Powell PowlVac 15GT36ASADE-23 User manual

IB-50022A
PowlVac®Ground & Test Device 15kV
15GT36ASDE-23 Electrically Operated Ground & Test Device
per Con Edison Specification EI-4102
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PowlVac®Ground & Test Device 15kV (ConEd EI-4102)
IB-50022A
Contact Information
Powell Electrical Systems, Inc.
www.powellind.com
[e-mail]
Service Division
PO Box 12818
Houston, Texas 77217-2818
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

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IB-50022A
Signal Words
As stated in ANSI Z535.4-2002, § 4.13-4.13.3 the
signal word is a word that calls attention to the
safety sign and designates a degree or level of
hazard seriousness. The signal words for product
safety signs are “Danger”, “Warning”, and
“Caution”. These words are defined as:
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
DANGERDANGER
!
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
WARNINGWARNING
!
CAUTIONCAUTION
!
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
Not stated in ANSI Z535.4-2002, § 4.13-4.13.3
as a signal word but used in this manual is
“IMPORTANT”. This is defined as:
IMPORTANT indicates a section of the manual
covering a non hazardous situation, but
one where Powell feels proper attention is
warranted.
IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
!
Qualified Person
For the purposes of this manual, a qualified person,
as stated in NFPA 70®, is one familiar with the
construction and operation of the equipment and
the hazards involved.
In addition to the above qualifications, one must
also be:
1. trained and authorized to energize,
deenergize, clear, ground, and tag circuits
and equipment in accordance with
established safety practices.
2. trained in the proper care and use of
personal protective equipment (PPE)
such as rubber gloves, hard hat, safety
glasses or face shields, flash clothing, etc.,
in accordance with established safety
practices.
3. trained in rendering first aid if necessary.

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PowlVac®Ground & Test Device 15kV (ConEd EI-4102)
IB-50022A
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IB-50022A
Contents
Ch 1 General Information ................................................................................................1
A. SCOPE ...............................................................................................................................................................2
B. PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................................2
C. INSTRUCTION BULLETINS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY ....................................................................................................2
Ch 2 Safety .......................................................................................................................3
A. SAFE WORK CONDITION .........................................................................................................................................3
B. SAFETY GUIDELINES ...............................................................................................................................................3
C. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................4
D. SPECIFIC .............................................................................................................................................................4
E. X-RAYS .............................................................................................................................................................5
F. SAFETY LABELS ....................................................................................................................................................5
Ch 3 Equipment Description ............................................................................................6
A. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................6
B. KEY LOCKS .........................................................................................................................................................6
1) Key Lock “A” ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2) Key Lock “B” ...............................................................................................................................................................................6
Ch 4 Installation .............................................................................................................10
A. RECEIVING ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
B. HANDLING ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
C. STORAGE ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
D. PREPARING THE ELECTRICALLY OPERATED GROUND AND TEST DEVICE FOR USE ................................................................ 11
1) High Voltage Insulation Integrity ......................................................................................................................................11
2) Vacuum Integrity ...................................................................................................................................................................12
3) Control Voltage Insulation Integrity .................................................................................................................................12
E. POWER GROUNDING SWITCH OPERATION ................................................................................................................ 12
1) Closing .....................................................................................................................................................................................12
2) Opening ...................................................................................................................................................................................13
3) Electrical Operation Check ..................................................................................................................................................13
F. INSERTING THE ELECTRICAL GROUND AND TEST DEVICE INTO THE METAL-CLAD SWITCHGEAR ............................................... 13
1) Electrical Ground and Test Device Inspection ................................................................................................................14
Ch 5 Operation ...............................................................................................................15
A. GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................................... 15
B. OPERATION OF THE GROUND AND TEST DEVICE ........................................................................................................ 15
1) Procedures for Applying Ground Con Edison Feeder ....................................................................................................15
2) Procedure for Testing Feeder ...............................................................................................................................................18
3) Removing the Test Probes ...................................................................................................................................................18
4) Procedure for Removing Grounds .....................................................................................................................................19

