Cooper Power Systems Kyle Type ME Series Technical specifications

Figure 1.
Kyle®Type ME electronic recloser control
These instructions do not claim to cover all details or variations in the equipment, procedure, or process described, nor to provide direction for
meeting every possible contingency during installation, operation, or maintenance. When additional information is desired to satisfy a problem not
covered sufficiently for the user’s purpose, please contact your Cooper Power Systems sales engineer.
April 2002 ●Supersedes 12/88
Reclosers
Type ME Electronic Recloser Control,
Form 3 and 3A
Maintenance Instructions - Basic
1
CONTENTS
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Periodic Field Inspection and Maintenance . . . . . . . 6
Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Circuit Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Plug-In Circuit Boards Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Battery Charging Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Phase Trip No. 1 Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Phase Trip No. 2 Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Ground Trip No. 1 and No. 2 Boards . . . . . . . . . .11
Output Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Diode Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Recloser-Reset Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Closing Coil Control Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Interchangeability of Boards Between Form 2,
Form 3 and Form 3A Electronic Controls . . . . . . . . .12
Troubleshooting andTesting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Detailed Circuit Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Input Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Internal dc Load Current Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Internal Minimum Trip Signal .....................................19
Time-Current Characteristic Curves (TCC) ................20
Control-Recloser operation ........................................22
Major Control Damage ...............................................29
Battery Charging ........................................................31
Mechanical and Electrical Hardware ..........................35
Battery Maintenance ...........................................................35
Battery Specifications ......................................................35
Maintaining Battery Charge .............................................35
Field Testing a Battery .....................................................35
Shop Testing a Battery .....................................................36
Appendix I ...........................................................................37
Test Sheet ........................................................................37
Appendix II ..........................................................................38
List of Electronic Recloser Maintenance Manuals ...........38
Appendix III .........................................................................38
List of Electronic Control Accessory Manuals ..................38
Appendix IV .........................................................................38
Service Parts List .............................................................38
Appendix V ..........................................................................41
Form 2 Connection Diagram ............................................42
Form 3 Connection Diagram ............................................44
Form 3A Connection Diagram .........................................48
88936KMA
S280-75-2
Service Information

2
TYPE ME ELECTRONIC RECLOSER CONTROL
The instructions in this manual are not intended as a
substitute for proper training or adequate experience in
the safe operation of the equipment described. Only
competent technicians who are familiar with this equip-
ment should install, operate, and service it.
A competent technician has these qualifications:
• Is thoroughly familiar with these instructions.
• Is trained in industry-accepted high- and low-voltage
safe operating practices and procedures.
• Is trained and authorized to energize, de-energize,
clear, and ground power distribution equipment.
• Is trained in the care and use of protective equipment
such as flash clothing, safety glasses, face shield,
hard hat, rubber gloves, hotstick, etc.
Following is important safety information. For safe instal-
lation and operation of this equipment, be sure to read
and understand all cautions and warnings.
Safety Instructions
Following are general caution and warning statements
that apply to this equipment. Additional statements, relat-
ed to specific tasks and procedures, are located through-
out the manual.
SAFETY INFORMATION
SAFETY FOR LIFE
Cooper Power Systems products meet or exceed all applicable industry standards relating to product safety. We actively
promote safe practices in the use and maintenance of our products through our service literature, instructional training
programs, and the continuous efforts of all Cooper Power Systems employees involved in product design, manufacture,
marketing, and service.
We strongly urge that you always follow all locally approved safety procedures and safety instructions when working
around high voltage lines and equipment and support our “Safety For Life” mission.
!
SAFETY
FOR LIFE
!
SAFETY
FOR LIFE
This manual may contain four types of hazard
statements:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently haz-
ardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially haz-
ardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situ-
ation which, if not avoided, may result in equip-
ment damage only.
!
!
Hazard Statement Definitions
!
WARNING: This equipment is not intended to
protect human life. Follow all locally approved
procedures and safety practices when installing or oper-
ating this equipment. Failure to comply can result in
death, severe personal injury and equipment damage.
G102.1
!
DANGER: Hazardous voltage. Contact with
hazardous voltage will cause death or severe
personal injury. Follow all locally approved safety pro-
cedures when working around high and low voltage
lines and equipment. G103.3
!
WARNING: Before installing, operating, main-
taining, or testing this equipment, carefully read
and understand the contents of this manual. Improper
operation, handling or maintenance can result in death,
severe personal injury, and equipment damage. G101.0
!
WARNING: Power distribution equipment must
be selected for the intended application. It must
be installed and serviced by competent personnel who
have been trained and understand proper safety proce-
dures. These instructions are written for such personnel
and are not a substitute for adequate training and expe-
rience in safety procedures. Failure to properly select,
install, or maintain this equipment can result in death,
severe personal injury, and equipment damage. G122.2
!

