Pcib 1030
Pcib 1030
Pcib 1030
INSTRUCTION BOOK
MICRO-RUPTER
Frame Mounted
LOAD BREAK INTERRUPTER SWITCH
NOMINAL RATINGS:
2.4/4/16kV 200A and 400A 7.2kV 200A and 400A
WARNING
*************
These instructions may not cover all details or variations in equipment, nor provide for every possible contingency encountered.
Should further information be desired or should problems arise which are not covered sufficiently, the matter should be referred
to the POWERCON CORPORATION
P.O. Box 477, 1551 Florida Avenue, Severn, MD 21144 Phone: 410-551-6500 email [email protected]
WARNING
IMPORTANT
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU READ AND COMPLETELY
UNDERSTAND THE WARNING LOCATED TO THE RIGHT OF THIS
BEFORE CHECKING OR MAINTENANCE OF
BLOCK, FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO
SWITCHGEAR, AFTER IT HAS BEEN INSTALLED - THE
PROPERTY, PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH
FOLLOWING MUST BE OBSERVED: ONLY
QUALIFIED PERSONS MAY OPERATE, INSPECT OR
MAINTAIN POWER SWITCHGEAR. IN ADDITION TO
THE PERSONNEL YOU MAY HAVE WHO ARE
QUALIFIED, OTHERS MAY BE AVAILABLE FROM AN
EXPERIENCED HIGH VOLTAGE CONTRACTOR OR
THE UTILITY SERVICING THE INSTALLATION. IT IS
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PURCHASER,
INSTALLER, OR ULTIMATE USER TO INSURE THAT
THE WARNING SIGNS AR NOT REMOVED AND TO
MAKE SURE THAT ALL ACCESS DOORS, AND
OPERATING HANDLES ARE SECURELY LOCKED
WHEN THE GEAR IS LEFT UNATTENDED BY
QUALIFIED PERSONS, EVEN MOMENTARILY.
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LIMITED WARRANTY
Powercon warrants that the equipment we deliver will be of the kind and quality described in the order or contract and will be free of
defects in workmanship and material. Should any failure to conform to this warranty appear within one year after date of shipment,
Powercon shall upon prompt notification thereof and substantiation that the equipment has been stored, installed, operated and
maintained in accordance with Powercon recommendations and standard industry practice, correct such nonconformities, at its option,
either by repairing any defective part or parts or by supplying a repaired or replacement part or parts F.O.B. factory. However, if
Powercon has installed the equipment or furnished field engineering services with respect to its installation, and provided such
installation has not been delayed by the Purchaser, said one year shall run from the completion of the installation. The total warranty
period shall not exceed 18 months from the date of shipment in any case.
In no event shall Powercon be responsible for providing working access to the defect, including the removal, disassembly, replacement
or reinstallation of any equipment material or structures to the extent necessary to permit Powercon to perform its warranty obligations,
or transportation costs to and from the Powercon factory or repair facility. The conditions of any tests shall be mutually agreed upon
and Powercon shall be notified of, and may be present at, all tests that may be made.
THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN THIS PROVISION ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES WHETHER STATUTORY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING ALL WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ALL WARRANTIES ARISING FROM
COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE), EXCEPT OF TITLE AND AGAINST PATENT INFRINGEMENT. The
remedies provided above are the purchaser’s sole remedies for any failure of Powercon to comply with its obligations. Correction of
any nonconformity in the manner and for the period of time provided above shall constitute complete fulfillment of all the liabilities of
Powercon whether the claims of the Purchaser are based in contract, in tort (including negligence) or otherwise with respect to or
arising out of the equipment furnished hereunder.
On those occasions where service help is required, the Powercon Corporation should be notified at once through its Service
Department. No charges Or expenses should be incurred except as authorized by the Corporation in writing. Making unauthorized
corrections or doing unauthorized work voids this Warranty and renders reimbursement impossible.
At times, the Powercon Corporation may request labor and/or material services from you. At our option we will provide competent
supervision who will authorize such services by signing the Time Sheets of the people involved. No reimbursement can be made
without signed Time Sheets.
The services rendered must be of the type and quality satisfactory to the Powercon Corporation, and we reserve the right to reject any
and all such services.
The above in no way prejudices the right of the Powercon Corporation to correct, as stipulated in the Warranty, any problems that may
occur in equipment manufactured by the Powercon Corporation.
