S&C Alduti-Rupter Operation and maintenance manual

S&C Alduti-Rupter ® Switches
Three-Pole
Indoor Distribution (4.8 kv through 34.5 kv)
S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY
•
Chicago
S&C ELECTRIC CANADA LTD.
•
Toronto
Supersedes Instruction Sheet 783-501 dated 2-16-81
c
1983
s
INSTRUCTION SHEET
783-501
Page 1 of 4
August 29, 1983
INSTRUCTIONS
For Operation
INTRODUCTION
General
These instructions are for operation of S&C Alduti-Rupter
Switches—Indoor Distribution and S&C Alduti-Rupter
®
Switches with Power Fuses—Indoor Distribution. (For re-
fusing instructions, refer to the applicable instruction
sheet for the fuse type being used.) Alduti-Rupter
Switches are equipped for manual operation by means of
a chain-coupled handle, a direct-coupled handle, or a
pipe-coupled handle.
For instructions on operation of Alduti-Rupter
Switches power operated by means of an S&C Switch
Operator—Type AS-30, refer to S&C Instruction Sheet
854-501.
Security Provisions
Alduti-Rupter Switches are designed for installation in
metal-enclosed switchgear (or in vaults) with provision
for external operation. Since these enclosures are often in
areas accessible to the general public as well as autho-
rized but unqualified persons, care must be taken to alert
such persons to the presence of high voltage within the
enclosure by providing suitable signs, e.g., “Cau-
tion—High Voltage—Keep Out” and “Do not enter or oper-
ate this high-voltage equipment unless you are qualified.”
It is the responsibility of the purchaser, the installer, and
the ultimate user to ensure that such signs are attached
and are not removed. Make sure that all access doors and
all switch operating handles are securely locked when the
gear is left unattended by qualified persons—even
momentarily.
Ç
CAUTION
The equipment covered by this publication must be
selected for a specific application and it must be
installed, operated, and maintained by qualified
persons who are thoroughly trained and who under-
stand any hazards that may be involved. This publi-
cation is written only for such qualified persons and
is not intended to be a substitute for adequate train-
ing and experience in safety procedures for this
type of equipment.
Qualified Persons
Although only qualified persons may operate, inspect, or
maintain power switchgear, this should pose no problem
to users of S&C Alduti-Rupter Switches—the equipment
rarely needs attention and mechanical maintenance is
generally not required. The only “maintenance” recom-
mended is periodic cleaning and inspection—of insulators
in particular, plus occasional exercising. (It is not unusual
for “regular” operations of interrupter switches to take
place as infrequently as once every five years.) Fuse
replacement is very infrequent, since fuse operations
(blowings) occur on an average of once in 20 years.
In addition, qualified persons are available promptly
from an electrical contractor experienced in high voltage,
or (upon prior agreement) from the serving utility.
Construction and Performance
The S&C Alduti-Rupter Switch—Indoor Distribution is a
three-pole, group-operated interrupter switch; factory-
assembled on a rugged base of welded construction.
Included is an integral quick-make, quick-break mecha-
nism for swift, positive opening and closing, independent
of the speed of handle operation—thereby contributing to
Alduti-Rupter’s ability to achieve fast circuit interruption
and two-time duty-cycle fault-closing ratings.
d This abil-
ity permits quick restoration of service following a
fault—without the need for an extended outage for
replacement of switch parts, or for temporary restoration
of service through an alternate switch until replacement
parts can be obtained. It also permits use of Alduti-Rupter
in fault sectionalizing (lockout) schemes where switches
are closed and then opened sequentially until the fault is
isolated. The ability to open following a fault-closing oper-
ation is of especial importance where remote or auto-
matic control is utilized.
In marked contrast to Alduti-Rupters, with their duty-
cycle fault-closing ratings, are switches with simple “fault-
closing” or “make-and-latch” ratings which, following an
d Two-time duty-cycle fault-closing rating defines the ability to close the
switch twice against a three-phase fault with asymmetrical current in at
least one phase equal to the rated value, with the switch remaining opera-
ble and able to carry
and interrupt rated current.

S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY
•
Chicago
S&C ELECTRIC CANADA LTD.