S280-75-2
3
Figure 2.
Electronic control panel. 88937KMA
INTRODUCTION
Service Information S28O-75-2 covers basic maintenance
instructions for the Type ME electronic control. The manual
includes a general description of the control, its operating
principles and instructions for periodic inspection and testing.
Service parts lists along with ordering information are includ-
ed in Appendix IV.
An introduction to the Form 3A, Type ME, electronic control
is available on video cassette (KSPV3); in this program the
function of all standard operating and programming features
is explained.
The factory service department offers maintenance training
courses for Type ME controls. These classes, taught by ex-
perienced service technicians, are held at the factory’s in-house
training facility. For additional information, contact your sales engi-
neer.
DESCRIPTION
The Kyle Type ME electronic recloser control (Figure 1 ) is com-
prised of a number of programmable, solid-state electronic circuits
that perform the command functions involved in automatic recloser
operation. It is used to operate all Kyle electronically controlled
reclosers.
A swing-out front panel contains the programming and operating
elements of the control (Figure 2). The upper, black portion

4
Figure 3.
Tie board on back of front panel mounts the individual printed circuit boards.
Type ME Electronic Recloser Control
88938KMA
of the front panel contains the plug-in components and setting
knobs for programming automatic recloser operation. The
switches and indicators used for manual operation and service
are grouped on the bottom, light portion of the panel.
The front panel is backed by a printed-circuit tie board which
supports and interfaces the plug-in circuit boards with other
related circuit components (Figure 3). Program-altering,
remote control, indicating, and general convenience acces-
sories can be added to further expand and enhance the appli-
cation capabilities of the control.
Line current flowing through the recloser is sensed by three
internally mounted bushing-current transformers, one on each
phase. When the phase current, or the zero-sequence (ground)
current, exceeds its programmed minimum-trip value, the
electronic control initiates the programmed sequence of
recloser tripping and reclosing operations. If the fault is tempo-
rary, the control ceases to command recloser operations after
successful reclose, and the control resets to the start of its
operating sequence after a preset time delay. If the fault is
permanent, the control performs its complete programmed
sequence of recloser commands and locks out with the reclos-
er open. Once locked out, the control must be manually reset
to the start of its operating sequence which simultaneously
closes the recloser.
Factory-calibrated timing plugs establish the time-current
characteristics for both phase and ground tripping. Two sets of
individual timing curves provide dual timing for both phase and
ground.

S280-75-2
5
Figure 4.
Typical operating sequence of an electronically controlled recloser under permanent fault conditions.
Figure 5.
Typical operating sequence of an electronically controlled recloser under temporary fault conditions.
OPERATION
Since the understanding of the terminology and the operat-
ing sequences of an electronically controlled recloser is
important to the rest of this maintenance manual, examples
of typical operating sequences of an electronically controlled
recloser under permanent fault (Figure 4) and temporary
fault (Figure 5) conditions are given. The definition of the
terms and callouts used in Figures 4 and 5 are:
•Minimum Trip—Minimum trip is usually set at greater
than 2 times (200%) the maximum expected load current
to help prevent nuisance tripping on inrush currents, while
still being sensitive to low level faults.
•Over-Current—Any current that exceeds the minimum-
trip level of the control.
•Permanent Fault—Any over-current condition that per-
sists through the operating sequence of the control.
•Temporary Fault—Any over-current condition that does
not persist through the operating sequence of the control.
•Home Position—Position of sequence relay immediately after a
reset operation of the control. Reset operation can be either
manual, by moving the Manual Control Switch to “CLOSE”, or
automatic, after a temporary fault.
•Lockout—Sequence-relay position when over-current is not
cleared before the operating sequences of the control are
exceeded; control and recloser are tripped and held open until
manually reset with the Manual Control Switch, or remotely with
one of the remote close accessories.
•TCC—Time-Current-Characteristic-Curve.
•Reclose Interval—Time-delay interval for each reclosing opera-
tion within the operating sequence of the control.
•Fault Level Current—Any current that exceeds the minimum-
trip level of the control.
•Normal Load—Any current below the minimum-trip level of the
control.

