Southern States RDA Service manual

Type RDA – RDA-1
Aluminum Double End
Break Disconnect
Switch
Volt: 345kV
Amp: All
INSTRUCTION
INSTALLATION
&
MANUAL

Page I

Page II
Safety Information
IMPROPER HANDLING, INSTALLATION, OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THIS
EQUIPMENT MAY CAUSE IMMEDIATE HAZARDS WHICH WILL LIKELY RESULT IN SERIOUS
PERSONNEL INJURY OR DEATH.
The equipment covered by this publication must be handled, installed, operated and maintained
by qualified persons who understand any hazards involved and are thoroughly trained in the
handling, installation, operation and maintenance of high voltage transmission and distribution
equipment. These instructions are meant for only such Qualified Persons. They are not intended
to be a substitute for adequate training and experience in safety procedures for this type of
equipment.
A Qualified Person is one who is trained in and has skills necessary:
•to read and comprehend this instruction book – understanding that these instructions are
general in nature
•to accept personal responsibility to prepare and maintain an intrinsically safe work
environment and maintain control of the work site to safeguard all persons present
•to develop and implement a proper rigging, lifting, and installation plan along with all safety
precautions required to insure safe and proper lifting and installation of the equipment.
•to distinguish between energized and non energized parts
•to determine proper approach distances to energized parts
•to properly work with and around energized or de-energized equipment that may be
pressurized with gas
•for proper use of personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials,
insulated tools for working near energized and /or pressurized electrical equipment
•to recognize and take necessary precautions for the unique and dynamic conditions of site
and specialized equipment to maintain a safe
work environment during handling,
installation, operation, and maintenance of high voltage switching equipment
The instructions in this manual are general guidelines for this type of equipment and not specific
to the equipment supplied. Portions of it may not be applicable or may not have complete
instructions for your specific equipment.
If you do not understand any part of these instructions or need assistance, contact Southern States
Service Division at 770-946-4562 during normal business hours (8:00am – 4:30pm EST, M-F) or
770-946-4565 after normal business hours.

Page III
LIMITED WARRANTY
Southern States, LLC (“SSLLC”) warrants only to the Warranty Holder (hereinafter defined as the “End User”
or the “Immediate Purchaser”, as applicable, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Limited Warranty as
set forth below), that the Product identified below will, upon shipment, be free of defects in workmanship and
material for the applicable Warranty Period. The “Warranty Period” is that period of time during which this
Limited Warranty is effective, and such period begins on the invoice date issued by SSLLC for the Product,
and continues until the earlier to occur of (1) the expiration of the Warranty Duration period, or (2) the Number
of Operations, both as specified in the table below. If the Product is both purchased and installed within the
United States or Canada, this Limited Warranty is granted to each end user of the Product who acquired the
Product for its own use during the Warranty Period (“End User”). In all other situations, this Limited Warranty is
granted only to the first purchaser of the Product (“Immediate Purchaser”) from SSLLC. No primary or remote
purchaser or owner of the Product who is not a Warranty Holder may claim any benefit under this Limited
Warranty, or any remedial promise included in this Limited Warranty. SSLLC shall, upon prompt written notice
from the Warranty Holder, correct a nonconforming Product by repair or replacement at the sole discretion of
SSLLC of the nonconforming Product or any part or component of a nonconforming Product necessary in
SSLLC’s discretion to make such Product conforming. Any transportation charges, labor for removing,
reinstalling the Product or part, and/or costs related to providing access to the Product shall be the
responsibility of the Warranty Holder. Correction in this manner will constitute the Warranty Holder’s exclusive
remedy and fulfillment of all SSLLC’s liabilities and responsibilities hereunder. SSLLC’s duty to perform under
this limited warranty may be delayed, at SSLLC’s sole option, until SSLLC has been paid in full for all products
purchased by the Warranty Holder. No such delay will extend the Warranty Period. If SSLLC does not make
such repair or replacement, SSLLC’s liability for damages on account of any claimed nonconformity will in no
event exceed the purchase price of the Product in question. This Limited Warranty does not apply to any
Product that has been disassembled, repaired, or altered by anyone other than SSLLC. This Limited Warranty
will not apply to any Product that has been subjected to improper or abnormal use of the Product. SSLLC has
no responsibility to repair or replace any Product or component thereof manufactured by another party, but
SSLLC will assign, to the extent assignable, to the Warranty Holder any manufacturers’ warranty that applies
to products and components not manufactured by SSLLC.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES. THERE ARE NO
OTHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY WARRANTIES. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES WHICH MAY
ARISE BY IMPLICATION OF LAW, OR APPLICATION OF COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NONINFRINGEMENT OR OTHERWISE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
SSLLC SHALL NOT BE LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL,
INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, EVEN IF SSLLC HAS BEEN ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SAME. THE WARRANTY HOLDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
SUITABILITY OF THE PRODUCT FOR ANY PARTICULAR APPLICATION.
Product Purchased
Region Product Installed Region Warranty Holder Warranty Duration
U.S and Canada
U.S and Canada
End User
5 Years
All Other Conditions Immediate
Purchaser
Earlier of 1 year from
installation or 18 months
from shipment
Revised 7/14/15

