Principles of MV SWG Testing 03: Mechanical Tests

Principles of testing medium voltage switchgear: Part 3
Mechanical tests
Saturday, December 2, 2017, 12:51:04

Figure 1 Operator switching the switch-disconnector manually during site acceptance tests.
Mechanical tests
As an integral step in site acceptance tests, mechanical tests are usually done with
the functional tests to test proper signalling and interlocks and save time. In
mechanical tests, the commissioning engineer performs mechanical switching of
the switching devices, charges the circuit-breaker spring manually with the crank,
withdraws the switching device from rack-in to rack-out to test and service
positions, and these tests also include testing mechanical interlocks and key pads
to make sure they are operating without any trouble.

l Dr.Zakir Hussein street, 42 - 11471, 7th district, Cairo, Egypt l ' +20 100 166 1137
l ' +49 157 586 32 990l* ahmedhandoussa@hotmail.com l http://energy-
1/5
technik.com l https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-handoussa-b56412140/
l https://www.xing.com/profile/Ahmed_Handoussa?sc_o=mxb_p
Mechanical tests

To start these tests, one should prepare a torque wrench, a multi-meter, a test
screw driver and the proper cranks and mechanical switching equipment.
In figure 1, the operator is testing the mechanical switching of a switch-
disconnector, he is using the unique shaft that arrives with the switchgear package.

Figure 2 This figure shows the different lever types for mechanical switching and rack-in, rack-out functions.
The mechanical switching action is usually reflected in many different parts of the
switchgear, it may create a signal that is displayed on the protection relay display,
it may create a signal that appears as on a LED or it might prevent another
switching element from closing or another mechanical arm or door from
operating.
Keylocks
One of the most common and simple forms of a mechanical test is to test the
operation of the locking keys, before delivering them to the plant operator.
In this case, the keys when turned ON, prevent the operator from switching the
device.
2/5
Mechanical tests

Figure 3 Different keylocks. Key lock for local/remote operation (left) and double keylock for earthing switch (right) to
prevent single operator operation.
Mechanical interlocks between the switching device and earthing switch
There are some essential interlocks in medium-voltage switchgear like the
interlocks between the earthing switch, switching element (circuit-breaker or
disconnector).
When the earthing switch is switched ON, this means that any power is directed
towards the earth and it becomes safe for a technician to work in the cable
compartment. As a result, a mechanical interlock is installed in the cubicle to
prevent the circuit-breaker from racking-in (remains in test position), when the
earthing switch is ON.
In case the circuit-breaker is racked-in and switched ON, the mechanical interlock
between the circuit-breaker and the earthing switch will prevent the operator from
switching ON the earthing switch and will prevent the opening of the cable and
circuit-breaker compartments.
Mechanical interlock between switching devices of different cubicles
3/5
Mechanical tests

In some cases, it is desired to prevent the simultaneous operation mechanically
instead of electrically, so mechanical interlocking elements are installed between
different cubicles.

Figure 4 Front interlocking plate to interlock between three low voltage circuit-breakers of different cubicles.

Withdrawable voltage transformer set
Voltage transformers installed in medium-voltage switchgear compartments are
placed in sets of three in a withdrawable box with wheels. Upon racking the whole
set in, the voltage transformers become electrically connected from the primary
side and by connecting the front socket, the secondary side becomes connected
to the control wiring.
The mechanical test is quite simple but important, the transformers are racked-out
and in a couple of times to make sure that the process is smooth, because
sometimes the wheels are not functioning well, and it might be difficult to rack the
set of transformers, or they might not make good electric contact with the primary
busbars. A bad contact with the live primary busbar during operation is a totally
undesired situation.
4/5
Mechanical tests

Figure 5 Voltage transformers racked-in (left), voltage transformers racked-out (right). Usually a ramp is used to rack-out
the voltage transformers.
5/5

Principles of MV SWG Testing 03: Mechanical Tests

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Principles of MV SWG Testing 03: Mechanical Tests

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Principles of testing medium voltage switchgear: Part 3

mechanical tests, the commissioning engineer performs mechanical switching of

to make sure they are operating without any trouble.

In figure 1, the operator is testing the mechanical switching of a switch-

it may create a signal that appears as on a LED or it might prevent another

switching element from closing or another mechanical arm or door from

Mechanical interlocks between the switching device and earthing switch

There are some essential interlocks in medium-voltage switchgear like the

interlocks between the earthing switch, switching element (circuit-breaker or

compartment. As a result, a mechanical interlock is installed in the cubicle to

earthing switch is ON.

Mechanical interlock between switching devices of different cubicles

instead of electrically, so mechanical interlocking elements are installed between

Voltage transformers installed in medium-voltage switchgear compartments are

to the control wiring.

Вам также может понравиться