6
Figure 6.
Functional block diagram ofType ME control.
Type ME Electronic Recloser Control
A functional block diagram of the control operation is shown
in Figure 6. Line current conditions are continuously monitored
by the three bushing-type current transformers in the recloser.
output from these transformers is fed to the trip network in the
control, which includes: the minimum-trip resistors, isolation
transformers, and rectifier circuits.
If current remains above the minimum-trip level, the tripping
—reclosing sequence of fast and delayed operations is repeat-
ed as programmed to lockout.
When current above the selected minimum-trip level is
detected in one or more phases, the following chain of events
will occur for an operating sequence of two-fast and two-
delayed operations:
The overcurrent signal is integrated with time on the charac-
teristic curve of the timing plug in Socket 1 to produce the sig-
nal which energizes the trip circuit. Energizing the trip circuit
connects the battery to the trip solenoid, tripping the recloser.
Simultaneously, the sequence relay advances to energize the
first reclosing interval-delay plug. Upon expiration of this
reclosing interval delay, a closing signal, from the control, clos-
es the recloser, and the sequence relay sets up the circuitry for
the second fast trip operation.
If the overcurrent is cleared before the operating sequence
reaches lockout, the reset-delay circuit starts timing when the
recloser closes into the unfaulted line. When the reset-delay
plug times out, the sequence relay is reset to the start or
“HOME” position and the control is ready for another two-fast,
two-delayed trip-operating sequence. However, should the
fault restart before the reset plug times out, the control will
continue its operating sequence, where it left off last, and the
reset-delay timing will be erased.
Ground-fault sensing and tripping operations occur exactly
the same as phase-fault sensing and tripping, except that
zero-sequence (ground) current is sensed instead of phase
current. The ground-fault circuitry includes its own minimum-
trip resistor, fast and delayed trip-timing plugs, and number of
fast operations setting. Reclose and reset intervals and opera-
tions to lockout are common for both phase-trip and ground-
trip modes of operation.
PERlODIC FIELD INSPECTlON
AND MAINTENANCE
Periodic inspection of the ME control should include these proce-
dures:
1. Remove control from service (if connected to an in service
recloser):
A. Switch Ground Trip Block switch to “BLOCK”.
B. Disconnect control cable from control.
2. Check the outer surface of the control cabinet for paint
scratches. Touch up any paint scratches to maintain the cabi-
net condition.
3. If the second entrance hole in the bottom of the cabinet is not
used, be sure that the hole plug is secure in the bottom of the
housing to maintain its weatherproof design.
4. Inspect the gasketing. Check the control interior for any mois-
ture or foreign matter. Repair or correct if necessary.
5. Check that the timing plugs, reset and reclosing interval
delays, and minimum-trip resistors are firmly in their sockets
(Figure 2).
6. Swing open the front panel. Check to see that all leads to tie-
board terminals are secure (Figure 7).
CAUTION: Shorting battery positive to battery
negative at the battery test terminals will cause per-
manent damage to the control. The control will be inoper-
ative and possible misoperation (unintentional operation)
of the recloser may result.
!
CAUTION: In order to prevent possible, misoper-
ation (unintentional operation) of the recloser, the
control must be removed from service prior to performing
any maintenance, testing or programming changes.
!
WARNING: High voltage. Contact with high volt-
age will cause serious personal injury or death.
Follow all locally approved safety procedures when work-
ing around high voltage lines and equipment.
!

S280-75-2
7
Figure 7.
View of a Form 3A tie board (back if front panel. Notations in parenthesis after callout refer to the circuit points on the tie board dia-
gram illustrated in Figure 57.
88939KMA
7. Check battery voltage. Three battery test terminals in the
lower right corner of the panel (Figure 2) are used to check
battery voltage, quiescent drain, and charging rate. Refer
to the “Battery Maintenance” instructions in this manual.
The left-hand pair of terminals (V) are connected directly
across the battery output to check battery voltage. The red
terminal (far left) is positive (+). The output voltage of a fully
charged battery will normally be 26-28-volts. If lower, refer
to the “Detailed Circuit check—Battery Charging” and/or
“Battery Maintenance” section of this manual.
If necessary, recharge the battery, as detailed in the
“Battery Maintenance” section.
8. Make sure circuit boards are secure in their receptacles.
Examine wiring between transformers and tie boards to see if
connections are in order. Close front panel and secure firmly
with fasteners.

