Need MV Loadbreak Switch
Need MV Loadbreak Switch
(OP)
Hello all,
I have a need for a loadbreak switch, fused or non-fused, that is rated 2,000 Amps @ 2,400 Volts AC. It needs to be metal enclosed, NEMA 3R outdoor. Of course, I can use a 5kV switch but I definitely need the 2,000 Amp continuous current rating. Anyone know where I can get one because so far I'm having no luck.
Thanks,
--John
I have a need for a loadbreak switch, fused or non-fused, that is rated 2,000 Amps @ 2,400 Volts AC. It needs to be metal enclosed, NEMA 3R outdoor. Of course, I can use a 5kV switch but I definitely need the 2,000 Amp continuous current rating. Anyone know where I can get one because so far I'm having no luck.
Thanks,
--John






RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
I don't know of any manufacturer who makes an LBS over 1200A, so if ZogZog has one, you had better nab it because it must be rare enough that you will not likely find it on the shelf anywhere else. Generally when you get above 1200A people tend to go with vacuum breakers in Metal-Clad switchgear, because the fault capacity of a system that needs a 2000A MV switch is likely high enough to warrant Metal-Clad construction.
It might also be useful to post where you are because industry standards are different in different parts of the worldm, and this is a global website (although we can probably assume you are in Ohio).
"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." -- Abraham Lincoln
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RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
And I agreewith that policy but last week all I posted was our URL and the thread was deleted.
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
Scott (Zog)
www.cbsnuclear.com
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." -- Abraham Lincoln
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
Yes I am indeed in Ohio, but the actual location where the switch is needed is Kansas City.
The purpose of the switch would be to serve as a maintenance disconnect. It would be the first disconnect after the utility substation, which presently is feeding 2.4kV directly to an ancient (1940 vintage) Westinghouse ACB, which itself is being used as a motor starter for a 6,000HP synchronous motor. Every time we need to pull maintenance on the motor and drivetrain we have to rack out that ancient 2.4kV ACB, which requires a full 40-Cal moon suit.
I had considered a VCB, but we really do need something simple that non-electrical people can operate. They need to be able to see by visual observation that the power circuit is actually open, hence the loadbreak switch. I really didn't want to use a VCB because of the need to rack in/rack out each time.
Again thanks. And if anybody knows of something here in the good ol' USA please let me know.
--John
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
that was the case in the VCB, same type of request, someone looking for a specific VCB, legacy product. I posted my url and next day, whole thread gone. Maybe I missed out on something.
I am here to mostly learn, but if I can help out I would like to, I have resources no one else does.
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
Taking a step back, should non-electrical people be operating an MV switch in the first place? Most places have fairly tight rules on switching authorisations, and being 'non-electrical' would be a big obstacle to that authorisation in many of them.
If this isolation point is to allow electrical work to take place, do you already have provision for a circuit earth switch? If it's for isolation to allow mechancial work to take place then I would accept that a circuit earth is not needed.
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
A better alternative might be to jettison that ancient ACB and replace it with new modern equipment that can be operated in a safe manner by qualified personnel. Many of the major manufacturers now offer what is called "Arc Resistant" switchgear designs that provide, among other things, racking of the cell through a closed door so that the risk to personnel is minimal. That does not however mean that non-trained personnel should be doing it.
"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." -- Abraham Lincoln
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
Zogzog....
No, I really hadn't considered remote racking, mainly (erroneously maybe?) due to the cost. I'll look into it.
ScottyUK...
I know where you're coming from. I'm quite familiar with European electrical practices, having worked in the coal mining industry in Queensland, Australia for a number of years. Sometimes I think we 'Yanks' would do well to adopt a few of the European's electrical practices. (Banning aluminium from coal mines is beyond silly, though
jraef...
For a guy out on the 'left' coast you do indeed make a lot of sense
Thank you very much, gentlemen!
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
Upgrading to a modern VCB in metal clad wont change your arc flash hazard, you would need arc resistant switchgear for that, even then it should still only be operated by qualified persons.
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
I do have a GE SE100S in 5KV 2000amp , it is motor operated and I can put it in a NEMA 3R enclosure for you.
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
Just had a call from Ohio on this same switch, never have had anyone ask for this before, only a few ever made, is this the direction you wanted to go, the 5kV 200A switch.
RE: Need MV Loadbreak Switch
I think I want to leave well-enough alone regarding my existing 2.4kV, 2000A air breaker. It's working fine and I have a newly rebuilt spare breaker for it. I just don't want to be racking that thing in and out all the time.
That said, Yes, I do think I want to go with a 5kV, 2000A group-operated switch in an outdoor enclosure. It really doesn't need to be loadbreak.... I can simply lock it in the ON position since it will only be used to isolate the downstream equipment from the utility company during maintenance activities.
Thanks!