GE SecoGear User manual

5kV-15kV IEEE Metal-Clad Switchgear
SecoGear*
GE
DEH-50009 Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 2 of 56
1. Introduction.........................................11
Safety ...........................................................11
Maintenance ....................................................12
2. Receiving, Handling, and Storage ....................13
Receiving ........................................................13
Inspecting for Damage ........................................................13
Filing a Claim .................................................................13
Handling.........................................................13
Enclosure Lifting..............................................................13
Example ........................................................................................13
Forklifts ......................................................................14
Using Rollers .................................................................14
Storage..........................................................15
Switchgear ...................................................................15
SecoVac Vacuum Circuit Breakers ................................15
3. SecoGear Construction ..............................16
Circuit Breaker Compartment....................................16
Closed-door Drawout .........................................................16
Fixed Primary Disconnect Contacts ...........................................17
Automatic Shutters...........................................................18
Interlocks.....................................................................18
Current Transformers .........................................................19
Auxiliary Compartments .........................................20
Voltage Transformers .........................................................20
Control Power Transformers and Fuse Trays ...................................20
Manually Operated Ground and Test Device ...................................21
Circuit Breaker...................................................21
Primary Disconnects..........................................................22
Lift Truck .....................................................................23
Racking Mechanism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Remote Racking System (Optional)............................................23
Table of Contents

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 3 of 56
4. Installation ..........................................24
Site Location ....................................................24
Foundation Requirements .......................................24
Assembling Shipping Sections ...................................25
Bolting Sections Together .....................................................26
Attach Trim Covers ...........................................................27
Wiring ........................................................................27
Taped Insulation ..............................................................27
Part 1: Bus Bars, 5 kV or 15 kV ...................................................................28
Part 2: Taped Joints, 5 kV or 15 kV ...............................................................28
Bus Bar Installation ...........................................................31
Recommended Torque Values.................................................34
Ground Bus Installation.......................................................34
Cable Access Panels ..........................................................35
Final Inspection...............................................................35
5. Circuit Breaker Installation/Removal .................36
Inspection and Preparation ......................................36
Racking..........................................................36
Installing SecoVac Vacuum Circuit Breaker into Switchgear
Compartment ...................................................37
A. Place Circuit Breaker onto the Lift Truck ....................................37
B. Insert Circuit Breaker into Switchgear Compartment........................38
Removing the Circuit Breaker ....................................41
Racking the Circuit Breaker to Connected Position................41
Racking the Circuit Breaker to Disconnected/Test Position........42
6. Testing and Inspection.............................. 43
Circuit Breaker Operation Test ................................................43
Circuit Breaker Test Jumper (Optional) ........................................43
Circuit Breaker Test Box (Optional) ............................................43
Table of Contents (Cont.)

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 4 of 56
7. Circuit Breaker Operation........................... 44
Closing Operation ............................................................44
Opening Operation ...........................................................44
8. Energizing the Switchgear ...........................45
Before Energizing ................................................45
9. Maintenance ........................................46
Circuit Breaker and Instrument Compartments...................46
Circuit Breaker Test for Proper Operation......................................46
Checks After the Circuit Breaker Is De-energized ..............................46
Lubrication ...................................................................47
Instruments, Components and Relays.........................................47
Switchgear Interior ..............................................47
Main Bus Compartment .........................................48
Replacing Current Transformers (CTs) ............................49
Wire the CTs..................................................................49
Overall Switchgear.............................................. 50
Padlocks and Keylocks .......................................... 50
Circuit Breaker Racking Port Padlock Provision ................................50
Door Padlock Provision .......................................................51
Shutter Padlock Provision.....................................................51
Key Interlocks (Optional) ......................................................52
Kirk Lock .....................................................................52
Preferred Lock Out Tag Out Procedure (LOTO) .................................52
Paint Refinishing................................................ 53
Circuit Breaker Lift Truck ........................................ 53
10. Repair and Replacement .......................... 54
Circuit Breaker Troubleshooting ................................. 54
Circuit Breaker Spare Parts ..................................... 54
11. Notes ............................................. 55
Table of Contents (Cont.)