8
Figure 8.
Detailed block diagram ofType ME control in lockout position. Letters in circles (A,B, etc.) refer to control cable receptacle connec-
tion pins and to test points referred to in the "Troubleshooting andTesting" section.
Type ME Electronic Recloser Control
9. Check control battery charging rate before returning the
control/recloser to service; see the “Battery Maintenance”
section for details on charging rate testing.
NOTE: The servicing procedures outlined in this manual are for a
standard Type ME Form 3 and Form 3A control and do not include
the operational checks of any of the accessories that may be
attached. In some cases the accessories may modify the standard
operating characteristics of the Type ME control. Refer to catalog
bulletin 280-75 for accessories furnished and/or Accessory opera-
tion, Testing, and Installation manuals listed in Appendix lll of this
manual.
10. Return control to service:
A. Check battery to ensure that it is properly connected.
B. Move Manual Control Switch to match position of reclos-
er (open or closed).
C. Reconnect control cable to control.
D. Switch Ground Trip Block switch to “NORMAL”.
SERVICING
Circuit Logic
Line current conditions are monitored continuously by three
bushing-current transformers in the recloser, one on each
phase. The current transformers are connected to the control-
phase matching transformers in a typical “WYE” to “WYE” con-
figuration. Zero-sequence current is derived from the vector sum
of the phase currents and fed to a fourth ground matching trans-
former.
The minimum-trip resistors calibrate the overall recloser trip
current by diverting a portion of the recloser current from the
control matching transformers.
The four matching transformers isolate the various signals
from each other and deliver an ac voltage proportional to the
recloser-line current to the phase-trip No.1 end ground-trip No.
1 boards.

S280-75-2
9
Figure 9.
Diagram of Form 3A tie board showing plug-in circuit board location. Form 3 tie boards are similar (see Figure 18), except some of
the terminals are missing or in a slightly different location.
From this point, phase- and ground-trip signals are very
similar, and only phase signals will be described.
The phase-trip No. 1 board circuitry, consisting of a three-
phase full-wave rectifier, which converts the ac input signal
from three phase to a single do signal. The do signal is
applied to the phase-trip No. 2 board which measures the do
level, and determines whether a fault current exists at the
recloser.
If the load current conditions are in the fault region, the mini-
mum-trip portion of the phase-trip No. 2 board switches on, allow-
ing the time-current curve circuits to start their programmed time
delay. The time-current curves are driven by the same do voltage
output of the phase-trip No. 1 board, and as a result higher fault-
current levels will result in a shorter time delay before tripping.