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ii
PowlVac®Ground & Test Device 15kV (ConEd EI-4102)
IB-50022A
Contents
Figures
Ch 6 Maintenance ..........................................................................................................20
A. GENERAL ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
B. INSPECTION AND CLEANING .................................................................................................................................. 20
C. LUBRICATION .................................................................................................................................................... 20
Ch 7 Recommended Renewal Parts and Replacement Procedures ..............................21
A. ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 21
B. RECOMMENDED RENEWAL PARTS .......................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 1 Ground & Test Device Front View ...................................................................7
Figure 2 Ground & Test Device Rear View.....................................................................8
Figure 3 Ground & Test Device Control Scheme ...........................................................9
Figure 4 Lifting Ground and Test Device using a Crane.............................................10
Figure 5 Racking Access Handle .................................................................................16
Figure 7 Rotate Key in Lock “A”...................................................................................16
Figure 6 Insert the Racking Handle ............................................................................16
Figure 8 Transfer Key from Lock “A” to Lock “B” ........................................................16
Figure 9 Sliding Safety Shutter to the Left..................................................................17
Figure 10 Inserting Test Probes ....................................................................................17
Figure 11 Test Probes ....................................................................................................17

Ch 1 General Information
Powell reserves the right to discontinue and to change specifications at any time without incurring
any obligation to incorporate new features in products previously sold.
IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
!
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General Information
IB-50022A
WARNINGWARNING
!
The equipment described in this document may contain high voltages and currents which can
cause serious injury or death.
The equipment is designed for use, installation, and maintenance by knowledgeable users of such
equipment having experience and training in the field of high voltage electricity. This document
and all other documentation shall be fully read, understood, and all warnings and cautions
shall be abided by. If there are any discrepancies or questions, the user shall contact Powell
immediately at 1.800.480.7273.
WARNINGWARNING
!
Before any adjustment, servicing, part replacement, or any other act is performed requiring
physical contact with the electrical working components or wiring of this equipment, the power
supply must be disconnected. Failure to follow this warning may result in injury or death.
IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
!
The information in this instruction bulletin is not intended to explain all details or variations of the
Powell equipment, nor to provide for every possible contingency or hazard to be met in connection
with installation, testing, operation, and maintenance of the equipment. For additional
information and instructions for particular problems, which are not presented sufficiently for the
user’s purposes, contact Powell at 1.800.480.7273.

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2General Information
PowlVac®Ground & Test Device 15kV (ConEd EI-4102)
IB-50022A
A. SCOPE
The information in this instruction bulletin
describes the following 15kV PowlVac®
Electrically Operated Ground and Test Device:
• 15GT36ASADE-23 (Con Edison & Customer
Interlocked versions)
B. PURPOSE
The information in this instruction bulletin is
intended to provide information required to
properly operate and maintain the
PowlVac Ground & Test Device described in
Ch 1 General Information, A. SCOPE.
This instruction bulletin provides:
1. Safety guidelines
2. General descriptions of the operation and
maintenance of the ground & test device
3. Instructions for installation and placing the
ground & test device into service
4. Instructions for part replacement
5. Information for ordering renewal parts
6. Illustrations, photographs, and description
of the circuit breaker
The illustrations contained in this document
may not represent the exact construction
details of each particular type of ground and
test device. The illustrations in this document
are provided as general information to aid in
showing component locations only.
All illustrations are shown using deenergized
equipment.
Be sure to follow the appropriate safety
precaution while handling any of the
equipment. Failure to do so may result in
serious injury or death.
WARNINGWARNING
!
To the extent required, the products described
herein meet the applicable ANSI, IEEE, and
NEMA Standards; however, no such assurance
is given with respect to local codes and
ordinances which may vary greatly.
C. INSTRUCTION BULLETINS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY
For more information visit www.powellind.
com. To contact the Powell Service Division call
1.800.480.7273 or 713.944.6900, or email
[e-mail].