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 5 of 56
Figure 2-1: Recommended Lifting Method (Front View) ........................13
Figure 2-2: Recommended Lifting Method (Side View) .........................14
Figure 2-3: Corner Warning Label .............................................14
Figure 2-4: Placing Forklift Tines under Equipment Shipping Skid...............14
Figure 2-5: Moving Using Rollers ..............................................14
Figure 2-6: SecoVac Vacuum Circuit Breakers..................................15
Figure 3-1: Section Contents ..................................................16
Figure 3-2: Circuit Breaker Manual Rack in/out.................................17
Figure 3-3: Circuit Breaker Automatic Rack in/out .............................17
Figure 3-4: SecoGear Primary/Secondary Disconnects .........................17
Figure 3-5: Circuit Breaker Primary/Secondary Cluster .........................17
Figure 3-6: Automatic Shutters................................................18
Figure 3-7: Interlock for Secondary Disconnect Plug Removal ..................18
Figure 3-8: Open-Close-Open Safety Interlock Plungers .......................19
Figure 3-9: Padlock for Door and Breaker Rack in/out ..........................19
Figure 3-10: Current Transformers ............................................19
Figure 3-11: Voltage Transformers.............................................20
Figure 3-12: Fuses-only Tray ..................................................20
Figure 3-13: CPT with Fuses Tray ..............................................20
Figure 3-14: Manual Ground and Test Device ..................................21
Figure 3-15: SecoVac Vacuum Circuit Breaker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Figure 3-16: Disconnect Finger Cluster ........................................22
Figure 3-17: Lift Truck Ready for Use...........................................23
Figure 3-18: Remote Racking Operator ........................................23
Figure 3-19: Remote Switch Operator .........................................23
Figure 4-1: SecoGear Installation Drawing – Indoor Anchoring Method .........24
Figure 4-2: SecoGear Primary Indoor Anchoring Method .......................25
Figure 4-3: Lineup Shown Assembled .........................................25
Figure 4-4: Lift Plugs in Position ...............................................26
Figure 4-5: Position Wires for Clearance .......................................26
Figure 4-6: Front Bolt Locations (left and right) ................................26
Figure 4-7: Rear Bolt Locations (left and right) .................................26
Figure 4-8: Front Left Trim Covers Installed ....................................27
Figure 4-9: End Cover Assembly...............................................27
Table of Figures

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 6 of 56
Figure 4-10: Tape Bus Bars ....................................................28
Figure 4-11: Tape Dead-end Bus Joint .........................................28
Figure 4-12: Tape Bus Connection Joint .......................................29
Figure 4-13: Tape Current Transformer Joint...................................29
Figure 4-14: Tape Tee Connection Joint........................................30
Figure 4-15: Tape Double Bus Bar Joint ........................................30
Figure 4-16: Bus Access via Rear Cover Plates .................................31
Figure 4-17: Bus Access Panels................................................31
Figure 4-18: Bus Accessible ...................................................31
Figure 4-19: Side Bus Shrouds.................................................31
Figure 4-20: Main Bus Connection – Rear View ................................32
Figure 4-21: Main Bus Connection – Plan (Top) View ...........................33
Figure 4-22: Main Bus Connection – Through Joint.............................33
Figure 4-23: Main Bus Connection – Start or End Joint .........................33
Figure 4-24: Typical Ground Bus ...............................................34
Figure 4-25: Ground Bus – Plan View ..........................................34
Figure 4-26: Ground Bus – Rear View ..........................................34
Figure 4-27: Upper Cable Plates ...............................................35
Figure 4-28: Lower Cable Plates ...............................................35
Figure 5-1: Two-High Breaker Section .........................................36
Figure 5-2: Lowered Lifting Platform ..........................................37
Figure 5-3: The Hoist Rail Slots ................................................37
Figure 5-4: Press the Front Pedal to Lock Lift Truck ............................37
Figure 5-5: SecoVac VCB Tab Locked in Lift Truck Slot ..........................37
Figure 5-6: SecoVac VCB Properly Mounted on Lift Truck ......................37
Figure 5-7: Release Floor Lock.................................................38
Figure 5-8: Lift Truck Crank Handle ............................................38
Figure 5-9: Cable Winch Spool ................................................38
Figure 5-10: Cable Secured to Hoist ...........................................38
Figure 5-11: Lift Truck Arm (Left) Aligned with Switchgear Guide Slot (Right) ...38
Figure 5-12: Lift Truck Guide Arm Stops .......................................38
Figure 5-13: Press the Front Lever to Lock Lift Truck ...........................38
Figure 5-14: Operation Handle ................................................39
Table of Figures (Cont.)