10
Figure 10.
Battery-charging board,
Type ME Electronic Recloser Control
82027aKMA 88940KMA
After the timing plugs have completed their cycle, the output
board is triggered. The output board applies a 24-Vdc signal to
the recloser trip coil, the control counter, and the control
sequence relay. The output board is switched off when the
recloser “a” contact de-energize the circuitry, including the
sequence relay. The sequence-relay rotary contacts then
advance to the next position in the tripping and reclosing cycle.
The recloser “b” contacts then close, connecting battery
power to the reclose intervals of the control which provides a
time delay for reclosing the recloser. The rotary close solenoid
is then energized through the recloser “b” contacts, the control
fuse, and the reclose portion of the control circuitry. This
mechanically closes the closing contactor in the recloser—
allowing the closing solenoid to be energized.
After closing the recloser “b” contact opens, this removes do
power from the entire closing circuit.
The automatic reset portion of the Form 3A control is ener-
gized by the sequence relay and the recloser “a” contact; if a
fault does not exist on either phase or ground trip, reset timing
is initiated (unless connected to time after first trip). If a fault
exists on either phase or ground, the reset timing is erased
and is blocked for the duration of the fault. For Form 3, reset
timing begins after the first tripping operation. Should the reset
time-delay operate before the recloser has locked open, the
sequence relay will return to the starting position and a new
sequence of operations will begin.
NOTE: F3 controls can be updated, with the addition of the KA304ME,
to duplicate the automatic reset mode of a F3A control.
The Form 3A control battery is charged by the ac input
(120-or 240-Vac) to the control. The ac input is applied through
a current limiting resistor and isolating transformer to the bat-
tery charging board. The battery charging board converts the
input to dc and supplies charging current to the control battery.
on Form 3 controls, the battery is charged by bushing current
transformers on the recloser unless equipped with an ac
charging accessory. on motor operated reclosers, the ac sup-
ply to the motor also supplies power to the Form 3 battery
charger.
Plug-in Circuit Boards - Function
The ME control contains a total of eight plug-in circuit boards on
which are assembled the bulk of its operating circuits. The
boards and their function will be discussed individually in the
order they appear on the tie board, starting with the bottom
board.
BATTERY-CHARGING BOARD
The lowest board in the rack is the battery-charging board
(Figure 10). Prior to serial number 50070 controls were equipped
with a fixed rate potential charging board (MEA 388-1 ) as stan-
dard equipment. After serial number 50070 a temperature regu-
lated battery-charging board (MEA 1172) has been supplied as
standard. !
The fixed rate charging board consists of a full-wave bridge
rectifier, a capacitor, a reference zener diode and some resis-
tors. The resistors control the charging rate into the battery, from
the zener supply voltage.
The temperature regulated battery-charging board also makes
use of a full-wave bridge rectifier, a capacitor, and a zener diode
(used to regulate voltage). In addition a temperature sensitive
thermistor is added to regulate the bias over a pair of transistors.
These transistors are used in the circuit output to regulate the
charging rate, in response to temperature. Several resistors are
used in the transistor bias circuit; and one resistor is used to limit
the maximum charging rate. A diode is placed in the output to
protect the circuit from reverse bias. ‘
Energy for either battery-charging board comes from the 120-
or 240-Vac source,through current limiting resistance and a
potential transformer.
CAUTION: Do not replace a MEA 388-1 board
with a MEA 1172, or vice-versa. A MEA 388-1
board will be damaged if replaced ffor a MEA 1172. A
MEA 1172 will not provide adequate charging current if
replaced for a MEA 388-1
!

S280-75-2
11
Figure 14.
Ground-trip No. 2 board.
Figure 20.
Capacitor for CT-type battery charger. 86773KMA
Figure 13.
Ground-trip No. 1 board. 88943KMA
Figure 11.
Phase-trip No. 1 board. 88941KMA 88944KMA
PHASE-TRIP NO. 1 BOARD
The second board from the bottom is the phase-trip No. 1
board (Figure 11). It has three full-wave diode sets, one for
each phase, along with a loading resistor for each phase.
This board also has the beginning circuits for the minimum
trip function.
PHASE-TRIP NO. 2 BOARD
The phase-trip No. 2 board (Figure 12) carries the remaining cir-
cuits for minimum-trip and the wave-shaping circuits for the timing
plugs. There are two tabs on the phase-trip No. 2 board for the
Form 3 and 3A control. one tab is labeled minimum-trip (MIN.
TRIP)* and is battery plus for normal line currents and switches to
battery minus for fault currents; the second tab marked (DIR.
BLOCK)* is an inactive tab at this time.
* In early Form 3 boards, these tabs may not be labeled.
GROUND-TRIP NO. 1 AND NO. 2 BOARDS
The next two boards up, ground-trip No. 1 and No. 2 (Figures 13
and 14), are like the corresponding phase-trip boards, except that
the ground-trip No. 1 board has only a single input diode bridge for
ground current. These boards carry almost the same parts and
same configurations as the corresponding phase boards.

