Introduction

 Summary

 The GE SecoVac R Retrofill circuit breaker is designed and manufactured by GE Energy Management for application in AC power systems up to 15kV maximum rated voltage. SecoVac R conforms to the requirements of IEEE C37.59, C37.04, C37.06, C37.20.2 and C37.09. No such assurances are given with respect to local codes and ordinances, as they vary greatly. 

The SecoVac R circuit breaker has been designed as a direct replacement for use in existing legacy switchgear.

 Definitions

 The definitions contained in this document are not intended to embrace all legitimate meanings of the terms, and they are applicable only to the subject treated in this document. Some of them are according to the IEEE Std. C37.59, if a specific term is not defined please refer to IEEE Std C37.100.

 • Racking: The act of moving a removable element physically between the Connected position and the Disconnected/ Test position in its compartment.

 • Modular assembly: A circuit breaker element including interrupters, operating mechanism, and connecting terminals.

 • Blocking/rejection interlock: A mechanical device  which prevents the insertion of removable elements into  a compartment with incompatible ratings or MOC  operating capabilities.

 • Retrofill: A conversion process that includes replacement of the circuit breaker and circuit breaker compartment functional components of a qualified design within a vertical section or compartment of a vertical section with functional components of a differentqualified design.

 • SecoVac Module: Circuit breaker element including interrupters, operating mechanism and connecting terminals, see Figure 1.

Safety Instruction

Each user 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 the user’s safety program, but NOT supplant the user’s responsibility for devising a complete safety program. The following basic industry practiced safety requirements are applicable to all major electrical equipment such as switchgear or switchboards. GE neither condones nor assumes any responsibility for practices which deviate from the following: 

 1.  ALL ELECTRICAL PARTS MUST BE ASSUMED TO BE ENERGIZED UNLESS THEIR POTENTIAL HAS BEEN MEASURED AS GROUND POTENTIAL AND ADEQUATE CAPACITY GROUNDING ASSEMBLIES HAVE BEEN APPLIED. Accidents are caused by unplanned energization from   non-recognized back feeds, equipment malfunctions, insulators can be deadly when the conductor is energized and from a wide variety of sources.

 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. Additional discussion on this concept is covered in Chapter 20 of ANSI/NFPA 70B, Electrical Equipment Maintenance. 

 3.  Although interlocks to reduce some of the risks are provided, the individual’s actions while performing service or maintenance are essential to prevent accidents. 

Each person’s knowledge, mental awareness, and planned and executed actions often determine if an accident will occur. The most important method of avoiding accidents is for all associated personnel to carefully apply a thorough understanding of the specific equipment from the viewpoints of its purpose, its construction, its operation and the situations which could be hazardous. All personnel servicing or operating electrical equipment must be trained on all safety requirements and rules applicable to the equipment. 

 4.  The open gap of a vacuum interrupter should not be considered a safe means of isolating the circuit. Withdraw the circuit breaker from the connected position for   proper lockout. 

 5.  Before starting maintenance, the secondary   connectors and spring energy must be discharged   and main contacts open. Failure to do so could result   in physical injury.

6. Although the interrupting arc is quenched within a closed vacuum tube, it is recommended that flammable materials be stored away from the switchgear. Never extinguish an electrical fire. All personnel associated with installation, operation and maintenance of electrical equipment (such as power circuit breakers and other power handling equipment) must be thoroughly instructed, with periodic retraining, regarding   power equipment in general as well as the particular model   of equipment with which they are working. Instruction books, actual devices and appropriate safety and maintenance practices such as IEEE application guides, OSHA publications, National Electric Safety Code (ANSI C2), National Electric Code, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B Electrical Equipment Maintenance must be closely studied and followed. During actual work, supervision should audit practices to assure conformance.

Receiving

Every package leaving the factory is marked with the order number and customer’s PO number. Contents of each shipping package are listed on the Packing List.

Inspecting for Damage All equipment leaving the factory is carefully inspected and packed by personnel experienced in the proper handling and packing of electrical equipment. Upon receipt of any equipment, immediately perform a visual inspection to ascertain if any damage has been sustained in shipping   or if there are any loose parts.