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FOREWORD
The warranty associated with this equipment is fully described with its implementation on Page i. It should be emphasized that unless
approved by the Powercon Corporation no modification, alteration, change or correction should be undertaken without such express
authority provided in writing by an authorized Powercon representative.
This Instruction Book is furnished in "As is" condition. No warranties expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness for a
particular purpose, or merchantability, or warranties arising from course of dealing or usage of trade are made regarding the
information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notations contained herein. In no way will Powercon be responsible to the
user in contract, in tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise for any direct special, indirect, incidental, or consequential
damage or loss whatsoever, including but not limited to damage or loss of use of equipment, plant, or power system, cost of capital,
loss of profits or revenues, cost of replacement power, additional expenses in the use of existing power facilities, or claims against the
user by its customer resulting from the use of information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notations contained herein.
The information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notations in this document are based on Powercon's experience and
judgment in respect to all of the subject matter contained herein. This information must not be considered to be all inclusive or
covering all contingencies.
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY
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APPLICATION
Micro-Rupter Load Break Interrupter Switches are applied in the control and switching of Power Distribution Systems having
nominal A.C. voltage ratings of 2.4KV to 7.2KV. They are capable of switching 200 & 400 amperes.
TABLE I lists the applicable limits and conditions of switching. When used in conjunction with fuses they will afford overload,
short circuit and disconnect services.
TABLE 1
(These ratings apply to Switches & Equipments with Stored Energy Operated Switches)
(Special Ratings Available - Consult Factory)
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RECEIVING, HANDLING AND STORAGE
Upon receipt of the load break interrupter switch or switchgear, immediately make an examination for any damage or loss sustained
in shipment. This pertains to the housing as well as the load break switch and mechanism. If injury, loss or rough handling is
evident, a written damage claim should be filed at once with the transportation company and the Powercon Corporation should be
notified at the same time.
Be sure that no loose parts are left in the packaging material. Blow out any dirt or loose particles of packing material on or around
the load break switch and mechanism.
When the unit is not to be placed in service immediately, it should be stored in a clean, dry location and covered with a suitable
cover. Moisture absorbing material should not be used to cover the equipment, as that could cause corrosion of parts.
During the construction period it should be properly protected against construction environment conditions such as moisture, dirt,
cement, rough handling, abrasion, damage, etc..
When dampness or condensation exists, the equipment must be covered with a suitable vented cover to allow moisture to escape.
Heaters of 250 watts rating should be placed in each unit to prevent moisture damage. CAUTION: REMOVE ALL
FLAMMABLE MATERIALS AWAY FROM HEATERS PRIOR TO ENERGIZING.
IF EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO MOISTURE, IT SHOULD BE TESTED WITH A 1000V MEGGER. A
READING OF 200 MEGOHMS SHOULD BE OBTAINED.
Study the erection drawing carefully and check the bill of material to be sure that all parts are at hand.
3. Operating handle.
4. The appropriate set of operating-mechanism components required for the specific installation including chain, handle, etc..
Before taking the switch from its shipping crate, remove the insulating barriers* and set them aside to prevent their being damaged.
Barriers are to be attached to the switch only after all other assembly operations are complete and adjustments are satisfactory.
Remove also the operating handle mechanism components. Then remove the switch, lifting it by the frame. Make sure that the
lifting sling does not place any strain on the live parts. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, handle the switch by rigging
on the insulators or live parts.
*when supplied
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INSTALLATION
1. If the switch is to be installed in a metal enclosure, drawings showing openings and mounting holes must be provided. Four
(4) 3/811 diameter holes in the base of the switch permit the vertical positioning adjustment. Provision should be made in the
mounting surface for lateral adjustment. When the switch is mounted in a metal enclosure, the mounting surface must be flat and true
to avoid twisting the switch frame when it is bolted down. Such distortion of the frame can affect the adjustment of switch live parts,
necessitating realignment of switch blades.
2. Use 1/4-inch bolts to bolt the switch to its mounting surface. To avoid distortion of the switch frame, install the upper
mounting bolts first (finger tight), then at each lower mounting bolt location. Fill any space between the switch frame and the mounting
surface with shims. Then securely tighten all four mounting bolts. When bus or cable is connected to the switch it is important that no
strain is put upon the switch terminal pads. Such strain can distort the switch's live parts and may result in improper switch operation.