Page IV

Page V
Southern States, LLC
Equipment Receipt, Installation, Use, Operation and Maintenance Terms
(“Terms of Use”)
The purchaser (“Purchaser”) of certain Equipment (the “Equipment”) identified in the Instruction
Manual accompanying these Terms of Use sold by Southern States, LLC (“Southern States”), by
Purchaser’s acceptance or Use of Equipment in any way, agrees to the Terms of Use set forth below
(the word “Use” herein means receipt, testing, inspection, installation, operation, maintenance and
otherwise handling the Equipment):
•Purchaser represents and warrants that it is fully qualified to Use the Equipment, and that it is
a sophisticated user of the Equipment with a high level of expertise in the Use of the Equipment
and Purchaser knows that Southern State is relying on Purchaser’s sophistication and expertise
with respect to the Equipment.
•The Purchaser will, within seven (7) days after receipt of the Equipment, inspect the Equipment
and identify and notify Southern States in writing of any missing parts, damage or defects
observed in the Equipment.
•The Purchaser will Use the Equipment, only in conformity with all manuals, data sheets and
instructions provided by Southern States, and in keeping with sound engineering, utility and
safety practice. Purchaser will at its own expense, provide all necessary labor, supplies, and
facilities required to Use the Equipment.
oThe Purchaser may use its own personnel or engage a third party to Use the Equipment.
The Purchaser shall insure that it only utulizes personnel who are fully qualified or
certified by a reputable certification agency to Use the Equipment. In the event that
Purchaser cannot find such qualified personnel, the Purchaser will notify Southern
States and seek its advice to determine a mutually agreeable solution.
oBy separate agreement, Southern States may provide such services and the personnel
to conduct such services in connection with the installation of the Equipment. In the
event Southern States agrees to provide personnel to install, maintain, and operate the
Equipment, such personnel will function only in an advisory capacity and shall have no
responsibility for the supervision, or the quality or workmanship of such installation,
maintenance, or operate of the Equipment.
•The Purchaser shall not install and operate the Equipment in a way such that a single point of
Equipment failure leads to a cascading event or consequential damage to any person or
property. Purchaser shall ensure redundancy in its system at all times. Purchaser acknowledges
and agrees that electric service is by nature subject to interruptions due to Equipment failures
and shall not agree to provide service free from the effects of Equipment failures
•The Equipment will be maintained and inspected as provided by this instruction manual and in
compliance with best industry practices, but in no event will the Equipment be inspected and
tested less frequently than once in every 6 months.
WCSR 40690314v3

Page VI
•The Purchaser shall not repair, dismantle, or alter any of the Equipment without Southern
States’ written consent.
•Any failure of Equipment either in service, testing or inspection will be promptly reported in
writing to Southern States within 24 hours of the failure so that adequate evidence can be
collected, appropriate diagnostic tests can be conducted, and analysis of the failure can be
determined.
•Southern States will have no liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or remote damage
or injury, whether or not foreseen or foreseeable, to the Purchaser or any third party or person
for any damages or injury to person or property caused by Purchaser’s or any third party’s
actions, whether or not negligent, in the Use of the Equipment. Purchaser shall indemnify and
hold Southern States and its employees, officers and directors against any damage or injury
caused in whole or part by Purchaser’s or any third party’s action whether or not negligent,
resulting from the Use of the Equipment. Southern States expressly rejects any liability to third
parties. The Purchaser expressly waives any claim against Southern States, its employees,
officers, directors and affiliates, for injury or damage to person or property resulting from Use
of the Equipment not directly and solely caused by Southern States’ negligence. For the
purposes of clarity, Southern States shall not be liable, and be fully indemnified by the
Purchaser, for the following related to the Equipment: normal wear and tear, excessive use and
loading, improper interference or maintenance on the part of the Purchaser or third parties,
incomplete or false information given by the Purchaser, inappropriate or improper Use, faulty
operation, installation or start-up, faulty or careless handling, improper maintenance, use of
unsuitable operating materials/substitute materials, defective construction work, hazardous
ambient conditions unknown to the Purchaser, chemical, electro-chemical or electrical
influences, changes to the subject of delivery made without Southern States consent.
•In the event that Southern States is found by a court of competent jurisdiction or a properly
empaneled arbitral body to be liable to the Purchaser for any reason, Southern States shall be
entitled to a reduction in the liability by taking into account the exceptions provided by statute,
law, and any counterclaims Southern States may have against Purchaser.
•The failure of Purchaser to comply with these Terms of Use herein shall void any and all
warranties related to the Equipment. These Terms of Use shall be deemed to be part of the
binding contractual agreements between Purchaser and Southern States related to the
Equipment and shall govern over any inconsistent term or provision in such other contractual
agreements.
WCSR 40690314v3