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 7 of 56
Table of Figures (Cont.)
Figure 5-15: Operation Handle Fully Engaged into Switchgear Compartment...39
Figure 5-16: Press Down on the Interlock Pin and Rotate Clockwise to Lock
the Latch Handle .............................................................39
Figure 5-17: Unlock VCB from Lift Truck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Figure 5-18: Lock VCB into Switchgear ........................................39
Figure 5-19: Rotate Interlock Pin Counterclockwise to Unlock the Latch Handle 40
Figure 5-20: Interlock Latch Handle ...........................................40
Figure 5-21: Stop in Proper Position ...........................................40
Figure 5-22: Eliminating Stop Interference.....................................40
Figure 5-23: Release Floor Lock ...............................................40
Figure 5-24: Release Secondary Plug from VCB ................................41
Figure 5-25: Insert Secondary Plug and Lock into Switchgear
Compartment Socket .........................................................41
Figure 5-26: Racking Handle ..................................................42
Figure 5-27: Racking Handle Insertion on Door ................................42
Figure 5-28: Access Hole Open ................................................42
Figure 5-29: Disconnected/Test Position (Green)...............................42
Figure 5-30: Intermediate Position (Yellow)....................................42
Figure 5-31: Connected Position (Red).........................................42
Figure 6-1: SecoVac Test Box ..................................................43
Figure 9-1: Rear Compartment Assembly Illustration ..........................48
Figure 9-2: CTs mounted in compartment......................................49
Figure 9-3: CT Spacers, 7/8” (left) and 2” (right) ................................49
Figure 9-4: CT Spacers Installed ...............................................49
Figure 9-5: CT Wire Harness in Compartment .................................49
Figure 9-6: CT Wires Connected ...............................................50
Figure 9-7: CT Installed, Shutters in Open Position .............................50
Figure 9-8: SecoGear Manual Racking Port Padlocked. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Figure 9-9: Compartment Door Padlock .......................................51
Figure 9-10: Shutter Padlock ..................................................51
Figure 9-11: Kirk Lock Location in SecoGear ...................................51
Figure 9-12: Initial Stopper Rod Position.......................................52
Figure 9-13: Locked Stopper Rod Position .....................................52

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 8 of 56
Table of Tables
Table 1-1: Rated Electrical Characteristics.....................................11
Table 4-1: Tape Bus Bars ......................................................28
Table 4-2: Tape Dead-end Bus Joint ...........................................28
Table 4-3: Tape Bus Connection Joint .........................................29
Table 4-4: Tape Current Transformer Joint .....................................29
Table 4-5: Tape Tee Connection Joint ..........................................30
Table 4-6: Tape Double Bus Bar Joint ..........................................30
Table 4-7: Main Bus Sizes .....................................................32
Table 4-8: Riser/Runback Bus Size .............................................32
Table 4-9: Recommended Torque Limits .......................................34
Table 10-1: Diagnosis and Troubleshooting Malfunctions ......................54

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 9 of 56

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 10 of 56
Hazard Classifications
The following important highlighted information
appears throughout this document to warn of potential
hazards or to call attention to information that
clarifies a procedure. Carefully read all instructions
and become familiar with the devices before trying to
install, operate, service or maintain this equipment.
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates that if the hazard is not avoided could
result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
It is used to notify of practices not related to
personal injury.
Trademarks
SecoGear® SecoRMU®
SecoCube® SecoBloc®
SecoVac® Multilin®
All third-party trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
Warranty
This document is based on information available at the time
of its publication. While efforts have been made to ensure
accuracy, the information contained herein does not cover
all details or variations in hardware and software, nor does
it provide for every possible contingency in connection with
installation, operation, and maintenance. Features may be
described herein that are not present in all hardware and
software systems.
GE Industrial Solutions assumes no obligation of notice
to holders of this document with respect to changes
subsequently made. GE Industrial Solutions makes no
representation or warranty, expressed, implied, or statutory,
with respect to, and assumes no responsibility for the
accuracy, completeness, sufficiency, or usefulness of the
information contained herein.
No warranties of merchantability or fitness for purpose
shall apply.
Contact your local sales office if further information is required
concerning any aspect of SecoGear switchgear operation
or maintenance.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
!
!