12
Figure 15.
Output Board.
Type ME Electronic Recloser Control
88945KMA
Figure 17.
Reclose-reset board. 88947KMA
Figure 16.
Diode Board. 88946KMA
OUTPUT BOARD
The output board (Figure 15) of the control has another do
amplifier which senses the charge on the timing plugs and at
the proper time gates the tripping SCR. This board also carries
the diodes and resistors which make up the various reference
voltages for the control. Other circuits on this board are used
to inter-tie the tripping circuits and the reclose and reset cir-
cuits.
DlODE BOARD
The diode board (Figure16)consists of a group of diodes which
are connected to circuits on the other printed circuit boards.
These diodes connect to the timing plugs, the reset circuit, the
trip circuit, and the reclose circuit. The board also contains the
circuit related to the closing circuit fuse.
RECLOSE-RESET BOARD
The reclose-reset board ( Figure 17) carries all circuits neces-
sary for reclosing and resetting. The various large capacitors
on this board are the C parts of an R-C circuit operating along
with unijunctions and SCR’s. The large SCR on this board is
the reclose SCR.
Closing Coil Control Fuse
On solenoid-operated reclosers, the fuse will open the closing cir-
cuit to protect the potential closing coil in the recloser if closing
cannot be accomplished due to low closing voltage. On motor-
operated reclosers, the fuse is connected in series with the clos-
ing circuit contactor in the recloser.
A Buss Type MDQ-3/8 amp, 250-volt fuse, manufactured by
Bussman Manufacturing is used and a box of five spare fuses is
supplied with each control. Fuses of similar ratings by other man-
ufacturers have slightly different characteristics and should not be
used for replacement.
CAUTION: Use only Buss Type MDQ-3/8 amp
fuses. Previously, all Form 3A and most earlier con-
trols were supplied with Buss Type MDL-3/8 amp fuses.
Buss has redesigned and changed the characteristics of
that fuse and it is no longer suitable for use on any Form
3 or Form 3A control. Failure to use proper closing coil
control fuse will result in unnecessary fuse operation and
prevent the recloser from closing.
!
NOTE: Buss has redesigned the MDL-2.5 amp fuse that is used on con-
trols shipped with reciosers having “quick-close” mechanisms such as
Type VSO and VSMT reclosers. The characteristics of the new single ele-
ment MDL-2.5 fuse do not affect the application in the control. Buss will
also continue to manufacture the original dual element version of the fuse
under the new designation of MDQ-2.5. The MDQ-2.5 amp fuse will be
supplied with controls for this application. Both the MDL-2.S amp fuse
and the MDQ-2.S amp fuse are acceptable for this application.
INTERCHANGEABILITY OF BOARDS
BETWEEN FORM 2, FORM 3 AND FORM 3A
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS.
The battery-charger, phase-trip #1, phase-trip #2, ground-trip
#1 and ground-trip #2 circuit boards can electrically be inter-
changed between Form 2, Form 3 and Form 3A controls.
However, the Form 2 circuit boards have an offset connector
which can result in clearance problems when Form 2 and Form
3/3A boards are mixed in the same control. This procedure is
therefore not recommended except in an emergency.
The fixed rate battery charging board (MEA 388-1 ) is electri-
cally interchangeable between Form 2, Form 3 and Form 3A
controls, when replacing another fixed rate board. The temper-
ature regulated charging board (MEA 1172) should only be
used to replace another charging board of the same type.
The upper three circuit boards (output, diode, and reclose-
reset boards) are not interchangeable between Form 2 and
Form 3/3A controls. Interchanging them will cause control
misoperation, and may cause circuit board damage.

S280-75-2
13
Figure 18.
Form 3 electronic control tie board.The test points listed above will be covered in detail in the "Detailed Circuit Check" section of
this manual.
TROUBLESHOOTING AND TESTING
A number of relatively simple circuit tests can be made on
the ME electronic control. These tests will indicate whether
major circuits are operating properly or not, but they will not
necessarily isolate the faulty component within the circuit.
For easy reference to testing points, refer to Figures 18 and
19 for Form 3 controls and Figures 20 and 21 for Form 3A
controls. When appropriate, isolated test points will be
shown for individual circuit tests with reference to the prop-
ertie board (Figures 18 to 21).
Trouble Check
1. Completely Are boards plugged in correctly?
inoperative Is battery connected and fully charged (23-Vdc
minimum)?
Is control cable connected?
Is control programming correct?
2. Won’t close Is the control fuse good?
RE and WE series reclosers—Is the yellow oper-
ating handle up?
CE, ME and VS series reclosers—Is the manual-
trip/reset knob in the proper position?
RE and WE series reclosers—Can the rotary close
solenoid be heard to operate? If so, test for high
voltage to recloser closing coil (refer to specific
recloser maintenance manual— Appendix II).
Is there 120- or 240-Vac power to the control?
3. Won’t trip Is battery connected and fully charged (23-Vdc
minimum)?
Is control cable properly connected?
TABLE 1
Pre-Check
82040KMA