Make sure - before making any connection, the bus or cable connector is aligned with and flat against the terminal pad. Do not use the
connecting bolts as a means of pulling the bus or cable into position.
3. Position the outboard sprocket of switch as required and align it with the operating-handle sprocket position. See Figure 2 on
page 4.
4. For the operating-handle sprocket location, select the shorter length of chain furnished. (a 24-inch length of #40 1/211 pitch
chain is suggested for switches with main contacts at top. Remove chain links accordingly.) Pass the chain around the handle sprocket
such that, with the handle in mid-position, the free ends of the chain are about the same length when extended. See Figure 3 located on
page 4. Place the handle in the latched-closed position. Handle "Up"
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Figure 2
5. Couple turnbuckles to each end of the above chain. Extend each turnbuckle to its maximum length. Then using the longer
length of chain provided (#25 1/411 pitch), connect it to extend from one turnbuckle, around the switch drive sprocket and back to the
other turnbuckle. Remove chain links to make chain about two links longer than required to go from one turnbuckle to the other.
Figure 3
6. Move operating handle approximately 150 from its vertical "up" position and hold it in this position. Connect chains and turn
buckles until chain tension is even and fairly tight (1/2 inch deflection). Move handle back "up" into its locked-closed position.
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SWITCH ALIGNMENT
Step I
Remove cotter pins and clevis pins that connect pushrods to operating arms of each pole of switch. See Figure 4.
Step 2
By pulling outward on switch blade, disengage switch blade from jaw casting. Continue to pull outward on switch until arcing
blade disengages with arc chute. Caution should be exercised in this step, due to the fact that the arcing blade is under spring
pressure. See Figure 5.
Figure 4 Figure 5
Step 3
Slowly move blade in and out to check proper alignment of arcing blade to arc chute. See Figure 6.
Step 4
Alignment of arcing blade and switch blade to arc chute and jaw casting respectively is obtained by loosening jaw casting mounting
bolts and lightly tapping arc chute mounting bracket. Re-tighten bolts. See Figure 7.
Figure 6 Figure 7
After Steps 2 thru 4 have been completed for each pole, you are now ready to proceed to check the clearance of main blade to jaw
casting.
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Adjustments for Clearance of Main Blade to Jaw Casting
Push inward on main blade until contact is made between main blade through bolt and jaw casting.
After you have properly executed the above procedure, you should have a proper main blade through bolt to jaw casting clearance.
This clearance is adequate to insure that the main blade through bolt does not bottom on jaw casting, creating unnecessary stress on
insulators, castings and connection points. This clearance is also necessary for proper positioning of arcing blade in arc chute as
illustrated in Figure 8.
Figure 8
By applying pressure as illustrated in Figure 9, you will be able to check for this clearance. The arcing blade should rest freely in
stationary arcing contact with switch "closed" and with slight pressure - it should move to the rear approximately 1/8 inch.
Figure 9
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Contacts
Check to determine that the blades make good contact - IMPORTANT - this is a sliding joint and over tightening can cause the
switch not to open and severe damage to the mechanism. Tighten to approximately 4 to 6 inch pounds. A contact resistance
reading should be taken and should be between 35 to 80 micro ohms. If values of resistance are greater than 100 micro ohms, check
the blade wipe to insure proper contact. If resistance readings are less, refer to Steps 1 and 2 located on page 5, to insure blades can
be "opened" from jaw casting with pulling pressure of approximately 6 to 8 pounds.
Switches are provided with silver to silver contacts. These contacts do not tarnish like copper, but they should be "wiped" clean
occasionally, especially if the switch has not been operated for some time. This can be done by opening and closing the switch
several times in succession. Do not attempt to grind the blades with powdered emery or other abrasives. Such practice
inevitably results in poor contact and overheating.
With the completion of all steps of alignment and a final torque check of all mounting hardware, including the jaw casting mounting
bolts, the switch is now ready for operation.
PCIB-1030 11
OPERATION
Description
The powerful opening and closing springs of Powercon's off-center stored energy mechanism provides for quick-make (rated fault
closing) and quick-break (rated load interruption). The switch mechanism shaft is driven by a chain and sprocket from the front
operating handle. As the handle is rotated, it is directly connected to a sprocket which in turn, chain drives the opening spring to a
"charged" position. As the operator continues to rotate the handle, the charged spring is driven off-center by the chain and releases
its energy into rotating the operating shaft to open. The switch blades will not move in either a closing or opening direction until the
closing spring causes rotation in the operating shaft. It should be noted that once the springs are moved off-center, the operator has
no further control of the opening or closing operation. Therefore, the switch has fault-closing and rated load-break features
independent of operating personnel performance.