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 11 of 56
This manual provides complete installation instructions and
operation and maintenance information for GE SecoGear
Metal-clad Switchgear.
SecoGear switchgear is designed for the protection,
instrumentation, and control of various types of medium
voltage electrical apparatus and power circuits.
The switchgear consists of modules containing circuit
breakers and auxiliary equipment, which are stacked two
high to form vertical sections. Sections may be arranged side
by side and connected mechanically and electrically to form
complete switchgear assemblies.
SecoVac vacuum circuit breakers (VCB) are easily removable
to provide maximum accessibility for maintenance with
minimum interruption of services. The switchgear is designed
to provide a high degree of safety to the operator. All
equipment is enclosed in grounded metal compartments
and all primary conductors are insulated.
The equipment is available in the ratings listed in the
following table 1-1. The maximum ratings of the equipment
and devices are based on usual service conditions as covered
in ANSI standards, using K=1, and not K>1. Operation at
currents above the equipment rating will result in temperature
rises in excess of these standards and is not recommended.
For outdoor installations, a weather proof power equipment
center would be required to house the indoor equipment.
Each site must maintain a safety program for the protection
of personnel, as well as other equipment, from the potential
hazards associated with electrical equipment. The following
requirements are intended to augment your company’s safety
program, but they do NOT supplant your responsibility for
devising a complete safety program. The following basic safety
requirements are applicable to all major electrical equipment,
such as switchgear or switchboards. GE neither condones nor
assumes any responsibility for practices that deviate from the
following:
1. ALL CONDUCTORS MUST BE ASSUMED TO BE ENERGIZED
UNLESS THEIR POTENTIAL HAS BEEN MEASURED AS
GROUND AND ADEQUATE CAPACITY GROUNDING
ASSEMBLIES HAVE BEEN APPLIED TO PREVENT ENERGIZING.
Many accidents have been caused by unplanned
energization from nonrecognized back feeds, equipment
malfunctions, and from a wide variety of sources.
2. It is strongly recommended that all equipment be completely
de-energized, verified to be “dead,” and then grounded
with adequate capacity grounding assemblies prior to any
maintenance. The grounding cable assemblies must be
able to withstand energizing fault levels so that protective
equipment may clear the circuit safely. This concept is
covered in depth in Chapter 20 of ANSI/NFPA 70B, Electrical
Equipment Maintenance.
The logic for this precaution is that maintenance of energized
equipment could precipitate a dielectric failure from such
diverse causes as dislodging a tiny piece wire missed during
a construction cleanup, startling an animal inside the gear,
or deflecting a conducting part. A dielectric failure generally
initiates a power flashover, which presents an extreme risk
of injury or death to people or damage to equipment in
close proximity.
1. Introduction
Table 1-1: Rated Electrical Characteristics (maximum ratings for kA based on K=1, and not K>1)
CIRCUIT BREAKER MAXIMUM VOLTAGE CONTINUOUS CURRENT INTERRUPTING RATING MOMENTARY WITHSTAND
SecoVac VCB 4.76 kV – 15 kV 1200 A 31.5 kA 82 kA
SecoVac VCB 4.76 kV – 15 kV 1200 A 40 kA 104 kA
SecoVac VCB 4.76 kV – 15 kV 2000 A 40 kA 104 kA
SecoVac VCB 4.76 kV – 15 kV 3000 A 40 kA 104 kA
Safety
This equipment is not designed for exposure to dripping
liquids, as this condition is not a usual ANSI service
condition. Dripping liquids can destroy the integrity of
the insulation system and must be avoided.
CAUTION

