Eaton COOPER POWER SERIES Manual

RVAC Fluid-insulated Vacuum Switchgear; Installation, Operation,
and Maintenance Instructions
COOPER POWER
SERIES
Switchgear
MN285005EN Effective March 2018 Supersedes November 2015

ii InstallatIon, operatIon, and MaIntenance InstructIons MN285005EN March 2018
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
The information, recommendations, descriptions and safety notations in this document are based on Eaton Corporation’s
(“Eaton”) experience and judgment and may not cover all contingencies. If further information is required, an Eaton sales
office should be consulted. Sale of the product shown in this literature is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in
appropriate Eaton selling policies or other contractual agreement between Eaton and the purchaser.
THERE ARE NO UNDERSTANDINGS, AGREEMENTS, WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES
OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY, OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY SET OUT IN ANY
EXISTING CONTRACT BETWEEN THE PARTIES. ANY SUCH CONTRACT STATES THE ENTIRE OBLIGATION OF EATON. THE
CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT SHALL NOT BECOME PART OF OR MODIFY ANY CONTRACT BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
In no event will Eaton be responsible to the purchaser or user in contract, in tort (including negligence), strict liability or
other-wise for any 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 power, additional expenses in the use of
existing power facilities, or claims against the purchaser or user by its customers resulting from the use of the information,
recommendations and descriptions contained herein. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without
notice.

iiiInstallatIon, operatIon, and MaIntenance InstructIons MN285005EN March 2018
Contents
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY ................................... II
SAFETY FOR LIFE .........................................................................IV
SAFETY INFORMATION ....................................................................IV
Hazard Statement Definitions ..................................................................... iv
Safety instructions.............................................................................. iv
PRODUCT INFORMATION................................................................... 1
Introduction ....................................................................................1
Read this manual first ............................................................................1
Additional information ............................................................................1
Acceptance and initial inspection ...................................................................1
Handling and storage.............................................................................1
Standards .....................................................................................1
Quality standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Product description ..............................................................................1
Switch operation ................................................................................1
Current-limiting fuse protection.....................................................................1
Vacuum interrupters .............................................................................1
BUSHINGS ............................................................................... 2
Cabinet construction .............................................................................2
PADLOCKING PROVISIONS ................................................................. 2
Standard features ...............................................................................2
Finish .........................................................................................2
Nameplate .....................................................................................2
Weight ........................................................................................2
Switch operating handles .........................................................................3
Special certifications .............................................................................3
RATINGS................................................................................. 3
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE ................................................................ 4
OPERATION .............................................................................. 6
Application .....................................................................................6
Switch operating handles .........................................................................6
Fuses .........................................................................................6
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION .............................................................. 7
Maintenance inspection procedure ..................................................................7
Internal inspection and bushing replacement ..........................................................7
Insulating fluid maintenance .......................................................................8
Frequency of maintenance ........................................................................8
Types of fluid samples............................................................................8
Fluid sampling procedure .........................................................................8

iv InstallatIon, operatIon, and MaIntenance InstructIons MN285005EN March 2018
Fluid filling procedure ............................................................................9
Fluid testing...................................................................................10
Replacement parts .............................................................................11
TESTING .................................................................................11
High-potential withstand testing of vacuum interrupters ................................................11
Safety requirements ............................................................................11

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vi
RVAC Fluid-insulated Vacuum Switchgear
InstallatIon, operatIon, and MaIntenance InstructIons MN285005EN March 2018
Safety for life
Eaton meets or exceeds all applicable industry standards relating to product safety in its Cooper Power™ series products.
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 Eaton 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 information
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 equipment 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 arc flash clothing, safety glasses, face shield,
hard hat, rubber gloves, clampstick, hotstick, etc.
Following is important safety information. For safe
installation and operation of this equipment, be sure to read
and understand all cautions and warnings.
Hazard Statement Definitions
This manual may contain four types of hazard statements:
DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous 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.
NOTICE
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in equipment damage only.
Safety instructions
Following are general caution and warning statements that
apply to this equipment. Additional statements, related to
specific tasks and procedures, are located throughout the
manual.
DANGER
Hazardous voltage. Contact with hazardous voltage will
cause death or severe personal injury. Follow all locally-
approved safety procedures when working around high-
and low-voltage lines and equipment. G103.3
WARNING
Before installing, operating, maintaining, 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
This equipment is not intended to protect human
life. Follow all locally-approved procedures and safety
practices when installing or operating this equipment.
Failure to comply can result in death, severe personal
injury, and equipment damage. G102.1
WARNING
Power distribution and transmission equipment must
be properly selected for the intended application. It
must be installed and serviced by competent personnel
who have been trained and understand proper safety
procedures. These instructions are written for such
personnel and are not a substitute for adequate training
and experience in safety procedures. Failure to properly
select, install, or maintain power distribution and
transmission equipment can result in death, severe
personal injury, and equipment damage. G122.2
!
SAFETY
FOR LIFE
!
SAFETY
FOR LIFE