Sequence of Operation
1. Pull handle latch button to its extreme position. CAUTION: Failure to clear latch button lever from the housing
mechanism can cause extreme damage and jam the operating handle.
2. Move handle toward the lower position about 150 or until a resistive force is felt in the handle. It is now safe to release the
latch button.
3. With a swift positive unhesitating force complete the opening stroke. Once again "off-center" the stored energy mechanism
takes over and there is no further control of opening by the operator.
4. Now complete the movement of the operating handle until you feel and/or hear the latch button seat.
Closing procedures are just the reverse of the above except of course, move the handle toward the upper position.
PCIB-1030 12
MAINTENANCE
DANGER
HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE
All safety codes, safety standards and/or regulations as they may be applied
to this type of equipment must be strictly adhered to. Before any
adjustments, servicing, parts replacement or any other act is performed
requiring any physical contact with the electrical components or wiring of
this equipment, the POWER SUPPLY MUST BE DISCONNECTED.
CAUTION
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Disconnect and remove this switch from all sources of electric power so that it is COMPLETELY DE-ENERGIZED prior to
working on it. This includes BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:
CONSIDER THIS EQUIPMENT ALIVE UNTIL ALL SOURCES OF VOLTAGE ARE REMOVED
AND SAFELY GROUNDED.
FOLLOW SEQUENCE OF OPERATION ON PRECEDING PAGE 9 BEFORE DOING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
PROCEDURES:
Periodic Checking
Load break switches should be examined and checked once a year or more often, when conditions require it (such as numerous
operations, polluted atmosphere or overloading of the switch). All switches should occasionally be opened and closed several times
in succession - not exceeding their rated duty.
Cleaning
All switches including insulators and operating arms should be thoroughly cleaned Periodically by wiping with a clean cloth to
prevent accumulation of dust. After cleaning, a light coat of lubricant (Conducto-Lube contact grease or equivalent) should be
applied to the contact surfaces. Do not use "cup" or other grease which may harden upon exposure to air or freeze at low
temperatures. Consult factory for application temperatures below -25'F..
Contacts
Check to determine that the blades make good contact - IMPORTANT - this is a sliding joint and overtightening can cause the
switch not to open and severe damage to the mechanism. Tighten to approximately 4 to 6 inch pounds. A contact resistance
reading should be taken and should be between 35 to 80 micro ohms. If values of resistance are greater than 100 micro ohms, check
the blade wipe to insure proper contact. If resistance readings are less, refer to Steps 1 and 2 located on page 5, to insure blades can
be "opened" from jaw casting with pulling pressure of approximately 6 to 8 pounds.
Switches are provided with silver to silver contacts. These contacts do not tarnish like copper, but they should be "wiped" clean
occasionally, especially if the switch has not been operated for some time. This can be done by opening and closing the switch
several times in succession. Do not attempt to grind the blades with powdered emery or other abrasives. Such practice
inevitably results in poor contact and overheating.
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Insulators
It is necessary that the insulator surfaces be kept clean. This is absolutely essential, particularly when the switches
are located where cement dust, metallic dust, salt spray, acid fumes and other unfavorable environmental conditions
exist. Alcohol cleaner or a light detergent is recommended for cleaning the porcelain insulators. Make absolutely
sure that proper ventilation and other precautions are provided when using any chemical cleaner. Discard
and replace any insulator showing signs of treeing or tracking.
Insulation Check
When making an annual check, all insulation should be carefully examined for tracking. Special attention must be
given to areas where the conductor passes through an insulator or lays near a barrier. Examine the surface for
cracks or streaked discoloration. When tracking is found, the insulation involved must be replaced.
Inspect the buses and connections carefully every year for evidence of overheating. It is desirable to measure the
resistance to ground with a meter (or use a megger of proper voltage) and between phases of the insulation of buses
and connections. A record should be kept of this reading. Weakening of the insulation from one maintenance
period to the next can be recognized from the recorded readings. At the recording time, the record should also
include the temperature, humidity and the date.