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 12 of 56
Excellent maintenance is essential for the reliability and safety
of any electrical equipment:
• Maintenance programs must be designed for the specific
application, well planned and carried out consistent
with both industry experience and manufacturer
recommendations.
• The local environment must always be considered, including
such variables as ambient temperatures, extreme moisture,
number of operations, corrosive atmosphere, major insect
problems, and any other unusual condition or abuse of
the application.
One of the critical service activities, sometimes neglected,
involves the calibration of various control devices. A
proper calibration monitors conditions in the primary
and secondary circuits, sometimes initiating emergency
corrective action, such as opening or closing circuit breakers.
In view of the vital role of these devices, it is important
that a periodic test program be followed. GE recommends
checking all significant calibrations at an interval of
one to two years, until you have accumulated enough
Maintenance
3. Although the provided interlocks reduce some of the
risks, the individual’s actions while performing service
or maintenance are essential to prevent accidents. Each
person’s knowledge, mental awareness, and planned and
executed actions often determine if an accident will occur.
The most important method of avoiding accidents is for
all associated personnel to carefully apply a thorough
understanding of the specific equipment – from the
viewpoints of its purpose, its construction, its operation –
and the situations that could be hazardous.
All personnel associated with installation, operation, and
maintenance of electrical equipment, such as power circuit
breakers and other power handling equipment, must be
thoroughly trained, with periodic retraining, regarding power
equipment in general, as well as the particular model of
equipment with which they are working.
Instruction books, actual devices, and appropriate safety and
maintenance practices such as OSHA publications, National
Electric Safety Code (ANSI C2), National Electric Code, and
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B Electrical
Equipment Maintenance must be closely studied and followed.
During actual work, a supervisor should audit practices to
assure conformance.
experience to select a test interval better suited to the
individual requirements. The interval between periodic
checks will vary depending upon the local environment,
the type of device, and the user’s experience.
Some devices can be adequately tested using test sets.
Specific calibration instructions on particular devices are
typically provided in the vendors’ documentation. However,
these manuals cannot include every possible part that could
require attention, particularly over a very long service period
or under adverse environments. Maintenance personnel must
be alert to deterioration of any part of the supplied switchgear,
taking actions as necessary to restore it to serviceable status.
Industry publications of recommended maintenance
practices such as ANSI/NFPA 70B, Electrical Equipment
Maintenance, should be carefully studied and applied
in each site’s formation of planned maintenance.
Visit geindustrial.com for the latest publications.
Some customers may require additional assistance from
GE in the planning and performance of maintenance.
GE Industrial Solutions offers onsite services to perform
maintenance or provide technical assistance.
The performance and safety of all equipment may be
compromised by the modification of supplied parts or their
replacement by non-identical substitutes. All such design
changes must be qualified to ANSI/IEEE Standard C37.59.
Maintenance personnel should methodically keep
written maintenance records as an aid in future service
planning and equipment reliability improvement.
Promptly report any unusual experiences to GE.