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Safety
IB-50022A
Ch 2 Safety
A. SAFE WORK CONDITION
The information in Section A is quoted from
NFPA 70E 2004 - Article 120, 120.1 Establishing an
Electrically Safe Work Condition.
120.1 Process of Achieving an Electrically Safe
Work Condition
1. Determine all possible sources of electrical
supply to the specific equipment. Check
applicable up-to-date drawings, diagrams,
and identification tags.
2. After properly interrupting the load current,
OPEN the disconnecting device(s) for each
source.
3. Wherever possible, visually verify that all
blades of the disconnecting devices are
fully OPEN or that drawout type circuit
breakers are withdrawn to the fully
disconnected position.
4. Apply lockout/tagout devices in accordance
with a documented and established policy.
5. Use an adequately rated voltage detector
to test each phase conductor or circuit part
to verify they are deenergized. Test each
phase conductor or circuit part both
phase-to-phase, and phase-to-ground.
Before and after each test, determine
that the voltage detector is operating
satisfactorily.
6. Where the possibility of induced voltages
or stored electrical energy exists, ground
the phase conductors or circuit parts
before touching them. Where it could be
reasonably anticipated that the conductors
or circuit parts being deenergized
could contact other exposed energized
conductors or circuit parts, apply ground
connecting devices rated for the available
fault duty.
B. SAFETY GUIDELINES
Study this instruction bulletin and all other
associated documentation before uncrating
the circuit breakers.
Each user has the responsibility to instruct
and supervise all personnel associated with
usage, installation, operation, and maintenance
of this equipment on all safety procedures.
Furthermore, each user has the responsibility of
establishing a safety program for each type of
equipment encountered.
The ground and test devices described in this
instruction bulletin are operated by a
high-energy, high-speed mechanism that
is interlocked to provide specific operating
sequences. It is mandatory that the following
rules be observed to ensure the safety of
personnel associated with usage, installation,
operation, and maintenance of these ground
and test devices.
The safety rules in this instruction bulletin are
not intended to be a complete safety program.
The rules are intended to cover only some of the
important aspects of personnel safety related to
PowlVac® Electrically Operated Ground and Test
Device.

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4Safety
PowlVac®Ground & Test Device 15kV (ConEd EI-4102)
IB-50022A
C. GENERAL
1. Only supervised and qualified personnel
trained in the usage, installation, operation,
and maintenance of the 15GT36ASADE-23
ground and test device shall be allowed to
work on this equipment. It is mandatory
that this instruction bulletin, any
supplements, and service advisories be
studied, understood, and followed.
2. Maintenance programs must be consistent
with both customer experience and
manufacturer’s recommendations,
including service advisories and instruction
bulletin(s). A well planned and executed
routine maintenance program is essential
for ground and test devices’reliability and
safety.
3. Service conditions and circuit breaker
applications shall also be considered in the
development of safety programs. Variables
include ambient temperature; humidity;
actual continuous current; thermal cycling;
number of operations; interrupting duty;
and any adverse local conditions including
excessive dust, ash, corrosive atmosphere,
vermin and insect infestations.
D. SPECIFIC
When operating the ground and test device
safety precaution must be observed. Improper
use can result in death, serious personal
injury, or damage to the equipment. It is
important for the user to develop specific and
safe operating procedures to be observed
when using the ground and test device.
The following specific safety precautions must
be observed:
1. Do not close the grounding switch on
an energized circuit. The circuit to be
grounded should always be treated as
energized until proven otherwise.
2. Use great care when opening the test
port shutters to gain access to the test
receptacles. The test receptacles should
always be treated as energized circuits until
proven otherwise.
3. Any test device plugged into the test
receptacles must be properly rated for
the circuit voltage being tested and all
connections must be properly insulated.
4. Use only the test probes furnished with
the device to plug anything into the test
ports. Use of other plugs may damage the
test port or may result in a poor connection
which could be dangerous to the operator
and/or damaging to the equipment.
5. Even though insulated, the test probes
must not be inserted or extracted from
energized test ports. The test probe
insulation is only one part of a complete
line-to-ground insulation system and the
surface of the test probe may be energized
at a voltage above ground potential when
connection to an energized test port.
6. Do not attempt to force or bypass any
interlocks. The interlocks are furnished
for the safety of the operator and the
protection of the equipment being tested
and the test device. Forcing or bypassing
the interlocks can result in a condition
dangerous to the operator and/or
damaging to the equipment.
7. Do not attempt to service the device while
it is installed in a switchgear compartment
or on a lift truck. For service, the device
must be located either on the floor or on a
sturdy, level work bench, and blocked from
rolling.

