Mark V Circuit-Switcher

Overview

The S&C Mark V Circuit-Switcher is a tower-mounted, power-operated circuit-switcher that installs into existing rightaways without the need to secure a permit or buy land and can be SCADA-operated in remote locations. It uses an in-series circuit-breaking interrupter and a circuit-making and isolating disconnect and is available in three styles: Vertical-Break, Center-Break, and Integer. Continuous current ratings are 1200, 1600, and 2000 amperes; 1600 and 2000 amperes continuous are available in Three-Pole Center-Break style only. Pre-insertion inductors are offered as an option for single-bank and multiple-bank (back-to-back) capacitor switching, and the pre-insertion inductor design places the inductor in circuit for only a few cycles via an open-air arc and sliding contact before bypassing and removal. The product literature lists voltage and associated ratings for nominal kV entries including 34.5, 46, 69, 115, 138, 161, 230, and 345 with continuous, short-time, and fault-closing values shown in the ratings tables (examples include Cont. 1200 and Cont. 1600 entries and fault-closing values such as 30,000; 40,000; 43,750; 50,000; 61,0000 and others as presented in the tables). Interrupting current ratings are provided for transformer, line, cable, shunt capacitor bank, and reactor switching and protection with listed maximum RMS symmetrical values including 1200/1600/2000 (depending on continuous rating), 1000, 550, 2800, 2000, and fault-interrupting designations of 7000 or 8000 and 4000 (3000A for 115-kV single-gap Circuit-Switchers) as shown in the tables. The interrupters are described as hermetically sealed, and the Mark V is backed by a full 5-year warranty. The Type CS-1A Switch Operator direct-drives the vertical-break disconnect, provides trip-free capability, and includes a weatherproof, dustproof welded enclosure with hinged door, six adjustable auxiliary switch contacts coupled to the motor, external trip and close push buttons with padlockable cover, a built-in manual operating handle, a decoupling mechanism to lock the disconnect open, a mechanical position indicator, and a non-resettable operation counter; optional operator features include additional auxiliary-switch contacts, position indicating lamps, a remote-control blocking switch, a space-heater thermostat, and a duplex receptacle with ground-fault circuit interrupter and convenience light lampholder with switch. The Mark V Circuit-Switcher is specified for effective overvoltage control for capacitor-bank switching and for transmission line full-load-current switching applications. It is used to sectionalize transmission lines, transfer loads, and connect new customers by installing on towers within existing rightaways. When fitted with pre-insertion inductors, the device limits capacitor-bank switching transients and inrush currents to reduce voltage magnification that can cause nuisance tripping of adjustable-speed drives and other sensitive electronic devices. The Mark V is also described as suited for switching and protection of transformers, lines, cables, capacitor banks, and line-connected or tertiary-connected shunt reactors, with interrupting ratings and qualifications provided for transformer switching, line switching, cable switching, shunt capacitor bank switching, and reactor switching in the product ratings tables.