38kv Metal Enclosed vs Padmount Switch

[rockman7892]

Looking for opinions and pros/cons for using metal enclosed (air insulated) vs a padmount (gas insulated) 34.5kv switch. Application in outdoor feeding the primary of a 34.5kv transformer (breaker located upstream).

Furthermore looking to use a switch in a manual transfer function to feed transformer primary from 2 different sources. Looking for any ideas on best switch type for this application. Initial thought is a metal enclosed duplex type switch.

 

[davidbeach]

Squirrels and snakes. And other nesting rodents. They blow up air insulated gear.

I’ll see your silver lining and raise you two black clouds. - Protection Operations

 

[cranky108]

Cars run over both. Be aware of where you put expensive stuff.

 

[thermionic1]

Consider current and future regulations by the state the gear will be installed.

SF6 Regs by State-EPA

 

[wroggent]

Not aware of any with a visible break, but solid dielectric gear is available for 34.5

 

[rockman7892]

Thanks for the responses above.

For the particular application I'm looking at it will require overhead conduit out of the switch. Based on my experience the Air Insulation switch will provide more flexibility for overhead routing since pad mounted is typically designed for bottom entry only?