Figure 19.
Form 3 electronic control tie board and control back panel.The test points listed above will be covered in detail in the "Detailed
Circuit Check" section of this manual.
Type ME Electronic Recloser Control
14
CAUTION: Be sure that test equipment leads
have insulated clips to prevent short circuiting adja-
cent ME control terminals during testing. Shorting termi-
nals may cause permanent damage to circuit compo-
nents. The control may be inoperative and possible
misoperation (unintentional operation) of the recloser
may result.
!
82047KMA
Pre-Check
When troubleshooting a control reported to have failed or to
have not worked properly, always check for simple problems
first.
Detailed Circuit Checks
The following test procedures require only the following two
test devices.
A volt-ohm meter will be required (minimum meter input
impedance 20,000 ohms per volt) to perform tests. The Kyle Type MET test set, or an actual recloser with a
source of primary or secondary test currents can also be used to
perform tests.

S280-75-2
15
Figure 20.
Form 3A electronic control tie board.The test points listed above will be covered in detail in the "Detailed Circuit Check" section of
this manual.
88948KMA
If a circuit board failure is suspected, always check or
change the diode board first because:
•The diode board circuits operate in conjunction with the tim-
ing plugs, the output circuit, reset circuit, and reclosing cir-
cuit.
•A primary diode failure on the diode board can cause sec-
ondary failures on the output board or reclose set board.
NOTE Diode board short circuits are very rare in controls manufactured
after 1970.
If this does not isolate the problem, continue with the circuit
test.

Figure 21.
Form 3A electronic control back panel.The test points listed above will be covered in detail in the "Detailed Circuit Check" section of
this manual.
Type ME Electronic Recloser Control
16
88939KMA

S280-75-2
17
INPUT CIRCUITS
WARNING: High voltage. Contact with high volt-
age will cause serious personal injury or death.
Follow all locally approved safety procedures when
working around high voltage lines and equipment.
!
CAUTION: When measuring voltage between
the violet and gray leads be careful not to short
between the gray wire and the B+ terminal. If the gray
wire is shorted to the B+ terminal the Phase Trip #1
board will be permanently damaged.
!
Figure 22.
Measured voltage across minimum-trip resistors.
TABLE 2
Terminal StripT1Test Points for MatchingTransformers
(100% Minimum-Trip) (Figures 23 and 24)
82040KMA
Figure 23.
Block diagram of matching transformers (Table 2). See Figure 8
for complete block diagram.
To check input signals to the control, measure the voltage
across the minimum-trip resistors and matching transformer
secondaries as follows:
1. Measure voltage across minimum-trip resistors (Figure 22)
with 100% of minimum-trip current applied to control. The
voltage should be approximately:
•Phase Resistors—0.17-Vac (170 millivolts)
•Ground Resistors—0.26-Vac (260 millivolts)
NOTE: The above voltages are proportional to the recloser line current
and can be used to calculate the actual load current on the different
phases, using a digital AC voltmeter such as a Fluke 77 series. The fol-
lowing formula can be used.(Volts on (Resistor
Line Amps = resistor x value amp)
0.17
Example: 0.023-volts (23-millivolts) measured across a 560-amp phase
resistor is equivalent to 75.7-amps recloser-load current.Total accuracy
is approximately +5%.
2. Measure voltage across matching transformer secondaries
(Figures 23 and 24) with 100% of minimum-trip current ap-
plied to control. The test terminals on “T1 “ are shown in
Table
2. The voltages should be:
•Phase Transformers—6.5-Vac
•Ground Transformers—1.2-Vac
Failure to get these voltage readings can be a result of:
A. Opens in current source, control cable, matching trans-
former windings, or wiring to the transformers and asso-
ciated components.
B. Shorts in the control’s male input-cable receptacle.
NOTE: Matching transformers are interchangeable between Form
2, 3, and 3A controls.
Transformer Terminal Position Voltage Reading (Vac)
GND BRO—RED 1.2
AφORG—YEL 6.5
BφGRN—BLU 6.5
CφVI—GRY 6.5