Page VII
Type RDA & RDA-1
Aluminum Double End Break
3-Phase, Group Operated
Disconnect Switch
Volt: 345kV
Amp: All

Page VIII
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................................. VIII
List of Tables and Figures................................................................................................................................... IX
Summary & Introduction .......................................................................................................................................1
Summary...........................................................................................................................................................1
Important ...........................................................................................................................................................1
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................2
Recommended Tools & Values.........................................................................................................................3
Product Description...............................................................................................................................................4
Typical Disconnect Switch.................................................................................................................................4
Installation & Adjustment Procedures...................................................................................................................5
Assembly...........................................................................................................................................................5
Proper Contact Engagement...........................................................................................................................10
Contact Misalignments and Corrective Procedures........................................................................................12
Mounting and Final Adjustment.......................................................................................................................15
Operating Mechanism .....................................................................................................................................17
Recommended Inspection Maintenance.............................................................................................................20
General Instructions for Threaded Clevises .......................................................................................................21

Page IX
List of Tables and Figures
Tables Page
Table 1: Recommended Tools and Torque Values.............................................................................................3
Figures Page
Figure 1: Identification of parts (no scale) RDA 345kV, 2,000 amp shown.........................................................4
Figure 2: Match mark locations............................................................................................................................5
Figure 3: Spacers (“A”) are mounted above the corona shields (“B”) to maintain equal height of live parts
when live part accessories are used. Otherwise, no spacers are supplied..................................................6
Figure 4: Jack Screw Adjustment ........................................................................................................................7
Figure 5: Find and mark exact center of rotating insulator. .................................................................................7
Figure 6: Adjusting the rotating insulator for concentric rotation .........................................................................8
Figure 7: Timesaving Tip .....................................................................................................................................9
Figure 8: Mounting Switch .................................................................................................................................10
Figure 9: The switch blade should hit both stops “A” and “B” simultaneously...................................................10
Figure 10: The blade tips must be centered in the contact fingers....................................................................11
Figure 11: Blade rotation....................................................................................................................................11
Figure 12: Blade tip attempts to move up or down during final blade rotation. Recheck rotating insulator
adjustments..................................................................................................................................................12
Figure 13: Blade misalignment requiring bearing adjustment. ..........................................................................12
Figure 14: Blade striking one jaw ahead of the other. .......................................................................................12
Figure 15: Tap the lower bearing housing in the same direction the insulator is leaning. For example, in
Figure 13 in which the stack is leaning toward the left side of the picture, tap the housing in that direction
to tilt the stack back to perpendicular, which is to the right of its present centerline...................................13
Figure 16: Adjust jaw up or down so that leading edge of blade tip touches the contact fingers first...............14
Figure 17: Sling attachment...............................................................................................................................15
Figure 18: Arcing horn attachment. Blade arcing horn (arrow) goes under jaw horn.......................................16
Figure 19: Correct arcing horn adjustment has horn parallel to movement of the blade tip, allowing light
contact through full length of engagement. .................................................................................................16
Figure 20: Improper adjustment allows arcing horn to droop into blade path. Could cause switch malfunction.
.....................................................................................................................................................................16
Figure 21: Schematic drawing of a typical interphase pipe arrangement with the auxiliary switch arm at “A”..17
Figure 22: Adjustable arm assembly..................................................................................................................18
Figure 23: Adjustable arm..................................................................................................................................18