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RVAC Fluid-insulated Vacuum Switchgear
InstallatIon, operatIon, and MaIntenance InstructIons MN285005EN March 2018
Product information
Introduction
Service Information MN285005EN provides installation
instructions, operation information, maintenance
procedures, and testing information for the RVAC
pad-mounted vacuum switchgear. The information
contained in this manual is organized into the following
major categories: Safety Information, Product Information,
Installation Procedure, Operation, Maintenance Information,
and Testing. Refer to the table of contents for page
numbers.
Read this manual first
Read and understand the contents of this manual and follow
all locally approved procedures and safety practices before
installing, operating, or maintaining this equipment.
Additional information
These instructions do not claim to cover all details or
variations in the equipment, procedures, or processes
described nor to provide directions 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 Eaton representative.
Acceptance and initial inspection
RVAC switchgear is completely assembled, tested, and
inspected at the factory. The switchgear is filled to the
correct level with insulating fluid. It is in good condition
when accepted by the freight carrier for shipment.
1. Upon receipt, inspect the unit thoroughly for damage
and loss of parts or fluid incurred during shipment.
If damage or loss is discovered, file a claim with the
carrier immediately.
2. Check for fluid leakage, and tighten any bolts that may
have loosened during shipment.
Handling and storage
The switchgear should remain on its shipping pallet until
it is installed. When handling the switchgear, always use a
fork truck that has adequate lifting capacity and forks that
extend the entire length of the pallet. Improper handling can
cause damage to the switchgear. If the switchgear is to be
stored for any appreciable length of time before installation,
provide a clean, dry storage area. Be careful during handling
and storage to minimize the possibility of mechanical
damage. Do not stack other material on the switchgear
cabinet.
Standards
RVAC switchgear is designed and tested in accordance with
IEEE Std 386™-1995 standard, IEEE Std C37.74™-2003
standard, and IEEE Std C57.12.28™-2005 standard.
Quality standards
ISO 9001 Certified Quality Management System
Product description
The RVAC vacuum switchgear provides convenient load
switching for 15-, 25-, and 35-kV underground systems.
RVAC switchgear is designed for outdoor mounting on a
concrete pad. Power is fed to and from the switch from
underground through openings in the pad.
Deadfront construction minimizes the high-voltage safety
hazards for both the operator and the general public.
Type RVAC switchgear employs mineral oil, Envirotemp™
FR3™, or Envirotemp™ E200™ as the insulating medium to
provide a compact, low-profile installation.
NOTICE
The use of Envirotemp™ FR3™ dielectric fluid is limited
to a minimum operating temperature of 32 °F (0 °C).
Failure to comply can result in equipment misoperation.
T374.0
RVAC switchgear can be specified with a variety of
fusing options to meet distribution system protection
requirements.
Switch operation
The RVAC switchgear utilizes vacuum loadmake/loadbreak
switches. Clampstick operable switch operating handles are
located on the front plates of the unit.
Current-limiting fuse protection
Fault protection is provided by full-range current limiting
fuses that provide protective characteristics over a wide
range of applications.
Vacuum interrupters
Loadbreak switching takes place within sealed vacuum
interrupters (Figure 1). Vacuum interrupters provide
fast, low-energy arc interruption and produce no arcing
by-products to contaminate the insulating fluid.
Figure 1. Vacuum interrupter mechanism assembly