•
Toronto
s
783-501
INSTRUCTION SHEET
Page 2 of 4
August 29, 1983
S&C Alduti-Rupter ® Switches
Three-Pole
Indoor Transmission (4.8 kv through 34.5 kv)
INTRODUCTION — Continued
initial fault-closing operation, offer no assurance of an
ability to subsequently carry or interrupt rated cur-
rent—much less any expectation of tolerating a second
fault closing.
The Alduti-Rupter Switch interrupts the circuit
without
external arc or flame.
No oil or vacuum is used. The arc is
entirely contained and extinguished within the air-filled
interrupter.
When the arc is established both the trailer and liner of
the interrupter yield deionizing gases which quickly
quench the arc. The small radial clearance between the
liner and trailer ensures efficient deionizing action even
when interrupting low currents.
For any given position of the blade there is a predeter-
mined position of the interrupter contacts. Special care
has been given to coordination of the blade and interrupter
contacts to prevent flashover during opening operations.
The external gap between the line side and load side of the
switch always exceeds the gap
within the interrupter at
the time of circuit interruption.
The interrupter is powered directly by the opening or
closing movement of the blade. Springs are not relied on
for contact separation, but are used solely as positive
open-closed detention devices. High-speed travel is pro-
vided, instead, by a speed-multiplying straight-line linkage.
Operating Mechanisms
Three-pole Alduti-Rupter Switches—Indoor Distribution
are furnished with operating mechanisms for manual oper-
ation by means of chain-coupled, direct-coupled, or pipe-
coupled handles.
Chain-Coupled Handles are used for the majority of
applications, typically with single- and multi-bay metal-
enclosed switchgear installations, and permit switch oper-
ation from the front.
Direct-Coupled Handles are used for single-bay metal-
enclosed switchgear or vault applications where side oper-
ation is desired.
Pipe-Coupled Handles are used only for application
(generally in vaults) where the positioning of the handle,
relative to the switch, does not permit linear coupling, i.e.,
where bellcranks must be used.

S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY
•
Chicago
S&C ELECTRIC CANADA LTD.
•
Toronto
s
INSTRUCTION SHEET
783-501
Page 3 of 4
August 29, 1983
INTERRUPTER-SWITCH OPERATION
Be sure that all doors and switch-operating handles are
fully locked before leaving the installation site, even
momentarily. Observe this procedure even in those cases
where the gear is accessible only to qualified persons. In
addition, do not remove any of the precautionary signs
affixed to the gear, e.g., “Caution—High Voltage—Keep
Out” or “Do not enter or operate this high-voltage equip-
ment unless you are qualified.” The responsibility for the
presence of these or equivalent signs must be assumed by
the purchaser, the installer, and the ultimate user.
CAUTION
Precautions
High-voltage switchgear should be operated only by quali-
fied persons, observing the following precautions. Note
that Alduti-Rupter Switches are capable of live-switching
duties in accordance with their ratings.
•
Make certain that each switchgear (or vault) door per-
mitting access to high voltage is closed and latched
before energizing the circuit or operating any switching
device.
•
Make sure that any grounding switch is opened, or
other grounding means removed, before closing the
associated interrupter switch(es).
•
Be sure to pull the operating-handle latch-release knob
before moving the handle, and avoid the use of undue
force in attempting to operate a switch. The operating
mechanism is designed properly for the switch, and any
undue force applied, such as by use of an extension of
the operating handle, may cause severe damage to the
switch or mechanism. For example, an interlock mech-
anism can be jammed by an attempt to operate an asso-
ciated switch while the switchgear door is unlatched.
Verify that the switching operation is in the sequence
dictated by the key- or mechanical-interlock scheme
provided.
•
Lock interrupter switches in the open or closed position
as dictated by circumstances.
• Open and close manually operated interrupter switches
with a continuous, unhesitating movement of the oper-
ating handle until a complete, latched condition of the
handle is achieved.
To Open or Close the Switch
With Chain-Coupled or Direct-Coupled Manual-Operat-
ing Handle:
Unlock the handle (key interlock or padlock), pull the
latch-release knob, and move the handle away from its
latched position. Then, swing the handle without hesita-
tion through its full travel to open or close the switch.
