Power Systems has the only CSA approval in Canada for SF6 switching technology (US as well) using the Arc-Whipper© three position switch. This design allows for an extremely small footprint and decreases maintenance cost and decreases the need for large electrical rooms which decreases costs and increases ROI.
CSA approved and the smallest footprint switchgear you will find.
Visible break conforms to widely accepted operating safety practice, giving clear visual confirmation of contact position of ALL THREE PHASES through the viewing windows in the tank. The large open gap allows field voltage testing without cable removal.
Arc Whipper® is equipped for manual operation as standard and includes: External handles for operation by hand; quick make/break spring operators; bushing oriented line diagram; positive position indicators; padlock provisions; and operating instructions. Remote operation can also be provided by motor operators with pushbutton or SCADA control. Automatic transfer switches use fast acting motor operators with voltage/current sensing and full function control. Units are factory wired/adjusted
Construction Features
Arc Whipper® SF6 loadbreak switches are ruggedly constructed, incorporate proven design and are rated/tested in accordance with ANSI standards C37.71-1984 and C37.72-1987 for long life with minimal maintenance. Switch contacts are equipped with very high speed auxiliary arcing contacts to quickly interrupt in ¼ to ½ cycle, leaving main contact surfaces undamaged by arcing. The arcing contact allows main contacts to be designed for high continuous, fault close and momentary current performance. Switches are factory filled with non-toxic, non-flammable, high dielectric SF6 gas insulation. SF6 quality and stability are maintained by use of totally sealed tank construction, an internal purifying absorbent and the extremely fast Arc Whipper® interrupter. A color coded, field replaceable pressure gauge and self-sealing fill valve allow monitoring and addition of SF6 as necessary.
Switch tanks are ¼” thick steel with a highly corrosion/abrasion resistant 5 mil epoxy finish. External fittings and fasteners are marine grade stainless steel or bronze. For increased corrosion resistance, stainless steel tanks can be provided. Current carrying parts are high conductivity electrolytic grade copper with plating, locking fasteners, and torque wrench assembly to assure permanent low resistance connections. Moving contacts are self-aligning, self cleaning (wiping type) and designed to increase contact pressure with increasing currents. Contact assemblies are supported by high strength, molded glass polyester insulation with flex connectors at critical locations to prevent stressing and misaligning due to high current or mechanical forces.
Arc Whipper® SF6 loadbreak switches are designed, tested and rated per applicable sections of IEEE, ANSI, NEMA, CSA and other industry standards including:
ANSI C37.71-1984 Standard for Subsurface Load Interrupting Switches.
ANSI C37.72-1987 Standard for Padmounted Load Interrupting Switches.
ANSI/IEEE 386 Standard for Separable Connectors and Bushings.
IEC 265 International Standards for Load Interrupting Switches.
ASTM D-2472 Specification for Commercial Type Electrical Grade SF6.
ANSI C57.12.28 Standard for Padmount Enclosures.
Note 35 kV information available on request
Arc Whipper® SF6 loadbreak switches are completely submersible, fully deadfront, and corrosion resistant for application in the harshest conditions including areas subject to flooding, severe contamination, rodents and snakes, blowing snow/dust, sea coasts, high altitude, and even Division 2 hazardous locations. Non-toxic, non-flammable SF6 insulation permits installation indoors or outdoors in high traffic areas. Compact size and reduced weight provide solutions where overall space is important such as in high-rise buildings, front lot lines and in small vaults.
Arc Whipper® SF6 load break switches are equipped with external handles for manual operation as standard. The handle can be padlocked in all switch positions and has an anti-reversing feature for additional safety. Interlocks can be provided as may be required by local practice and for increased safety. In addition, remote/SCADA and fully automatic operators are available for increased levels of control and system automation. These motor operators attach to the switch handle and may be easily disconnected for manual operation.
The handles are removable and can be attached to the switch operating shaft through an arc of 360 degrees in 45 degree increments for maximum mechanical advantage during operation or may be removed and stored on the padlockable hanger bracket when not in use. Rotating the handle toward the desired position causes quick make/break, spring operated contact movement independent of the operating handle movement. Latches prevent contact blow off and provide positive position indication. Additional features include: padlock provisions in all positions, bushing oriented line diagram and instructions. Three position switches are equipped with anti-pass through provisions to prevent inadvertent operation to the third position.
Are available as required to prevent paralleling feeders or to limit access to energized equipment or to otherwise coordinate proper system operation. Keylocks are mounted on the specified switched ways with locking provided for the required position.
The MiniSub is ideal for maintaining power to critical loads such as hospitals, airports, shopping centers, and industrial facilities. Upon loss of preferred primary feeder voltage, the load is automatically transferred to an alternate source. Optional automatic retransfer, overcurrent detection and fault isolation provide additional system flexibility. Units include fast acting 120 VAC motor operators attached to the switch operating handles. Voltage sensing is done through a set of elbow mounted detectors and relay combination which supply data to the full function automatic control with self-contained 120 VAC/24VDC control power source. All items are factory assembled, wired, adjusted, and tested for simplified installation and operation.
Visible Break, Make and Ground
Each switched way is equipped with a viewing window for clear, visual confirmation and assurance of contact position of ALL PHASES. Conforms to local code and operation practices which require visible break and (where equipped) visible grounding during system operation, maintenance, repair, or testing.
Eliminate the possibility of interrupting currents beyond the capability of the switch by preventing immediate operation after closing on a fault. A latch on the operating handle must be reset prior to subsequent operation allowing upstream circuit protection time to clear the fault.
ANSI/IEEE standard 386 defines the specific interfaces dimensions that 200 and 600 amp, elbows, inserts and equipment bushings must conform to insure interchangeability. The 200 amp load break, and 600 amp non load break connectors provide a convenient and safe way to connect all primary cables. With the use of a Raychem PILC kit, lead cables can be connected using the same style. While the cables and terminations are barriered from access, the elbow test point offers an additional security and safety, as well as a voltage reference for automatic or SCADA type operations This termination provides a deadfront waterproof connection.
This unique connection between the SF6 switch and the transformer allows the switch(s) to be plugged in for a water tight connection. This feature allows the switch to be removed in the field for service, if required. At transformer can be replaced with this method in a few hours. This connection maintains the submersible criteria of the MiniSub unit.
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