Page 1
Summary & Introduction
Summary & Introduction
Summary
These instructions do not intend to cover all details or variations in equipment, or provide for every possible
contingency to be met in connection with installation, operation or maintenance. Should information be
desired or should particular problems arise which are not covered sufficiently for the purchaser’s purposes,
the matter should be referred to the local Southern States Representative.
The contents of this instruction manual should not become part of or modify any prior or existing agreement,
commitment or relationship. The sales contract contains the entire obligations of Southern States. The
Warranty contained in the contract between the parties is the sole warranty of Southern States. Any
statements contained herein do not create new warranties or modify the existing warranty.
Important
The information contained herein is general in nature and not intended for specific application purposes. It
does not relieve the user of responsibility to use sound practices in application, installation, operation, and
maintenance of the equipment purchased. Southern States reserves the right to make changes in the
specifications shown herein or to make improvements at any time without notice or obligations. Should a
conflict arise between the general information contained in this publication and the contents of drawings or
supplementary material, or both, the latter shall take precedence.

Page 2
Summary & Introduction
Summary & Introduction
Introduction
Southern States switches designated RDA and RDA-1 that are rated 345kV come in current
ratings of 1600, 2000, and 3000 continuous amperes. The illustration below shows the basic
design configuration of these switch lines; however, individual differences may exist between
models due to different mounting schemes, insulator types and sizes, and customer
requirements. But regardless of their appearance, all RDA and RDA-1 switches share basic
mechanical details, and the installation procedure is the same for all.
Since these switches are normally shipped without insulators, installation consists of removing
the live parts from the base, mounting the base on the structure, mounting the insulators to the
base, and mounting the live parts to the insulator.
These switches may be assembled on the structure, or assembled on the ground and hoisted to
structure according to preference. When assembling switches on the ground, be sure the base
rests on a firm, level surface. Metal sawhorses, or their equivalent, may have to be constructed
for this purpose.
When hoisting switches, LIFT BY THE SWITCH BASE ONLY.
Before mounting the switches on the structure, refer to the Operating Mechanism drawing
because there may be differences in the switch poles that require that they be mounted in
specific locations.
Do not change any factory setting on the switch unless directed to in this manual.
All photographs and sketches in this manual are for illustration purposes only and may not be to
scale. Refer to the Unit Assembly drawing or the Operating Mechanism drawing provided with
each disconnect switch for specific details. During installation, it may be necessary to make
adjustments other than those described in this manual. Contact your local representative or the
factory if questions should arise.
Southern States After Sales and Service Department is available for field installation assistance
along with providing parts support for all Southern States products.
Contact After Sales and Service at 770-946-4562.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in death
or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

Page 3
Summary & Introduction
Recommended Tools & Values
Table 1: Recommended Tools and Torque Values
Recommended Tools Recommended Torque Values
Type Sizes Bolt/Nut size Torque (Ft-lb)
Hand Wrenches
and/or Sockets 15/16”, 3/4", 5/8”, 9/16” 1/2” 40
Drill Bit 1/4” 5/8” 92
3/4" 127
1” 286

Page 4
Product Description
Product Description
Typical Disconnect Switch
Figure 1: Identification of parts (no scale) RDA 345kV, 2,000 amp shown

Page 5
Installation & Adjustment Procedures
Installation & Adjustment Procedures
Assembly
The general procedure for installing these switches is as follows:
1. Uncrate the switches, remove the shipping ties, and check for damage in transit. If any
damage is found, immediately file a claim with the carrier and notify the factory.
2. Using any convenient means, match mark the lower parts of the hinge assembly with the
switch arm and the rotating hub to ensure correct re-assembly as shown in Figure 2. Also
match mark one blade tip with its jaw.
Figure 2: Match mark locations
3. Rotate the switch arm to relieve the contact pressure on the switch blade. Remove the
live parts form the adaptors and save the bolts for re-use (IF they are of a type specified
on the Unit Assembly Drawing for insulator mounting – galvanized, stainless steel, or
bronze).
NOTE: Some poles may have an auxiliary switch arm. Check the Op. Mech. Drawing for
proper adjustment of this arm.
4. Mount the insulators as indicated in Figure 3, using the bolts specified in the field
assembly bolt list (SF Drawing). Be sure that the match marks made earlier line up.
Place the corona shields as indicated in Figure 3. If the switch is equipped with a
grounding switch jaw or outriggers, spacers will have to be used to maintain equal height
of live parts. Refer to the Operating Mechanism Drawing.

Page 6
Installation & Adjustment Procedures
Figure 3: Spacers (“A”) are mounted above the corona shields (“B”) to maintain equal
height of live parts when live part accessories are used. Otherwise, no spacers are
supplied.
5. Use a plumb bob or level and true up the end insulators. It is important that they be
perpendicular to the base in both planes. Use the jack screws to level these stacks.
(Due to the overhang of the insulator skirts, it will be necessary to use a piece of scrap
metal or wood to extend the plumb bob string beyond the skirts). See Figure 4 for jack
screw adjustments procedure.
Adjustment to these switches mainly concern getting the insulator stacks properly
aligned. This is done with the jack screws that support the adaptors to which the
insulators are bolted. The best procedure to do this is described below.

