ENGINEERING

BRILLIANT SOLUTIONS

MV ring main units

HV metering units

LV transformer cabinets

Package substations

LV distribution pillars

LV substation fuseboards

Multi service pillars

Multi service distribution boards

Heavy duty cutouts

Domestic service cutouts

Street lighting cutouts

Pole mounting cutouts

ABC service boxes

Connector boxes

Fuse links

Weatherproof housings

SABRE Vacuum Circuit Breaker Ring Main Unit up to 15.5kV

with automation and remote control options

A division of W Lucy & Co Ltd

Contents
1 SABRE - at the cutting edge of Ring Main Unit technology

2 SABRE range - total flexibility in the design

4 SABRE - for maximum protection and operator safety

5 SABRE - for compact package substations

6 SABRE with automation - a safe investment

7 SABRE and GEMINI - the powerful combination

8 SABRE diagrams

9 SABRE electrical performance

 SABRE - at the cutting edge of Ring Main Unit technology

Key Features
12kV A ND 1 5 . 5 K V

IN D OOR AND O UT DO O R

IS OL ATIO N I N C L E AN S F 6 GAS

COM M O N S W I T C HI NG C HAM B E R

VA CU U M T E E O F F C I R C UI T B R E AK E R

F U L L RAT I NGS W I T H Z E R O GAS P R E S S UR E The SABRE range of Ring Main

Units combines the most advanced

EN H A N C E D DUT Y, I N E X C E S S O F I E C
Vacuum and SF6 technologies to

IN TERL O C K E D F O R S AF E O P E R AT I O N meet the requirements of UK

Regional Electricity Companies,

IN TERN AL AR C P R O T E C T I O N
overseas utilities and industrial

PA D L OC K I NG FAC I L I T I E S organisations. Compact, flexible,

easy to operate and install, SABRE

F U L LY EXT E NS I B L E
also ensures reliability and
TEE OF F P R O T E C T I O N O P T I O N: T L F
A U X IL IAR Y O R S E L F - P O W E R E D R E L AY
operator safety.

S ID E A N D R E AR C AB L E AC C E S S F O R The SABRE range has been

M A X IM U M O P E R AT O R P R O T E C T I O N
SABRE Options designed to be fully weatherproof
ROBU S T S HE E T S T E E L HO US I NG
R E MOT E OP E R AT ION OF R IN G for outdoor use, to have a long
SWIT C H ( MOT OR A C T U AT OR S)
service life and to require
R E MOT E OP E R AT ION A N D
T R IP P IN G OF C IR C U IT B R E A KE R minimum maintenance in the most

R E MOT E P OSIT ION IN D IC AT ION extreme conditions.

IN T E RT R IP P IN G

N E ON IN D IC AT ION

C A ST E LL IN T E R LOC KS

IN T E R LOC KE D T OFF
C A B LE T E ST FA C ILIT Y

T OP E N T RY C A B LE B OXE S
( IN D OOR ON LY)

1
SABRE range - total flexibility in the design

The SABRE ring main unit is suitable for both indoor and
outdoor applications. It can be used as a free standing unit
or for transformer mounting to E.A.T.S. 35-1. The unit is
fully extensible and highly flexible; suitable for use in a
wide range of applications including distribution
switchboards, transformer substations, ring distribution
networks and for HV connections to industrial and
commercial sites.
SABRE VRN
A wide selection of product derivatives including extensible Free standing

ring switches, circuit breakers and air insulated metering

units can be directly coupled to form multiple panel
switchboards without the need for additional cabling or
access to gas insulated chambers.

SABRE SSE
Extensible Ring Switch

System Specification
Sabre Type Description
VRN Vacuum Ring Main Unit - Non Extensible
VRE Vacuum Ring Main Unit - Extensible
VCE Vacuum Circuit Breaker - Extensible
VCN Vacuum Circuit Breaker - Non Extensible
SSE Single Switch - Extensible
SSN Single Switch - Non Extensible
DSE Double Switch - Extensible
2
 SABRE VRN TM SABRE VRE
Transformer Mounted Extensible

SABRE VRE
Motorised for Automation and
Remote Control
SABRE VCE
Extensible Circuit Breaker

3
SABRE - for maximum protection and operator safety
Safety

SABRE has been designed to ensure maximum

operator safety.

