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Help with medium voltage "earth switch"source
2

Help with medium voltage "earth switch"source

Help with medium voltage "earth switch"source

(OP)
We manufacture Metal Enclosed MV (5 and 15kV class) motor control gear to ANSI specs for the N. American market, but we have recently been getting a lot of interest from worldwide customers. In the specifications and one-line diagrams we receive, they call for "earth switches" that appear to be on the load side of the controller. It looks as if this switch grounds all 3 conductors when (hopefully) the unit is not in use or being serviced(?). Since this is not a requirement in ANSI specs we have no information on what these are and where to find them. I have Googled the terminology and found numerous references to switchgear manufacturers having them as a standard feature of their design, but I am looking for the component itself so that we can integrate it into ours. Failing that, I would at least like to find a stand-alone device that I can recommend for them to add in the field. Any suggestions?

"Venditori de oleum-vipera non vigere excordis populi"

RE: Help with medium voltage "earth switch"source

GET IN TOUCH WITH KONNEKT IN MEXICO,konnekt@prodigy.net.mx, THEY CAN DESIGN EARTH ( GRUOND ) SWITCHES FOR YOU , AS WELL DISCONECT SWITCHES .  
ATIZAPAN

RE: Help with medium voltage "earth switch"source

jraef,

Normally these devices are integrated into switchgear by the manufacturer because they have mechanical interlocks to prevent the switch closing onto a live bar. These switches typically have no switching capability at all, being solely intended for off-circuit operation. I would think any of the European manufacturers would source a switch for you. Try VA-Tech or maybe Whipp & Bourne as a couple of starting points. I'll have a dig through my files today for a couple more possibilities.

If you manage to get hold of one of these things and add it as a retrofit in the field, please consider adding a Castell or Kirk key interlock from the source breaker to prevent someone killing themselves by closing the earth onto a live bar.

----------------------------------

If we learn from our mistakes,
I'm getting a great education!

RE: Help with medium voltage "earth switch"source

(OP)
Thanks ScottyUK, that is exactly what I was looking for.

"Venditori de oleum-vipera non vigere excordis populi"

RE: Help with medium voltage "earth switch"source

Hi jraef

Good advice from Scotty, I used to work for Whipp & Bourne and they do have earth switches but I don't think they sell
them as a seperate unit. Also must switchgear earth switches that I have had an input to in terms of design usually have a 3 or 1 second short circuit current rating and a making capacity in case someone closes an earth switch onto a fault ie:- if the earth swicth is located on an incomer unit.
You could also try ABB Calor Emag which are based in Germany.

Regards

desertfox

RE: Help with medium voltage "earth switch"source

It is kind of common feature in British designed switchgear.  Suggest that you can get hold of the IEC62271-102 (or IEC60129)which I guess it may be what your customers based their requirements on.  

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