloser attempts to close again too quickly, the fault may still be present, and the situation could lead to repetitive tripping without addressing the root cause.

This timing adjustment is crucial for effective system management and reducing unnecessary outages while still ensuring safety and reliability. Other options do not align with the operation intended for managing faults and protective device functionality.