LIVE PA RT S A R E C ON TA IN E D WIT H IN A N E A RT H E D
STA IN LE SS ST E E L E N C LOSU R E

A SIN G LE LIN E D IA G R A M ON T H E FR ON T OF T H E U N IT
IN C OR P OR A T E S ME C H A N IC A L P OSIT ION IN D IC A T OR S

P OSIT IVE SA FE T Y IN T E R LOC KS ON A LL SWIT C H

P OSIT ION S P R E VE N T IN C OR R E C T OP E R A T ION

PA D LOC KIN G FA C ILIT IE S FOR A LL SWIT C H

Application Guide A N D SE LE C T OR P OSIT ION S

• TLF protection is generally utilised on smaller distribution IN T E R N A L A R C T E ST S A R E C A R R IE D OU T IN A C C OR D A NCE

transformers where the normal full load current is low WIT H IE C 6 0 2 9 8 A N D E AT S 4 1 - 2 6 FOR 1 SE C ON D

and discrimination with the LV circuit can be achieved by

fuse co-ordination. Protection

• Relay protection provides a range of time/current
operational settings that can be adjusted to suit the
transformer circuit. The protection is more precisely
set than with TLF. Therefore discrimination with the LV
protection system is more readily achievable.
All options provide transformer overcurrent protection
for phase to phase faults. Earth fault protection covering
phase to earth faults is also available as required.
T LF ( T IME LIMIT FU SE S) : SIMP LE D IR E C T A C T IN G SYST EM
WIT H A FIXE D T IME /C U R R E N T C H A R A C T E R IST IC

• Self-powered relays are particularly useful for outdoor SE LF P OWE R E D R E LA YS: D IR E C T A C T IN G SYST E M WIT H
substation equipment where no auxiliary power is available. A D JU ST A B LE T IME /C U R R E N T C H A R A C T E R IST IC S

A remote trip facility can be provided. AUXILIARY POWERED RELAYS: SEPARATELY SUPPLIED CONTROL
SYSTEM WITH ADJUSTABLE TIME/CURRENT CHARACTERISTICS
• Auxiliary powered relays provide operational security as
they function independently from the circuit they are
monitoring. Remote trip and fault trip/alarm facilities
can be provided.

System Voltage 11kV

Transformer rating KVA 315 500 800 1000 1250 1500 1600 2000
Current A 16 26 42 52 65 78 84 105
Protection TLF • • • • • • •
Relay • • • • • • •

System Voltage 13.8kV

Transformer rating KVA 500 800 1000 1250 1500 1600 2000 2500
Current A 21 33 42 52 62 67 84 105
Protection TLF • • • • • • •
Relay • • • • • • •

4

For single Ring Main Units or complete package
substations with fully integrated communication systems,
Lucy Switchgear offers you the ultimate solution for
maximum customer benefits:
S IN G L E POIN T OF C O NT R AC T HANDL I NG
BETTER F OL L OW -U P AND I M P R O V E D C O - O R DI NAT I O N BE T WE E N
S U PPL IER A N D CU S T O M E R
IMPROV ED S U PPL Y C HAI N M ANAGE M E NT
M IN IM U M TIM E F O R I NS T AL L AT I O N AND C O M M I S S I O N IN G
RED U CED PU RCH A S I NG AND L O GI S T I C S C O S T S
SABRE - for compact package substations
LUCY Switchgear is a single source supplier providing high
quality package substations and fully integrated automation
systems tailored to your specifications.
Our SF6 insulated ring main units, circuit breakers or single
switches can all be supplied for direct transformer mounting.
In combination with the LUCY Switchgear's extensive range
of distribution feeder pillars, we can offer complete indoor or
outdoor package substations incorporating oil or dry type
transformers, delivered fully assembled and direct to site.
E XT E N SIB LE A N D N ON E XT E N SIB LE SA B R E U P T O 1 5.5KV
IN D OOR A N D OU T D OOR TR A N SFOR ME R S U P T O 2 5 00 KVA
LOW VOLT A G E FE E D E R P ILLA R S U P T O 2 4 0 0 A
A U T OMAT ION A N D R E MOT E C ON T R OL SOLU T ION S
5
SABRE with automation - a safe investment

