Selecting the correct Line Switch 1

[iTmErO]

Hello


I am new here in this forum and in my work. Could you please help me. I was asked to replace an ageing line switch and here is my preliminary specifications:
115kV
550 kV BIL minimum
1200A continuous
3/4" ice breaking capability

What other switch specifications should I add besides the mounting dimensions? I was reading the old threads and somebody talked about line charging. Would this dictate if I need a vac-rupter or just an arcing-horn on my switch? Thanks and hoping somebody could help me

 

[HornTootinEE]

A few things may be good:

-Specify it must handle line charging current. Including voltage, line length, and wire size/type as they may ask. Same idea if you have a transformer disconnect switch.
-Specify configuration: horizontal vertical break, horizontal side break, horizontal v-break, phase-over-phase, etc.
-Specify worm gear or torsion handle, whichever you prefer. Worm gear is usually a cranking handle, torsion is usually a handle you push to one side to open. There may be others I'm not familiar with as well.
-Specify "Gang operated" as you likely want all three phases to be operated together.
-Include mounting dimensions, and it wouldn't hurt to have a drawing of your mounting structure for them to determine pipe length needs.
-Do you want a motor operator? Do you want that motor operator to have communications to operate via SCADA control?

Most manufacturers of line switches (Turner, S&C, Pascor, SEECO, Alstom, Southern States, etc.) will have a pretty standard switch for whatever voltage and configuration you need, so unless you are very picky about little design details, you won't need to get too much more in-depth than the basics.

I'd recommend going out to a couple of the manufacturer's websites and learning a little about what each offers, configurations, options, etc. That will help you alot to start with.

I have expierience with Turner, S&C, SEECO, and Southern States. SEECO and S&C were my favorite, S&C is usually pretty pricey comparitevly. Others may have differing opinions. Your company may have history with some or all of those manufacturers, which may also help guide you. Construction Supervisors or seasoned lineman who have built and operated many, many switches are great resources. They will tell you their ideas, who's switch worked the best, etc. Talking with them may require research as many will say "Yeah, I really liked such and such over on line XYZ from Town A to B-that was a damn good switch" you may have to take it from there. And remember, the switch will never ever work as well as it does the day you adjust it and put it in service, so adjust is as good as possible on that day.