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Safety
IB-50022A
8. For service, the device must be in the OPEN
position and all operating springs must
be discharged. These conditions should
be verified before removing any covers or
attempting any service.
9. Store the electrically operated ground and
test device in a clean, dry area free from
dust, dirt, moisture, caustic atmosphere,
and vermin.
10. Keep all insulating surfaces, which include
primary support insulation and insulation
barriers, clean and dry.
11. Check all primary circuit connections to
make certain that they are clean and tight.
12. Take extreme care while using this device to
avoid contacting “live” or “hot” (energized)
terminals.
13. Check for dielectric integrity at 27kVAC
across the terminals to ground with the
grounding switch OPEN.
E. X-RAYS
When high voltage is applied across the
contacts of a vacuum interrupter, there is the
possibility of generation of X-rays. The intensity
of the X-radiation is dependent on the peak
voltage and the contact gap. At the normal
operating voltage for this type of equipment,
the radiation levels are negligible. At the
voltages specified for testing, test personnel
shall be in front of the ground and test device
such that the two layers of steel used in
the frame and front cover construction are
between the test personnel and the vacuum
interrupters, and that the test personnel be no
closer than one meter (3’) from the front of the
circuit breaker. THE ELECTRICAL GROUND
AND TEST DEVICE SHALL BE EITHER FULLY
OPEN, OR FULLY CLOSED WHEN MAKING
HIGH POTENTIAL TESTS. DO NOT TEST
WITH CONTACTS PARTIALLY OPEN.
F. SAFETY LABELS
The equipment described in this document
has DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and
instruction labels attached to various locations.
All equipment DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION,
and instruction labels shall be observed when
the circuit breaker is handled, operated, or
maintained.
Warning and Caution labels are located in
various places in and on the switchgear and
on the circuit breaker removable element.
Always observe these warnings and caution
labels. Do NOT remove or deface any of these
warning/caution labels.
IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
!

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6Equipment Description
PowlVac®Ground & Test Device 15kV (ConEd EI-4102)
IB-50022A
Ch 3 Equipment Description
A. GENERAL
The PowlVac® 15GT36ASADE-23 Electrically
Operated Ground & Test Device is a drawout
element that can be inserted into the circuit
breaker compartment in the same manner as a
PowlVac circuit breaker.
The PowlVac 15GT36ASADE-23 Electrically
Operated Ground & Test Device provides a
means for obtaining access to the primary
disconnect devices of the switchgear
compartment for purposes of grounding the
primary circuits or conducting certain high
voltage test procedures such as conducting
high voltage withstand (hipot) tests.
The grounding switch is operated by a stored
energy mechanism. It is capable of applying
the ground against a live circuit if operational
errors have not cleared the circuit. However, in
such a case, the relaying at the source of power
is expected to cause the source interrupter to
clear the circuit.
Note: Fore safety reasons, the switch is
prevented from opening electrically
within a minimum of 20 seconds after
closing.
B. KEY LOCKS
1) Key Lock “A”
Key lock “A” interlock is a single-cylinder
lock used to electrically enable or disable
the G&T device (Figure 1, s).
Key lock “A” interlock is a single-cylinder
lock equipped with an electrical switch
element. The switch is CLOSED when the
key is retained. When the switch is OPEN,
the ground and test device is electrically
disabled and the key is removable.
2) Key Lock “B”
Key lock “B” interlock is a single-cylinder
lock (Figure 1, a). The key lock “B” interlock
is used to open and lock the test port
shutters (Figure 1, g).
The key, which normally resides in the key
lock “A” interlock, is available only when the
ground and test device is in the CLOSED
and locked position.
The key is then inserted into key lock “B”.
With the locking bolt retracted and the test
port shutters unlocked, the key is retained.
The key is removable only when the locking
bolt is extended in either of two positions.
One position is with the test port shutters
closed, and the other position is with the
test probes installed in the test ports and
the shutter moved to the test probe locking
position.