With today's increased focus on operational

efficiencies and capital budget constraints, the level
of interest in automation technology has significantly
grown. Lucy Switchgear can provide you with
effective integrated switchgear automation solutions
yielding maximum benefits in terms of enhanced
network management.

Our new generation SABRE responds to the changing

customer demand for modern, fully automated and
remote controlled switchgear. Our SABRE comes
pre-wired for automation as standard. Both ring
switches are supplied ready for motorised actuators
with OPEN & CLOSE status indications. This allows
you to retrofit and upgrade SABRE installed ring
main units at a later date to meet your evolving
operational needs.

Options

REMOTE OPERATION OF RING SWITH (PLUG-

IN TY PE M OTOR AC T UAT O R S )

REM OTE OPERATI O N AND T R I P P I NG O F C I R C UI T B R E AKE R

REM OTE S TATU S I NDI C AT I O N

L U CY S W ITCH G EAR GE M I NI - RT U ( O R T HI R D P AR T Y RTU S)

Retrofit actuator solutions

F A U L T PA S S A G E I NDI C AT O R S
To address customers' requirements for remote

IN TERTRIPPIN G monitoring and control, Lucy Switchgear has developed

a reliable retrofit kit for the ring switches and circuit
N EON PH A S E IN D I C AT I O N breaker of ring main equipment.

The microprocessor driven rotary actuator is designed

for non-intrusive installation. Single or double actuators
Automated SABRE benefits:
can be easily and rapidly fitted to the ring switches on

EX TEN S ION OF S A B R E P R O DUC T L I F E C Y C L E site while the unit is in service, (no access is required to
the internal workings of the RMU), thereby maintaining
IM PROV ED QU A L I T Y AND R E L I AB I L I T Y the integrity of electricity supply.

EN H A N CED S Y S TE M P E R F O R M ANC E

RED U CED OPERAT I NG C O S T

6
 SABRE and GEMINI - the powerful combination
D N P 3 P R OT OC OL A S ST A N D A R D – OT H E R S
GEMINI-RTU ON R E QU E ST: IE C 8 7 0 - 5 - 1 0 1 , WISP +

For full automation and remote control functionality, SABRE

can be equipped with our GEMINI-RTU controller. The GEMINI-
RTU is fully expandable to meet future network requirements
and compatible with existing systems. The control logic of
the GEMINI-RTU can control up to a maximum of three switches
via three sets of open/close push buttons and indications.
LOC A L OR R E MOT E OP E R A T ION
FLE XIB LE C OMMU N IC A T ION S IN T E R FA C E -
RADIO, RS232, PAKNET, GSM, PSTN, PILOT
OR LE A SE D WIR E S A N D FIB R E OP T IC
3 PHASE MONITORING OF VOLTAGES AND
C U R R E N T S U SIN G A N A LOG U E IN P U T S

Automation sequences can also be embedded within the

ISOLA T E D D IG IT A L IN P U T S
GEMINI-RTU to perform user defined automation functions
such as Auto-Changeover or Auto-Open. The schemes can be
D IG IT A L C ON T R OL OU T P U T S
initiated by loss of HV or LV voltage, fault current detection
or by combination of both. The status, following the initiation FAULT PASSAGE PROCESSING

of an automation sequence, then being reported to the

EMBEDDED AUTOMATION SEQUENCING, IF REQUIRED
Control Centre for diagnostics and analytical purposes. ( I.E . A U T O- C H A N G E OVE R, A U T O- OP E N )

24V BATTERY FOR CONTINUED OPERATION

U N D E R P OWE R FA ILU R E C ON D IT ION S

B A T T E R Y C ON D IT ION MON IT OR IN G

G E MIN I- RT U SU P P LIE D ON A FLOOR

MOU N T E D ST A N D OR WA LL MOU N T E D
A S A N A LT E R N A T IVE

GEMINI-SCADA

Based on our GEMINI range of automation

products, we can offer either a cost effective
stand alone secondary control system or
integrate with most existing SCADA systems
for remote reconfiguration and real-time
data analysis.