Lock the handle.
With Pipe-Coupled Manual-Operating Handle:
Unlock the handle by removing the padlock and locking
bar (or by means of the key interlock if applicable). Swing
the handle without hesitation through its full travel to open
or close the switch. Replace the locking bar and lock the
handle (with key interlock or padlock).

S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY
•
Chicago
S&C ELECTRIC CANADA LTD.
•
Toronto
s
783-501
INSTRUCTION SHEET
Page 4 of 4
August 29, 1983
S&C Alduti-Rupter ® Switches
Three-Pole
Indoor Transmission (4.8 kv through 34.5 kv)
MAINTENANCE a
Printed in U.S.A.
So that the Alduti-Rupter Switch is ready for normal opera-
tion, be sure that the following conditions exist:
•
Voltage transformers are reconnected and their fuses
are in place.
• Temporary grounds are removed.
•
High-voltage fuses (SM-4Z, SM-5S, or SM-5SS), if appli-
cable, are closed and latched (disconnect style) or
secured in their clips (non-disconnect style).
•
Screen doors, if furnished, are closed and bolted.
•
Switchgear bay (or vault) access door is closed and
padlocked (or interlocked).
•
The Alduti-Rupter Switch is in the correct position—
open or closed—as required by the system operating
arrangement.
•
The Alduti-Rupter Switch operating handle is pad-
locked.
TO RESTORE TO NORMAL OPERATION
No routine maintenance is required for S&C Alduti-Rupter
Switches—Indoor Distribution, or S&C Alduti-Rupter
Switches with Power Fuses—Indoor Distribution. How-
ever, cleaning and inspection of switch (and fuse) support
insulators and barriers should be performed periodically,
at intervals based on environmental conditions. Also, occa-
sional exercising of S&C Alduti-Rupter Switches is recom-
mended.
When access to high-voltage bays (or vaults) is required
for such purposes, it should be restricted to qualified per-
sons only, who should observe the following procedure:
1. At all times adhere to the prescribed safety rules which
are applicable to such devices as circuit breakers, fuses,
interrupter switches, power switching equipment, and
their mechanisms.
2. Make certain that any such device is disconnected from
all power sources and all control sources; and grounded
before being inspected, serviced, or repaired.
3. Always assume both sets of power terminals on any
device to be energized unless proved otherwise by test,
by visual evidence of open circuit conditions on both
terminal ends, or by grounding.
CAUTION: The voltage
transformers must be disconnected
when external volt-
age is used to test any secondary-side wiring and
devices, to avoid energizing the high-voltage conductors
through the voltage transformers. Draw out the voltage
transformers completely if drawout type transformers
are provided. Otherwise, remove the primary fuses of
the voltage transformers and disconnect the secondar-
ies by removing the secondary fuses or by disconnect-
ing the secondary connections to the transformers. If
secondary connections are disconnected, tape the ends
of the leads to prevent inadvertent short circuits or con-
tact with the transformer secondary terminals.
As a safety precaution it is recommended in any event
that all voltage-transformer fuses be completely removed
and kept out until just prior to final energizing of the
switchgear. With unfused transformers, remove the sec-
ondary connections (as described in the preceding para-
graph) until tests are completed.
4. Test for voltage. Qualified persons should be certain
that they have, and know how to operate, the correct
test equipment for determining the voltage on both sets
of power terminals in any circuit breaker, power fuse,
or interrupter-switch equipment.
5. After the electrical switchgear has been completely dis-
connected from all sources of power, properly connect
grounding leads to both sides of the equipment, that is,
to the source- and load-side power terminals or con-
tacts of each phase of the equipment to be maintained.
NOTE: Occasionally low-voltage components may require
maintenance. In the servicing or repair of space heaters,
voltage-transformer secondary wiring, and any other com-
ponents located in a high-voltage bay, all of the preceding
safety procedures apply. The maintenance of other low-
voltage components (control devices, meters, etc.), iso-
lated from high-voltage bays, may be performed under the
safety rules for equipment rated 600 volts or less.
a These recommendations may differ from the user’s operating and safety procedures. Where a discrepancy exists, users should follow their procedures.