Type ME Electronic Recloser Control
18
Figure 24.
Measuring voltage across matching transformers (Table 2) (control panel open, middle left hand side of control).
Figure 25.
Block diagram of secondary side of matching transformers and
input bridge (Table 3).See Figure 8 for complete block diagram.
Figure 26.
Form 3 tie board test points for internal dc-load-current signal (Table
3.For relationship of terminal location on the tie board,see figures 18
and 19.
88950KMA
82040KMA
INTERNAL dc-LOAD-CURRENT SIGNAL
To check the dc-load-current output signal, measure the volt-
age at tie board test points listed in Table 3 at 100% minimum-
trip current.
Failure to get these signals can be due to trouble in the
matching transformers, or open/or shorted diodes in phase-trip
No. 1 or ground-trip No. 1 circuit boards.
TABLE 3
Tie BoardTest Points for dc-Load-Current Signal
(100% Minimum-Trip) (Figures 25,26 and 27)
Terminal Position Voltage
Load Current Form 3 Form 3A Readings
+Lead -Lead +Lead -Lead Vdc*
Seq. Seq.
Phase Relay M-ph Relay PhaseMinus 6.1
7A 7A
Seq. Seq.
Ground Relay M-gnd Relay GndMinus 0.78
7A 7A
*These are full-wave rectified signals.

S280-75-2
19
Figure 28.
Form 3 tie board test points for internal minimum-trip signal (Table 4). For relationship of terminal location on the tie board, see
Figures 18 and 19.
Figure 27.
Form 3A tie board test points for internal dc-load-current signal
(Table 3). For relationship of terminal location on the tie board, see
figures 20 and 21.
88948KMA
TABLE 4
Tie BoardTest Points for Minimum-Trip Signal
Figures 28,29,and 30)
INTERNAL MINIMUM TRIP SIGNAL
To check the minimum-trip signal, measure the voltage at tie
board test points listed in Table 4.
Failures to get these signals are most likely due to troubles on
the phase-trip No. 2 or ground-trip No. 2 circuit boards or possi-
bly with the phase-trip No.1 or ground-trip No.1 boards. Battery
voltage below 21-Vdc will cause control misoperation of the min-
imum-trip, timing and trip signals of the control. Battery voltage
above 23 volts will operate the circuits correctly. Refer to
“Battery Maintenance,” page 35, for battery charging and testing
information.
Minimum Terminal Position Voltage Reading Vdc
Trip Form 3 Form 3A 120%
Signal Minimum-
+Lead -Lead +Lead -Lead NoFault Trip*
Ph Seq. Ph Seq.
Phase Min. Relay Min. Relay 25 or 0.30Max.
Trip 7A Trip 7A Battery
Gnd. Seq. Gnd. Seq.
Ground Min. Relay Min. Relay 25 or 0.30Max.
Trip 7A Trip 7A Battery
*Voltage reading will last only for the duration of the clearing time of the control
and recloser/simulator.

Figure 29.
Form 3A tie board test points for internal minimum-trip signal
(Table 4). For relationship of terminal location on the tie board,
see Figures 20 and 21.
Figure 30.
Block diagram of internal minimum-trip signal circuit (Table
4). See Figure 8 for complete block diagram.
Figure 31.
Block diagram of time-current circuit (Table 5). See Figure 8 for
complete block diagram.
Type ME Electronic Recloser Control
20
88948KMA
TIME CURRENT CHARACTERISTIC CURVES (TCC)
NOTE: Since some volt meter burdens will change control calibration, this
test will only verify TCC plug operation.
To check the charging of the phase-or-ground-TCC plug, measure
the voltage drop at the tie board and the TCC socket pin test
points listed in Table 5. Make connections and raise current
to120% minimum-trip level.
Failure to get a sudden voltage change for a fast TCC plug or a
gradual change for a slow TCC plug can be caused by trouble on
the phase-trip No. 2 or ground-trip No. 2 board, trouble on the var-
ious timing plugs, open diodes on the diode board, or open con-
tacts on the phase- or ground-trip socket No. 1 selector switches.*
* Problems on selector switches are rare on ME controls above S/N 6000.
TABLE 5
Tie Board/TCC Socket PinTest Points forTCC Charging
(120% Minimum-Trip) (Figures 31,32 and 33)
* On a fast TCC curve the voltage will drop from 24-Vdc to less than 7-Vdc the
instant the fault current increases above minimum-trip.
* * On a delayed TCC plug an obvious time delay can be observed as the meter volt-
age slowly drops from 24-Vdc to 7-Vdc at which time the unit trips
Test Points
TCC Form 3 and 3A Voltage
Curve +Lead (Phase or -Lead Drop Vdc
Ground TCC Plug)
Fast No. 1 pin, No. 2 TCC Sequence Relay 7A 24 - 7*
Slow No. 1 pin, No. 2 TCC Sequence Relay 7A 24 - 7*