Page 7
Installation & Adjustment Procedures
Figure 4: Jack Screw Adjustment
•To adjust the insulator stack, first loosen all four nuts (A). Tilt the insulator to the
required position by screwing up or down on nuts (B). Re-tighten nuts (A).
6. The rotating insulator requires special attention to ensure good switch operation. It is
necessary that this stack rotate about its axis uniformly; that is, it must not “wobble” as it
rotates. However, due to irregularities in the mounting faces of individual insulator units,
it is not unusual for an insulator stack to be out of alignment six inches or more. And
while this switch is designed to tolerate a certain amount of misalignment, the rotating
insulator should be adjusted so that evident “wobble is ¼ inch or less. The best
procedure to achieve this is described on the following page.
Figure 5: Find and mark exact center of rotating insulator.

Page 8
Installation & Adjustment Procedures
Figure 6: Adjusting the rotating insulator for concentric rotation
Preparation
A. Place a mark on the exact center of the rotating insulator
B. Make a marker of any convenient material such as metal angle or lumber.
C. Make a sharp pointer and attach it to the center of the marker. Place the marker over the center of the rotating insulator in
such a manner that it can be used as a reference point but does not drag on the insulator top during rotation. Blocks of wood,
etc., can be used on the ends to compensate for sag. The marker should be free to be repositioned, as described below.
Step One – Rotate the insulator up against a bearing stop and position the reference point over the center of the insulator top.
Step Two – Rotate the insulator to the opposite bearing stop. Observe for eccentric rotation (“wobble”).
Step Three – If during rotation the insulator has wobbled. Leave it against the bearing stop in step two. Use the jack screws
that mount the rotating insulator to the bearing to tilt it back one-half the distance to the reference point on the marker.
Step Four – Rotate the insulator back to the beginning position (Step One). Reposition the reference point over the center of
the insulator. Repeat the last three steps until the insulator rotates true.
This method woks whether the rotating insulator is out of adjustment axially, laterally, or any combination in between.
Once the center insulator rotates true, do not disturb the settings of its jack screws. Any
further adjustments will be made with the jaw insulator jack screws.

Page 9
Installation & Adjustment Procedures
TIMESAVING TIP for mounting live parts when hardware must be placed between the insulator and the
live parts: Use two studs of sufficient length to allow later removal (easily made by cutting the heads off
two bolts) to align the parts. Bolt the live parts down with mounting bolts, using the two free holes; then
remove the studs and screw in the other two bolts.
This procedure can cut a significant amount of time from installation, and will work in all cases except on
the center insulator of the double-side-break RDA, RDA-1, and RDC switches.
Where alignment difficulties are encountered with the center stack on double side break switches, match
mark and remove the top insulator unit (after adjustment for concentric rotation) and bolt the parts
together on the ground, where alignment will be easier. The hoist the blade mechanism assembly and
top insulator section into position as an assembled unit and reattach the insulator sections. This will
eliminate having to align three non-captive parts in the air. However, if this procedure is used, be sure to
match mark the top insulator unit with the next lower unit before removal in order to preserve the
concentric rotation adjustments previously made and properly orient the live parts.
Figure 7: Timesaving Tip

Page 10
Installation & Adjustment Procedures
6. Mount the hinge and blade assembly as shown in Figure 8. Be sure that the match
marks made earlier are aligned. The jaws also may be mounted at this time.
Note: If applicable, at this time also mount accessories such as: grounding switch jaw,
quick break devise, outriggers, etc., as shown on the Op. Mech. Drawing. Use the
spacers supplied to maintain equal height of the live parts on the rotating and stationary
insulators.
Figure 8: Mounting Switch
FIRST make sure the match
marks made earlier are aligned.
Then mount the blade assembly.
Again, make sure the match
marks made earlier are aligned.
Proper Contact Engagement
Carefully close the switch, checking for proper contact engagement described below.
NOTE: Final adjustment usually cannot be made to these switches until the conductors are
attached. Therefore, the conductors should be bolted on before proceeding further. If this is
not possible, be sure to recheck the contact engagements described in A through D below
after the conductors are ties on and before energizing the switch.
Figure 9: The switch blade should hit
both stops “A” and “B” simultaneously.