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Equipment Description
IB-50022A
Figure 1 Ground & Test Device Front View
cb
f
g
h
i
n
p
s
t
a
d
j
k
l
m
o
q
r
u
v
e
g
g
i
i
g
w
x
y
z
a. Lock “B”
b. Secondary Disconnect
c. Pin Guide
d. Wiring Bundle
e. Test Port Shutter Operator
f. Fastener
g. Test Ports
h. Test Port Cover (clear)
i. Equipment Housing
j. Instruction Plate
k. Front Handle
l. Racking Arm (position)
m. Racking Access Handle
n. Spark Gap
o. Manual Trip Operator
p. Manual Charging Crank
q. OPEN/CLOSE Indicator
r. Front Cover
s. Lock “A”
t. Key “1”
u. Manual Close Operator
v. Operations Counter
w. Nameplate
x. Spring Charge Indicator
y. Anti-Rollout Latch
z. Wheel (position)
aa. Transparent Guard
aa

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8Equipment Description
PowlVac®Ground & Test Device 15kV (ConEd EI-4102)
IB-50022A
Figure 2 Ground & Test Device Rear View
b
d
a
c
e
f
g
a. Secondary Disconnect Receptacle
b. Test Port Shutter Operators
c. Vacuum Interrupter
d. Glastic Barrier
e. Hex-Head Cap Screws
f. Ground Connection

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Equipment Description
IB-50022A
Figure 3 Ground & Test Device Control
Scheme
LS = SPRING CHARGE LIMIT SWITCH (SHOWN W/SPRING DISCHARGED)
LCS = LATCH CHECK SWITCH (SHOWN W/SPRING DISCHARGED)
DEVICE IDs
Y = ANTI-PUMP RELAY
TC = BREAKER TRIP COIL
CC = BREAKER CLOSE COIL
M = CHARGING MOTOR
52/a = BREAKER AUXILIARY CONTACT (NORMALLY OPEN)
52/b = BREAKER AUXILIARY CONTACT (NORMALLY CLOSED)
SD = BREAKER SECONDARY DISCONNECT ( )
TB = TERMINAL BLOCK
24 23 22 14151718 16
(FRONT VIEW-FACING PINS)
21 20 19 13
11 10
12 2
3456
SD
978 1
DEVICE CROSS-REFERENCE TABLES
101F
101E
111F114F 115F 104D109F112F 110F 115A 105F
115C101F 104C 105F105F104B 101F 101F 105E
104D115D
101E105E
a
10
9
57
b
17
15
57
b
4
3
57
1215 1 3
16 42
5
a
14
13
57
6
b
12
11
57
7
8
PIN NOT USED
8 6
4
2
7
5
3
1
16 15
19
20
21
22
23
24
X2
X1
CTA
X2
X1
CTB
X2
X1
CTC
TO FEEDER CABLE
POTHEADS
LOWER STABS
3000:5A
C400
3000:5A
C400
3000:5A
C400
AØ BØ CØ
15KV 36KA
GROUND & TEST
DEVICE
AØ DIFFERENTIAL
CURRENT OUTPUT
BØ DIFFERENTIAL
CURRENT OUTPUT
CØ DIFFERENTIAL
CURRENT OUTPUT
24
23
21
22
19
20
LS
LCS
57
103F
103F
15 17
13 14
103F
103E
11 12
9 10
CP
103E
CP
109D 111D
114C
7 83 4
1 2 5 6
16 18
108B
9 M1
12 K
E F
CP
CP
11 J
108C
CP NO C NC
5 3 7
105C105B
CP
MR
6 4 8
9 11 8
106D
TD
3 1 4
CP
KI
5 61 2CP
7 8
105D
3 4
105C
CP
125VDC/120VAC
2
M
1
2
TC
125VDC
1
125VDC
2
1
CC
J
11
LS
7
5MR
3
NC
NO LCS
C
a
2
1
57
a
6
5
57
b
8
7
57
9 11 13
10 14
17
18
1
TB3
2
TB3
1
TB1
2
TB1
1
TB2
2
TB2
TO RATED
CONTROL POWER
TO RATED
CONTROL POWER
TRIP
CLOSE
MR
125VDC
2
1
8
6MR
4
4
3TD
1
10
110VDC/120VAC
2
TD
7
5
TD
CC1
9
M1 LS
CC2
10
TDDO
INITIATE
SET @20S
14 TC T
18
4
3
KI
8
7
KI
K4
1
TB4
2
TB4
11
3
TB4
4
TB4
13K8