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 13 of 56
Every shipping section leaving the factory is plainly marked
with the case number, requisition number, and customer order
number. If the equipment has been split for shipment, the section
numbers of the equipment enclosed in each shipping package
are identified. To avoid the loss of any parts when unpacking,
carefully check the contents of each container against the
packing list before discarding the packing material.
The contents of each shipping package are listed on the Master
Packing List. In addition, this list includes the number of the
shipping crate that contains miscellaneous parts needed to
install and operate the equipment (such as hardware, contact
lubricant, touch-up paint, circuit breaker closing devices).
Normally, such devices are packed in a cardboard carton secured
in an empty section compartment. Large items, such as the lift
truck and dollies, are always shipped in separate crates
or cartons.
Inspecting for Damage
All equipment leaving the factory is carefully inspected and
packed by personnel experienced in the proper handling
and packing of electrical equipment. Upon receipt of any
equipment, immediately perform a visual inspection to
ascertain if any damage has been sustained in shipping or
if there are any loose parts.
Circuit breakers will be shipped separately in individual
containers and should be unpacked to visually inspect them for
damage or loose parts as soon as possible after they have been
received. Be sure to inspect all devices mounted or packed
inside compartments of each section to see if any have been
dislodged or damaged.
Filing a Claim
If any damage is evident, or indication of rough handling is
visible, file a claim for damage at once with the transportation
company and notify the nearest General Electric Company
Sales Office immediately. Include any information on damaged
parts, part number, case number, requisition number, etc.
Handling
It is preferable to leave the shipping skids in place under the
switchgear until it reaches its final location. The equipment
should be installed in its final location prior to installing the
circuit breakers.
Enclosure Lifting
The switchgear sections are best handled by lifting with a crane
as shown in Figure 2-1. Removable lifting plates are provided
as standard equipment, on the top of each switchgear section.
Utilize four equal length cables and an overhead crane, each
with a minimum load rating of twice the weight of the shipping
section to be lifted. Estimated weights for shipping splits are
displayed on the drawings in the accompanying bill
of materials.
2. Receiving, Handling and Storage
Receiving
EXAMPLE
The angle between the cables and the top of the equipment
must be at least 45°. If this is not possible because of lack of
headspace, spreader bars must be used. Also, lift cables with
greater load capability may be necessary, depending upon the
angle between the cables and the crane hook.
Connect a cable from the crane to the four lifting plates
located on the top-front and rear of the switchgear
(Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2).
Figure 2-1: Recommended Lifting Method (Front View)
Spreader bars
(not provided
with equipment)
Switchgear section weight = 5,000 lbs.
The crane and the four lift cables must have a
minimum load lifting capacity of 10,000 pounds.

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 14 of 56
Lift sling
Lifting plates must
be removed where
sections are joined,
during installation
Front view
Side view
Roller
Figure 2-2: Recommended Lifting Method (Side View)
Figure 2-4: Placing Forklift Tines under Equipment Shipping Skid
Figure 2-5: Method of Moving
Figure 2-3: Corner Warning Label
When using a forklift to raise the lineup, proceed as follows:
1. Expand forklift tines to their maximum (widest) extension.
2. Carefully insert tines of forklift below one side of the enclosure
at the approximate center of the panel as shown in Figure 2-4.
3. Raise equipment and proceed to transport the enclosure.
4. Carefully lower the enclosure until it rests stable at its
final destination.
After shipping skids are removed, roller may be used to roll
equipment parallel to front only.
Using Rollers
Forklifts

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 15 of 56
If the space heaters are to be temporarily energized
from an external source, it is important to remove
the fuses on the secondary side of the control
power transformer. This precaution is to prevent
a feedback of higher voltage to other portions
of the equipment through the CPT primary.
CAUTION
If circuit breakers are not to be placed into service at once,
remove them from their shipping cartons and thoroughly
inspect them for damage. If the circuit breakers are in
satisfactory condition, replace them in their shipping cartons
for storage. Do not remove the circuit breaker shipping
supports at this time.
SecoVac Vacuum Circuit Breakers
Figure 2-6: SecoVac Vacuum Circuit Breakers
Switchgear
If it is necessary to store the switchgear for any length of
time, the following precautions should prevent corrosion
or deterioration:
1. Remove factory-installed protective covering.
2. Check thoroughly for damage.
3. Store in a clean, dry, rodent-free location between
-30 °C and 40 °C.
Storage
Remove all cartons, containers, and miscellaneous
packaging and packing material from inside the
switchgear sections before energizing any internal
heaters. To prevent fire, remove any plastic or
polyethylene shrouding from the switchgear
sections before energizing any internal heaters.
WARNING
!
4. Provide protective coverings to prevent dirt, water, or other
foreign substances from entering the switchgear.
5. If dampness or condensation may be encountered in
the storage location, heaters must be placed inside
the switchgear sections to prevent moisture damage
Approximately 300 W of heat in each section is required.
Store the circuit breakers in a clean, dry location in an upright
position. They must be properly supported to prevent bending
of the studs or damage to any of the circuit breaker parts.
Do not remove any protective grease until the circuit breakers
are ready to be installed. A plastic or canvas-type cover should
be provided to reduce the possibility of damage to the circuit
breakers due to dust and water.