Chain Drive
The chain drive assembly connects the stored energy mechanism to the operating handle on the front of the
housing. It consists of a length of roller type chain fastened in a loop by two turnbuckles with locking nuts. All
chain assemblies are factory adjusted and adjustment should not be required when switch is supplied in a cubicle.
(See INSTALLATION for customer supplied cubicles). If for some reason the chain has loosened, increase
tension with turnbuckles so that 1/2 inch slack is obtained.
Operating Shaft
The operating shaft connects the stored energy mechanism to the switch operating arms. The shaft is integral with
the switch assembly and is bearing mounted. Light lubricant applied to bearing surfaces will insure trouble free
operation. No adjustments are necessary.
Pushrods
Each main blade of the switch is connected to the throw arms or the main operating shaft by an insulating pushrod.
These rods should be examined during each normal maintenance procedure, for signs of damage to either end of
the pushrod. If a damaged pushrod is encountered, replacement parts may be obtained by referring to
ORDERING OF SPARE PARTS section of this manual.
The stored energy mechanism consists of a housing with a one piece crank sprocket assembly supported by
bearings and a spring assembly.
The sprocket assembly is chain driven by means of a handle on the front of the housing. As the handle is moved
upward, the spring assembly is charged. As the crank sprocket assembly passes over dead center, the spring takes
over and instantaneously moves the switch to closed position.
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The unit is factory adjusted and should need no adjustment in the field. The only moving parts which should be checked after
approximately 100 operations, are the front and rear latches which are spring operated and the two shaft bearings. Check to make
sure the latches rotate freely up and down by using finger pressure on the rollers. See Figure 10.
Figure 10
Lubrication
The load break interrupter switch requires infrequent lubrication. Bearing points and sliding surfaces should be lubricated at the
regular inspection periods with a thin film of lubricant (Lubriplate #107 or "Low Temp"). Before lubricating, remove any hardened
grease and dirt from latch and bearing surfaces with kerosene.
The contact surface of the moveable blades and the stationary contact surface should be cleaned and greased with a light coat of
conducting grease (Conducto-Lube contact grease
or equivalent).
High potential tests to check the integrity of the insulation are not necessary if the insulation maintenance in this book are carefully
followed. Should the purchaser desire to make high potential tests, the test voltage should not exceed 14KV A.C. for 4.16KV and
19.5KV A.C. for 7.2KV equipments. These voltages are 75% of factory test voltages and are in accordance
with ANSI standards.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLE: OVERHEATING
Cause: Remedy:
Overload If the switch is overheating because of excess current, one of two remedies can
be adopted:
1. Replace switch with one of adequate rating
2. Rearrange circuits to remove the excess load
Poor Contact Adjust contacts
Connections to Switch Not of Increase the capacity of the connections by adding conductors or by replacing
Adequate Current-Carrying Capacity with heavier conductors.
Contacts Burned or Pitted Contacts should be dressed and fitted properly
Bolts and nuts of Connections Not Tighten all bolts and nuts. Too much pressure must not be used in tightening
Tight nuts on bolts. The use of too large a wrench may cause such excessive pressure
that the expansion of the bolts exceeds their elastic limit, leading to more
loosening of the connections
Located in Too Hot an Ambient Relocate in a cooler place or arrange some means of cooling.
(such as too close to a boiler or
furnace)
The following table is provided as a reference guide to stocking levels of spare parts to minimize downtime when used with a
conscientiously applied maintenance program. All items are stock to two weeks delivery.
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INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST
REMEMBER - KEEP IT CLEAN - KEEP IT DRY AND YOU'LL NEVER HAVE A REASON TO CRY
CUSTOMER
SWITCHGEAR IDENTIFICATION
LOCATION OR JOB NAME
APPROVED FOR OPERATION BY
Check arc blade alignments with arc chute and stationary arcing Check door block for lubrication
contacts Check key interlock system for proper sequence and operation
Check arc blade clearance with arc contacts Insure interlock is free from binding
Inspect switch blade end for silver contacts Check weathercap fits securely (outdoor only)
Check switch blade alignment with casting contact Insure key nameplate matches key number
Check switch blade pressure at jaw casting contact Handle stops on casting do not interfere with interlock
Check switch blade torque at hinge casting point mechanism
Insure contact grease is on casting contacts
Check for proper alignment of switch assembly in cubicle F. FUSE ACCESSORIES
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