Add a feeder on a 13.8kV switchgear
Add a feeder on a 13.8kV switchgear
(OP)
Hi
We have a 13.8 kV switchgear with a main breaker, a utility metering and the 4 feeder with a breaker each. All the network is underground.
We want to add a feeder, but we cannot just add a cell at the end of the switchgear because of space. We can only add a cells 100 ft away from the switchgear
so how can we do this. We thought to connect a teck cable just after the utility metering, and run it 100 ft away to another cells and there put a breaker. But the teck cable will only be protected by the main breaker of the switchgear, and i'm not sure we can do this, can we? we are in Canada and i didn't see anything about it.
Another option is to connect the new feeder on the load side of a breaker with another feeder already there. Maybe add a set of ct on each feeder to be able to locate a fault. But there again, maybe we will have a space problem.
Do you have any idea?
thanks
We have a 13.8 kV switchgear with a main breaker, a utility metering and the 4 feeder with a breaker each. All the network is underground.
We want to add a feeder, but we cannot just add a cell at the end of the switchgear because of space. We can only add a cells 100 ft away from the switchgear
so how can we do this. We thought to connect a teck cable just after the utility metering, and run it 100 ft away to another cells and there put a breaker. But the teck cable will only be protected by the main breaker of the switchgear, and i'm not sure we can do this, can we? we are in Canada and i didn't see anything about it.
Another option is to connect the new feeder on the load side of a breaker with another feeder already there. Maybe add a set of ct on each feeder to be able to locate a fault. But there again, maybe we will have a space problem.
Do you have any idea?
thanks






RE: Add a feeder on a 13.8kV switchgear
RE: Add a feeder on a 13.8kV switchgear
Hi Hoxton,
I'm not sure that i understand what you mean by "bus end cable box".
The last cell of the unit is already close to a wall, so we cannot add a cell at the end. Do you put the cable box on the top of the switchgear and how do you protect the cable?
Thanks
RE: Add a feeder on a 13.8kV switchgear
RE: Add a feeder on a 13.8kV switchgear
Otherwise consider tem1234's suggestion
RE: Add a feeder on a 13.8kV switchgear
I suggest you take one of the existing feeders out of the switchgear and use that position to feed a new section of switchgear with proper number of breakers to feed the new load and the dislocated existing feeder.
Or, if the existing switchgear is single high construction, it might be possible to replace in the existing space with two-high construction that has sufficient number of breakers.
None of this will be inexpensive, but 13.8kV is not to be triffled with.
RE: Add a feeder on a 13.8kV switchgear
Thank you all for your input.
The other problem is time too, the client need it pretty quickly.
We'll go to see the switchgear, we will probably try to add the new feeder with another one already there, the 2 feeders connected to the same breaker with one set of ct on each feeder to locate the fault if there is. A guy told me that it will be dificult because of space, and we will have to add another conduct, but we will see what we can do.
thanks
RE: Add a feeder on a 13.8kV switchgear
It would help to get added information, your field trip will provide you with good information. Look at any available space adjacent or within a few feet of the existing board. See if it is possible to add a section to the rear of the board. Is it both front and rear access? Can you change out the last breaker cubicle to install a two-breaker section?
Can you up-size one of the breakers and feeders and then sub-feed your new load from a breaker where the upsized feeder terminates?
A physical layout would be great. Also what kind of switchgear: draw-out, metal clad, one breaker per cubicle, manufacturer?
Good luck with your research. Keep us informed.
EEJaime