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 16 of 56
Circuit Breaker Compartment
The circuit breaker compartment is designed to house GE
SecoVac vacuum circuit breakers. These compartments can be
stacked for two-high switchgear configurations. Each circuit
breaker compartment has two physical positions, CONNECTED
and DISCONNECTED/TEST.
All of the protective devices, metering devices, secondary
control, and control fuses are located in the front area of the
circuit breaker compartment or they are located on the front
compartment door.
The compartment includes guide rails, stationary primary
contacts, automatic shutters, interlocks, MOC and TOC switches
and necessary control and indicating devices.
Window-type current transformers for protection and metering
circuits are mounted on the insulated bushings containing the
fixed primary contacts.
Closed-door Drawout
Closed-door drawout is a standard construction feature on
all circuit breaker compartments (Figure 3-2). The circuit
breaker compartment doors remain closed and latched while
the circuit breaker is racked to or from the CONNECTED and
DISCONNECTED/TEST positions.
3. SecoGear Construction
This section describes GE SecoGear Medium Voltage
Switchgear, along with the functions of the electrical and
mechanical systems. Figure 3-1 contains a typical side view of
dual feeder section, showing the major isolated compartments
as well as circuit breakers, CTs, and optional Surge Arrestors.
The switchgear consists of modules containing circuit breakers
and auxiliary equipment, which are stacked two high to form
vertical sections. Sections are arranged side by side and
connected mechanically and electrically to form complete
switchgear assemblies.
Figure 3-1: Section Contents
A = Main Busbar Compartment
B = Circuit Breaker Compartment
C = Cable Compartment
A
B
B
C
C
Optional Surge Arresters

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 17 of 56
Figure 3-2: Circuit Breaker Manual Rack in/out
Figure 3-3: Circuit Breaker Automatic Rack in/out
Note: Figure 3-4 above is shown without the automatic shutters in their normal
DISCONNECT/TEST position to clearly view the Primary/Secondary Disconnects.
Figure 3-4: SecoGear Primary/Secondary Disconnects
Figure 3-5: Circuit Breaker Primary/Secondary Cluster
Tubular fixed primary disconnect contacts are recessed inside
the insulated primary bushings (spouts), which are mounted on
the back plane of the circuit breaker compartment (Figure 3-4).
The circuit breaker should always be OPEN when it is moved into
or out of the CONNECTED position.
The primary finger clusters on the circuit breaker will
engage these contacts when the circuit breaker is racked into
the CONNECTED position.
Fixed Primary Disconnect Contacts
There are two tools available to rack-in and rack-out the
circuit breakers.
The standard is the manual racking device (Figure 3-2) which
allows the operator to manually engage the circuit breaker
mechanism to change it’s position.
The optional remote racking device (Figure 3-3) allows the
operator to engage the circuit breaker mechanism to change
it's position while remaining outside the arc-flash boundary.
Although the circuit breaker compartment door may
be opened in any position, it is recommended that the
door be opened only when the circuit breaker is in the
DISCONNECTED/TEST position.
CAUTION

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 18 of 56
Standard automatic shutters (Figure 3-6) are constructed from
glass-reinforced polyester and help provide protection against
contact with the energized stationary primary disconnects
when the circuit breaker is removed from its compartment.
The shutters can be manually operated for maintenance and
padlocked in the closed position for safety.
The circuit breaker compartment is equipped with the following
IEEE C37.20.2 required interlocks to block incorrect operations
that could put the operator at risk and compromise the
efficiency and reliability of equipment:
Automatic Shutters
Interlocks
• Interlocks to prevent closing the primary contacts while the
circuit breaker is being racked to or from the CONNECTED
position, by blocking the operating mechanism mechanically
and electrically
• Mechanical Interlocks preventing racking of a closed
circuit breaker
• Mechanical Interlock to discharge mechanism spring
energy prior to withdrawal of the circuit breaker from
the compartment
• Rejection interlocks to prevent insertion of improperly
rated circuit breaker
• The secondary disconnect plug (Figure 3-7) must be
connected prior to racking the circuit breaker to the
CONNECTED position and cannot be removed while the
circuit breaker remains in the CONNECTED position.
• The Open - Close- Open automatically opens the circuit
breaker when leaving or entering the compartment, and that
springs are discharged, Figure 3-8.
Other safety interlocking features include compartment door
and racking screw access padlocking (Figure 3-9). For more
information, see SECTION 9: Maintenance, “SecoGear Padlocks
and Keylocks.”
Figure 3-6: Automatic Shutters
Interlock Lever
Interlock Roller
Figure 3-7: Interlock for Secondary Disconnect Plug Removal
Hazard of electric shock or burn. Turn off power
to this equipment before working inside.
DANGER
!
The shutters are closed when the circuit breaker is in the
DISCONNECTED/TEST position. As the circuit breaker is racked
from the DISCONNECTED/TEST position to the CONNECTED
position, the shutters open allowing the circuit breaker to
connect to the primary disconnects.