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RVAC Fluid-insulated Vacuum Switchgear
InstallatIon, operatIon, and MaIntenance InstructIons MN285005EN March 2018
Loadbreak Switch
Operating Handles
Nameplate
Fluid Level
Indicator
Bushings
Fluid Drain Plug
and Sampler
Grounding
Rod
(Accessory)
Fluid Fill Plug
Figure 2. Source-side switchgear components
Fuses
Operation
One-Line
Diagram
Bushings
Figure 3. Tap-side switchgear components
Bushings
If 600 A deadbreak aluminum type bushings are furnished,
they conform to IEEE Std 386™-1995 standard.
200 A interfaces are provided as either 200 A bushing wells
or 200 A one-piece 35 kV bushings; both conform to IEEE
Std 386™-1995 standard.
Bushings are mounted in-line and located a minimum of 24
inches (610 mm) above the pad.
Cabinet construction
RVAC switchgear features deadfront, low-profile tamper
resistant construction. It is suitable for operation in areas
subject to excessive moisture, occasional flooding, and
blowing snow. Cabinets meet the enclosure security
requirements of IEEE Std C57.12.28™-2005 standard.
ote:N Occasional flooding applies only to the RVAC unit and
not any controls or motors attached to the unit. Per
IEEE Std 37.74™-2003 standard, submersible units
are able to operate at their standard ratings provided
the water head does not exceed 3 m above the top
of the switchgear during occasional submersion.
Side-swing doors are provided with door stays and fitted
with stainless steel hinges. On units wider than 46 inches
(1168 mm), split doors are provided to allow easy operation
by one person. Top-swing doors can be provided as an
option. Both source and tap doors can be fully open at
the same time. Each door has a floating lock pocket with
padlock provisions and penta-head silicon bronze door bolt.
Tank construction is of 7- or 10-gauge steel, and cabinets are
made of 12- or 13-gauge steel. Recessed lifting provisions
are provided at each corner of the tank for a balanced lift.
WARNING
Hazardous voltage. Switchgear doors must be closed
and padlocked at all times when unattended. Failure to
comply can result in death, severe personal injury, and
equipment damage. G168.1
Padlocking provisions
Standard features
Standard features (Figure 2 and Figure 3) include a fluid
level indicator on each front plate, automatic pressure-relief
valve, operation one-line diagrams on the doors, fluid fill
plug, fluid drain and sampler, and a standoff bracket for each
bushing. Standard grounding provisions include a 1/2-13
UNC stainless steel ground nut for each bushing.
Finish
RVAC switchgear is finished in a green color which
conforms to Munsell 7GY 3.29/1.5 Green.
The coating conforms to the following specifications: IEEE
Std C57.12.28™-2005 standard, ASTM B1117 1000-hour 5%
salt spray corrosion test, ASTM D2247 1000-hour humidity
test, ASTM G53 500-hour ultraviolet accelerated weathering
test, and ASTM D2794 impact test.
Nameplate
Prior to installation, be sure to check the switchgear
nameplate (shown in Figure 2) to verify that the voltage
and current ratings are correct for the system on which the
switchgear is to be installed.
Weight
The weight of the switchgear is shown on the nameplate.
Make sure to use lifting equipment with adequate capacity
to safely handle the switchgear.

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RVAC Fluid-insulated Vacuum Switchgear
InstallatIon, operatIon, and MaIntenance InstructIons MN285005EN March 2018
Switch operating handles
RVAC switchgear is equipped with clampstick operable
loadbreak switch handles that can be mounted on the
source- and tap-side front plates of the unit. The switch
operating handle (shown in Figure 4) provides convenient
push-to-close and pull-to-open operation. The handle can be
padlocked in either the open or closed position.
WARNING
Hazardous voltage. Never rely on the open position of
the operating handle or the contact position indicator;
it does not ensure that the line is de-energized. Follow
all locally approved safety practices. Failure to comply
can result in contact with high voltage, which will cause
death or severe personal injury. G123.1
Side-mounted switch operating handles and a motor
operator can also be provided as accessories.
The ratings for the RVAC switchgear are shown in Table 1.
Special certifications
Non-fused units can be provided with a UL®listing and
labeling depending on the features specified. Please ensure
appropriate labeling is provided prior to installation for
instances where a UL®listing is required.
Ratings
Table 1. Electrical ratings
Nominal Voltage 5 kV 15 kV 25 kV 35 kV
Maximum Design Voltage, kV 15.5 15.5 27 38
BIL, kV 95 95 125 150
1-Minute Withstand (60 Hz) Switch* and Terminators, kV 35 35 60 70
Continuous Current (max), A 600 600 600 600
Load Switching, A 600 600 600 600
Momentary Current 10 cycles (sym.), kA 12 12 12 12
3 Shot Fault Making (sym./asym.), kA 12/20 12/20 12/20 12/20
* The withstand rating of the switch is higher than that of the connectors (IEEE Std C37.74™-2003 standard).
Figure 4. Switch operating handle shown padlocked in
the open position

