Introduction; Safety; Table 1-1: Rated Electrical Characteristics - GE SecoGear Installation, Operation And Maintenance Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides complete installation instructions and
operation and maintenance information for GE SecoGear
Metal-clad Switchgear.
SecoGear switchgear is designed for the protection,
instrumentation, and control of various types of medium
voltage electrical apparatus and power circuits.
The switchgear consists of modules containing circuit
breakers and auxiliary equipment, which are stacked two
high to form vertical sections. Sections may be arranged side
by side and connected mechanically and electrically to form
complete switchgear assemblies.
SecoVac vacuum circuit breakers (VCB) are easily removable
to provide maximum accessibility for maintenance with
minimum interruption of services. The switchgear is designed
to provide a high degree of safety to the operator. All
equipment is enclosed in grounded metal compartments
and all primary conductors are insulated.
Table 1-1: Rated Electrical Characteristics (maximum ratings for kA based on K=1, and not K>1)
CIRCUIT BREAKER
SecoVac VCB
SecoVac VCB
SecoVac VCB
SecoVac VCB

Safety

Each site must maintain a safety program for the protection
of personnel, as well as other equipment, from the potential
hazards associated with electrical equipment. The following
requirements are intended to augment your company's safety
program, but they do NOT supplant your responsibility for
devising a complete safety program. The following basic safety
requirements are applicable to all major electrical equipment,
such as switchgear or switchboards. GE neither condones nor
assumes any responsibility for practices that deviate from the
following:
1. ALL CONDUCTORS MUST BE ASSUMED TO BE ENERGIZED
UNLESS THEIR POTENTIAL HAS BEEN MEASURED AS
GROUND AND ADEQUATE CAPACITY GROUNDING
ASSEMBLIES HAVE BEEN APPLIED TO PREVENT ENERGIZING.
Many accidents have been caused by unplanned
energization from nonrecognized back feeds, equipment
malfunctions, and from a wide variety of sources.
MAXIMUM VOLTAGE CONTINUOUS CURRENT
4.76 kV – 15 kV 1200 A
4.76 kV – 15 kV 1200 A
4.76 kV – 15 kV 2000 A
4.76 kV – 15 kV 3000 A
The equipment is available in the ratings listed in the
following table 1-1. The maximum ratings of the equipment
and devices are based on usual service conditions as covered
in ANSI standards, using K=1, and not K>1. Operation at
currents above the equipment rating will result in temperature
rises in excess of these standards and is not recommended.
For outdoor installations, a weather proof power equipment
center would be required to house the indoor equipment.
CAUTION
This equipment is not designed for exposure to dripping
liquids, as this condition is not a usual ANSI service
condition. Dripping liquids can destroy the integrity of
the insulation system and must be avoided.
INTERRUPTING RATING
31.5 kA
40 kA
40 kA
40 kA
2. It is strongly recommended that all equipment be completely
de-energized, verified to be "dead," and then grounded
with adequate capacity grounding assemblies prior to any
maintenance. The grounding cable assemblies must be
able to withstand energizing fault levels so that protective
equipment may clear the circuit safely. This concept is
covered in depth in Chapter 20 of ANSI/NFPA 70B, Electrical
Equipment Maintenance.
The logic for this precaution is that maintenance of energized
equipment could precipitate a dielectric failure from such
diverse causes as dislodging a tiny piece wire missed during
a construction cleanup, startling an animal inside the gear,
or deflecting a conducting part. A dielectric failure generally
initiates a power flashover, which presents an extreme risk
of injury or death to people or damage to equipment in
close proximity.
SecoGear – Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual 11 of 56
MOMENTARY WITHSTAND
82 kA
104 kA
104 kA
104 kA