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10 Installation
PowlVac®Ground & Test Device 15kV (ConEd EI-4102)
IB-50022A
Ch 4 Installation
A. RECEIVING
When the ground and test device is received,
check for signs of damage. If damage is found
or suspected, file claims as soon as possible
with the transportation company and notify
the nearest Powell representative.
The estimated size and weight of the electrical
ground and test device, when it is crated and
placed on a pallet is:
Size: 42” wide x 42” deep x 47” high
Weight: 650 lbs.
The ground and test device is shipped
enclosed in a carton and strapped to a shipping
pallet. The carton, which contains the ground
and test device is attached to the pallet by two
metal bands. Remove the metal bands and lift
the carton to remove it from the ground and
test device. With the carton removed, there are
two more metal bands that attach the ground
and test device to the pallet. Remove the two
remaining bands and lift the ground and test
device off the pallet.
B. HANDLING
To avoid personal injury while handling the
ground and test device, personnel should not
stand under the raised ground and test device
nor place hands or feet under the ground and
test device frame as it is being lowered.
After the ground and test device has been
removed from its shipping pallet, the preferred
method for moving and handling a ground and
test device is to roll it on its own wheels on a
lever surface. When rolling the device, it should
be pushed and steered by the device frame or
by the handle on the front cover.
Do NOT handle or move the ground and test
device by the primary disconnecting devices,
as damage to the device may occur.
CAUTIONCAUTION
!
An overhead crane (Figure 4) can be used to
move the ground and test device. When using
an overhead crane to move the device use
a double hook crane and two lifting devices
(Figure 4, a & b). Place the crane hooks into the
hook hole ends. Then place the support end
of the lifting devices on to the ground and test
device (Figure 4, b). Ensure the crane hooks
and lifting devices are secure before lifting the
device.
Figure 4 Lifting Ground and Test Device using
a Crane
a
b
c
a. Double Hook Crane
b. Lifting Device Hook Hole
c. Lifting Support Pin