Filing a Claim If any damage is evident, or indication of rough handling is visible, file a claim for damage at once with the transportation company and notify the nearest GE Energy Management Sales Office immediately. Information on damaged parts, part number, case number, requisition number, etc., should accompany the claim.

Transport and Handling Do not lift circuit breaker by inserting fork lift or trolley arms directly under it. Use a pallet or other support material between the circuit breaker and fork/trolley. Loading/unloading of the breaker should be carried out with a hoist if possible. To lift the breaker with a hoist, use two 1/2 inch diameter hooks rated at least 500 pounds each. Lifting locations are provided in the side frame members (Figure 2,1). Use a spreader wider than the breaker to prevent slings from contacting the interrupter poles. Do not let the lifting straps contact the epoxy pole unit during the lift.

After the circuit breaker has been removed from its shipping pallet it may be rolled on its own wheels on a level and smooth floor. When rolling the circuit breaker, it should be pushed and steered by the steel frame (see Figure 3 for preferable areas).

CAUTION
Do not handle or transport the SecoVac R breaker by the primary disconnecting devices, as damage may result.

Storage It is recommended that the breaker be immediately installed in the switchgear. If this is not possible, the following precautions must be taken to assure proper breaker storage. 

 1. The breaker should be protected against condensation, preferably by storing it in a dry room of moderate temperature (23° to 100°F/-5°C to 38°C) Short term covered storage and transportation is allowed at minimum  -22°F (-30°C). 

 2. Circuit breakers for outdoor metalclad switchgear should be stored in the equipment only when power is available and the heaters are in operation to prevent condensation.

 3. The breaker should be stored in a clean location, free from corrosive gases or fumes; particular care, for example, should be taken to protect the equipment from moisture and cement dust, as this combination is present at construction sites and has a very corrosive effect on many parts. Damage is possible if stored on side/back or top. 

 4. Rollers, latches, etc., of the operating mechanism should be coated with Mobilux EP Series Silicone 102 grease to prevent rusting. If the breaker is stored for an extended period of time, it should be inspected periodically to see that corrosion has not started and to ensure good mechanical condition. If the breaker is stored under unfavorable atmospheric conditions – (See Section 4.1 for Normal Service Conditions), it should be cleaned and dried out before being placed in service.

Service Conditions

Normal Service Conditions Unless otherwise specified, SecoVac R circuit breakers, including the operating devices and the auxiliary equipment which form an integral part of the breaker, are intended to be used in accordance with their rated operating parameters and normal service conditions, listed below. 

 • The ambient air temperature does not exceed 100°F   (38°C). The minimum operating ambient air temperature   is 5°F (-15°). 

 • The altitude does not exceed 3281 feet (1000m). 

 • The ambient air is not significantly polluted by dust, smoke, corrosive and/or flammable gases, vapors or salt. 

 • The conditions of humidity are as follows:– The average value of relative humidity, measured over a period of 24h, does not exceed 95%.

– The average value of water vapor pressure, measured over a period of 24h, does not exceed 2.2kPa.– The average value of the relative humidity, measured over a period of one month, does not exceed 90%.

– The average value of water vapor pressure, measured over a period of one month, does not exceed 1.8kPa.

– For maintenance, high potential testing the humidity should not exceed 80% over a period of 24h prior to test as noted by IEEE.

Special Service Conditions If the actual service conditions differ from the normal service conditions, the circuit breaker, associating devices and auxiliary equipment may require a special design to comply with any special service conditions required by the user, and must be discussed with GE in advance. Normally, the following special service conditions will be encountered: 

 • At sites with altitude above 3281 feet (1000m), the effects of the reduction in dielectric strength of the air must be taken into account. GE can supply circuit breakers which can be applied in areas above 3281 feet (1000m); however, derating factors as recommended by IEEE Standards may apply. At the same time, the insulation level in switchgear should be taken into account and should be discussed with GE   in advance. 

 • If the ambient temperature is above 104°F (40°C), the continuous current limit of the circuit breaker may need to be de-rated as recommended by IEEE Standards. Please consult with GE in advance.