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RVAC Fluid-insulated Vacuum Switchgear
InstallatIon, operatIon, and MaIntenance InstructIons MN285005EN March 2018
Installation procedure
WARNING
This equipment is not intended to protect human
life. Follow all locally approved procedures and safety
practices when installing or operating this equipment.
Failure to comply can result in death, severe personal
injury, and equipment damage. G102.1
1. Check the fluid level. Make sure the fluid in the
switchgear tank is at the proper level by checking the
fluid level indicator on the front plate. Two-sided units
have fluid level indicators on both source-side and
tap-side front plates. Make sure both are at the proper
level.
2. Test the fluid dielectric strength and moisture content.
If the switchgear has been stored for some time or
is being relocated, perform these tests on the fluid in
accordance with ASTM-approved testing procedures.
WARNING
This equipment relies on dielectric fluid to provide
electrical insulation between components.The dielectric
strength and moisture content of the fluid must be
checked on a regular basis, as part of the routine
maintenance inspection, to ensure that it is at or
above minimum dielectric requirements and below the
maximum moisture content. Use of this equipment
with dielectric fluid that does not meet requirements
can result in internal flashovers that will damage the
equipment and can result in death or serious injury. G107.3
NOTICE
The use of Envirotemp™ FR3™ dielectric fluid is limited to
a minimum operating temperature of 32 °F (0 °C). Failure
to comply can result in equipment misoperation. T374.0
a. On new equipment, the fluid must have a minimum
dielectric strength of 26 kV.
b. If the dielectric strength of the fluid is less than
26 kV, process or replace the fluid to restore its
dielectric strength to an acceptable minimum level.
c. Refer to the Fluid testing section of this manual for
service recommendations based on the moisture
content of the fluid.
d. For additional information on fluid specifications and
tests, refer to Reference Data TD280022EN and to
the Fluid testing section of this manual.
3. Check the nameplate ratings. Make sure the ratings on
the switchgear nameplate are correct for the planned
installation.
NOTICE
Equipment damage. Never place jacks, tackle or
other attachments under the unit for the purpose of
lifting. Failure to comply will result in damage to the
equipment. T240.0
NOTICE
Follow all locally approved safety practices when lifting
and mounting the equipment. Use the lifting lugs provided.
Lift the unit smoothly and do not allow the unit to shift.
Improper lifting can result in equipment damage. G106.2
4. Mount the switchgear on the concrete pad.
a. The switchgear must be installed on a level concrete
pad or structure that has been designed to support
the size and weight of the unit.
b. The switchgear must be hoisted only by the
recessed lifting provisions provided at the four
corners of the tank. Suitable lifting straps must be
used to prevent damage to the switchgear housing.
c. The switchgear must be anchored to the concrete
pad. Anchor the pad using the mounting cleats
provided or using other suitable mounting hardware.
WARNING
Hazardous voltage. Solidly ground all equipment. Failure
to comply can result in death, severe personal injury,
and equipment damage. T223.2
5. Ground the switchgear. Switchgear must be adequately
grounded. Install a permanent, low resistance
ground connection to the switchgear tank. Grounding
provisions are provided near the bottom of the tank.
CAUTION
Equipment misoperation. Always use compatible
fuses. Follow all locally approved operating practices
whenever changing fuses. Wet-well fuse assemblies
must be re-fused and operated in accordance with the
instructions provided by the fuse manufacturer. Failure
to install the proper fuse can result in switchgear
misoperation, equipment damage, and personal injury.
G260.0
6. Assemble and install fuses. If the switchgear is
equipped with fuses, be sure that the fuses are rated
correctly for the installation and that they are properly
installed. Further verify that the fuses are compatible
with the wetwell fuse holder(s) supplied with the
switchgear. Refer to Figure 5 to ascertain fuse/wetwell
fuse holder compatibility.
ote:N Fuses should be applied on solidly grounded wye
systems only. Consult factory for fuse application
on delta systems.
7. Make the high-voltage line connections.
a. Prior to making connections, make sure that the
source-side and tap-side cable elbows are correctly
identified and that the switchgear unit is oriented
correctly for the installation. The source leads must
connect to the source bushings of the unit, and the
tap leads must connect to tap bushings of the unit.