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 19 of 56
Figure 3-9: Padlock for Door and Breaker Rack in/out
Figure 3-8: Open-Close-Open Safety Interlock Plungers
Window-type current transformers are mounted over the primary
bushings in the rear of the circuit breaker compartment and
are isolated from the circuit breaker by the shutters. They are
front-accessible by removing the personnel barrier and manually
opening the shutters.
Current Transformers
Figure 3-10: Current Transformers
Hazard of electric shock or burn. Turn off power
to this equipment before working inside.
DANGER
!
Racking Port
Padlock
Door Padlock
Open – Close – Open Plungers
MOC Switch Plunger

SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 20 of 56
In addition, a grounding device is provided, which contacts the
fuses after they are disconnected, effectively removing any static
charge from the fuses, reference IS Field Engineer’s Manual
EM9370, appendix section 25 & 26 for proper discharge of static
charges prior to removal. Once properly discharged, the fuses
may be safely removed and replaced. The disconnecting devices
are capable of interrupting transformer magnetizing current, but
should not be used to interrupt load current.
Mechanical or key interlocks are applied to prevent operating
the disconnect device and withdrawing the tray while the load is
connected. This is generally accomplished by interlocking so that
the transformer secondary circuit breaker must be locked in the
open position before the disconnecting device can be connected
or disconnected. Current-limiting fuse and control power
transformer rollouts are located in auxiliary compartments.
Figure 3-12: Fuses-only Tray
Figure 3-13: CPT with Fuses Tray
Voltage Transformers
Voltage transformers are located in an auxiliary compartment.
Up to three transformers can be mounted on a movable tray
equipped with primary and secondary disconnecting devices.
When the voltage transformers are disconnected, they are at a
safe strike distance from all live parts of the switchgear.
In addition, a grounding device is provided, which contacts
the fuses when the voltage transformers are disconnected,
effectively discharging the transformers, reference IS Field
Engineer’s Manual EM9370, appendix section 25 & 26 for
proper discharge of static charges prior to removal. Once
properly discharged, the transformer fuses may be safely
removed and replaced. An auxiliary compartment shutter
will isolate the primary disconnect when the rollout is fully
withdrawn from the cell. An insulated barrier mounted at the
rear of the carriage moves with the carriage to a position in
front of the stationary part of the primary disconnect device,
providing a safe striking distance from all live parts.
Auxiliary Compartments
Figure 3-11: Voltage Transformers
Control Power Transformers and Fuse Trays
Current-limiting fuses with high interrupting ratings are
sometimes used in metal-clad switchgear to protect small
transformers or circuits where circuit breakers cannot be
economically or functionally justified. The fuses are mounted
in a movable tray equipped with primary and secondary
disconnecting devices.
Single phase control power transformers up to 15 kVA and their
secondary circuit breaker are mounted on the tray with the
primary fuses (Figure 3-13). Larger control power transformers,
up to 75 kVA (single phase) or 45 kVA (three phase), are located
in the cable compartment behind their associated fuse tray, and
their secondary circuit breaker is located behind a cover on the
upper cable compartment. When the fuses are disconnected,
they are at a safe strike distance from all live parts of the
switchgear. The fuse only tray is shown in Figure 3-12.