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Installation
IB-50022A
C. STORAGE
Since the ground and test device is an
accessory device not normally in continuous
service, it is very important that it be stored
carefully so that it will be available when
needed. The following precautions must be
taken to ensure proper storage of the ground
and test device:
1. The ground and test device must not be
stored in a circuit breaker compartment.
It can only be stored in a storage
compartment.
2. The ground and test device should be
carefully protected against condensation,
preferably by storing it in a warm, dry room
of moderate temperature, such as
40° - 100°F since dampness has an adverse
affect on the insulating parts.
3. The ground and test device should be
stored in a clean location , free from
corrosive gasses or fumes. Particular care
should be taken to protect the device
from moisture and cement dust, as this
combination has a very corrosive affect on
many parts.
4. If the ground and test device is stored for
any length of time, it should be inspected
periodically for rust and to ensure it is
in good mechanical condition. Should
the ground and test device be stored
under adverse conditions, it should be
cleaned and dried before performing the
commissioning tests and before placing the
ground and test device into an energized
circuit breaker compartment.
D. PREPARING THE ELECTRICALLY OPERATED GROUND AND
TEST DEVICE FOR USE
Before shipment from the factory, all functions
of the ground and test device are thoroughly
checked. Powell recommends that prior to
each use the ground and test device should be
thoroughly checked and the following tests be
performed in the sequence listed below:
1. High Voltage Insulation Integrity
2. Vacuum Integrity
3. Control Voltage Insulation Integrity
4. Electrical Operation Check
1) High Voltage Insulation Integrity
The primary circuit insulation on the
ground and test device may be checked
phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground
using a 2500V insulation resistance tester.
Since definite limits cannot be given for
satisfactory insulation values when testing
with an insulation resistance tester, a record
should be kept of the insulation resistance
tester readings, as well as the temperature
and humidity readings. The records should
be used to detect any weakening of the
insulation system from one check period to
the next.
To check insulation integrity, the AC high
potential test described below is strongly
recommended.
The ground and test device insulation
should be tested with the ground and test
device vacuum interrupter contacts in
the open position. Test each pole of the
ground and test device separately with the
other two poles and the frame grounded.
Perform the field dielectric test described in
ANSI Standard C37.20.2 at the voltage level
appropriate for the equipment. This test
should check all primary phase-to-ground
and phase-to-phase insulation.

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12 Installation
PowlVac®Ground & Test Device 15kV (ConEd EI-4102)
IB-50022A
The tests described in this section are
the only tests required to determine the
insulation integrity. Because of the design
of the PowlVac® insulation system, no valid
data can be obtained using other types of
high voltage insulation tests.
2) Vacuum Integrity
Powell recommends AC testing for reliable
verification of vacuum integrity. PowlVac
15kV ground and test devices shall be
tested with a minimum of 25kVAC applied
across fully open contact for 10 seconds.
No dielectric breakdown during the test
period constitutes a successful test.
Note: This test does not replace the AC high
potential testing (HIPOT) used to
determine “High Voltage Insulation
Integrity”.
Powell offers a compact and lightweight
PowlVac Vacuum Integrity Tester designed
specifically for PowlVac circuit breakers.
If the test device is used, refer to the
instruction bulletin provided with the
vacuum integrity tester.
Powell recognizes the widespread use of
DC highpot equipment to verify vacuum
integrity. However, the capacitive
component of the vacuum interrupter
during DC testing may yield false negative
test results, which are often misinterpreted
as vacuum interrupter failure. When DC
testing is performed, a test set providing
a full wave rectified 50kVDC hipot voltage
can be applied for 5 seconds as a“go-no go”
test.
It is not necessary to record the leakage
readings because a dielectric breakdown
will trip all portable DC hipot test sets.
If a DC test breakdown occurs, the test
must be repeated after reversing the
DC high voltage test supply connection
across the vacuum interrupter. Only when
the vacuum interrupter has failed both
tests should the operation condition be
questioned.
No attempt should be made to try to
compare the condition of one vacuum
interrupter with another nor to correlate
the condition of any vacuum interrupter
with low values to DC leakage current.
There is no significant correlation.
3) Control Voltage Insulation Integrity
If the user wants to check the insulation
integrity of the control circuit, it may be
done with a 500V or 1000V insulation
resistance tester or with an AC high
potential tester. The AC high potential test
should be made at 1125V, 50 to 60Hz for
one minute. The charging motor must be
disconnected prior to testing the control
circuit. The charging motor itself may be
similarly tested at a voltage not to exceed
675V, 50 to 60Hz. Be sure to remove any
test jumpers and reconnect the charging
motor when the tests are complete.
E. POWER GROUNDING SWITCH OPERATION
1) Closing
With the standard electrical control scheme,
the closing spring is not charged until a
closing operation is called for by an external
signal. When a closing signal is received,
the main closing spring immediately starts
to charge. As soon as the spring is fully
charged the grounding switch is closed.
The main closing spring remains uncharged
after a closing operation. The spring
CHARGED/DISCHARGED indicator
(Figure 1, x) on the front cover shows the

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Installation
IB-50022A
main closing spring condition. The
OPEN/CLOSED indicator (Figure 1, q) shows
the position of the grounding switch.
2) Opening
The grounding switch may be OPENED
electrically or manually.
Note: A manual TRIP button is located on
the front cover of the G&T device, but
should be used only in emergency or
during G&T device maintenance.
3) Electrical Operation Check
To check the basic electrical operation
of the G&T, a circuit breaker test cabinet
should be used. Connect the secondary
disconnect from the test cabinet to the
G&T to be tested. The test cabinet provides
control voltage via a secondary disconnect
plug to the G&T and the appropriate
control switches to verify the CLOSE and
OPEN functions of the ground and test
device. With the secondary disconnect
plug installed in the G&T under test,
operate the power switch on the test
cabinet. Operation of the control switch
on the front door of the test cabinet to the
close position will cause the ground and
test device to CLOSE. Operating the control
switch on the front door of the test cabinet
to the OPEN position will cause the circuit
breaker to OPEN.
Alternatively, a test jumper cable may be
used to electrically operate the ground
and test device using the control circuitry
of the circuit breaker compartment.
Caution must be exercised if this option
is chosen to ensure that operation of
the control circuitry of the compartment
used for test does not cause undesirable
effects or unintended operation of other
interconnected equipment such as
supervisory control, SCADA, or automatic
transfer schemes.
First remove the control fuses in the
compartment. Connect the jumper cable
to the secondary disconnect plug in the
compartment and to the G&T. Insert the
fuses. Operation of the G&T control switch
on the front door of the compartment will
cause the G&T to close. Operating the
circuit breaker control switch on the front
door will cause the ground and test device
to OPEN.
Note: For safety reasons, the switch is
prevented from opening electrically
within a minimum of 20 seconds after
closing.
When the electrical check is completed,
disconnect the secondary disconnect of the
test cabinet or the test jumper cable from the
ground and test device.
F. INSERTING THE ELECTRICAL GROUND AND TEST DEVICE
INTO THE METAL-CLAD SWITCHGEAR
Inserting the ground and test device into the
metal-clad switchgear is similar to inserting
a circuit breaker into the switchgear. Refer to
instruction bulletin IB-60030 63kA Automatic
Secondary Disconnect (ASD) Circuit Breaker
for general information about inserting circuit
breakers into metal-clad switchgear. Study
instructions and cautions before attempting
to insert a ground and test device into the
switchgear equipment.
For normal insertion of the ground and test
device into the switchgear, the maximum
force required on the levering-in crank should
not exceed 35 foot-pounds. Excessive force
may damage the device or the switchgear
equipment.

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14 Installation
PowlVac®Ground & Test Device 15kV (ConEd EI-4102)
IB-50022A
1) Electrical Ground and Test Device Inspection
a. Inspect the primary disconnecting
devices for proper lubrication,
damage, debris, and dirt. Ensure that
disconnecting devices are in alignment
and are not bent. If damage or dirt is
present see Ch 6 Maintenance,
A. INSPECTION AND CLEANING.
If the primary disconnecting devices are
damaged, make no attempt to repair them.
Contact Powell immediately for further
directions.
IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
!
b. Inspect the switchgear compartment to
ensure that it is clean and clear of debris
that might interfere with ground and
test device travel.