Lucy Switchgear's bespoke systems, which

are based on open software architecture
and modular type GEMINI-RTU, can easily be
upgraded and expanded as the customer adds
secondary automated points to their Network
Management System (NMS).
7
 SABRE Diagrams

VRE typical arrangement

936 1111

558

2078

1114

495

Front view Left hand side view

VRN VRE VCN VCE SSE DSE

Non Extensible Extensible Non Extensible Extensible Extensible Extensible

8
 SABRE electrical performance

SABRE Transformer SABRE

Feeder RMU Sectionaliser RMU

Rated Voltage (kV) 12kV (15.5kV) 12kV (15.5kV)

Impulse Withstand Voltage (kV Peak)

75 kV (95kV) 75 kV (95kV)

Rated Current
Ring Switches 630 A 630 A
Circuit Breaker 200A 400 A

Short Circuit Peak Making Current

Ring Switches 50 kA 50 kA
Circuit Breaker 50 kA 50 kA

Short Circuit Breaking Current

Circuit Breaker 20 kA RMS 20 kA RMS

3 Second Short Time Current

Ring Switches 20 kA 20 kA
Tee to Circuit Breaker 20 kA 20 kA

Earth Switch Peak Making Current

Ring Switches 50 kA 50 kA
Tee to Circuit Breaker 3.15 kA 50 kA

Internal Arc Rating

Freestanding 20 kA 1 sec 20 kA 1 sec
Transformer Mounted 20 kA 1 sec -

Gas Pressure
Filling Pressure at 20º C 0.4 Bar G 0.4 Bar G
Minimum Operating Pressure 0.05 Bar G 0.05 Bar G

IP Rating
IP33 (IP54) IP33D (IP54)

Dimensions
Height (on standard support legs) 1658 mm 1658 mm
Width (with cable boxes) 936 mm 936 mm
Depth (with cable box) 1111 mm 1111 mm
Weight (approx) 410 Kg 410 Kg

Protection
Time Limit Fuse • •
Auxiliary Powered Relay • •
Self Powered Relay • •

Testing Standards
BS EN 60265-1 BS EN 60265-1
IEC 60056 IEC 60056
BS EN 60129 BS EN 60129
BS EN 60694 BS EN 60694
BS EN 60298 BS EN 60298
(Ratings in brackets are optional)

9
 utilities uk

Our major customers include:

AQUILA NETWORKS
24 SEVEN
EAST MIDLANDS ELECTRICITY
NORTHERN ELECTRIC
NORTHERN IRELAND ELECTRICITY
SCOTTISH POWER
SEEBOARD
SCOTTICH & SOUTHERN ENERGY
WPD

industry uk
A global network
CEGELEC
KVAERNER In association with industrial partners and contractors, Lucy
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Switchgear has established a global network operating in over
S E V E R N T R E N T W AT E R 50 countries. Currently its 50 agents, joint venture associates
A N G L I A N W AT E R
and trading partners represent Lucy Switchgear products all

over the world from Europe, the Middle East, the Far East,
export worldwide
Africa, Australasia, Central America, the Caribbean to South
Delivering Lucy Switchgear products worldwide: America thus strengthening the Lucy presence globally.

CLP • HONG KONG With headquarters in Oxford, UK, and a main regional office
ADWEA • ABU DHABI
MEW • KUWAIT
in Dubai, servicing the Middle East, the Lucy group is constantly
MEW • BAHRAIN looking to develop further partnerships.
DEWA • DUBAI
JEPC • JORDAN
ENERGEX • AUSTRALIA
NEPA • NIGERIA
UEB • UGANDA
ECG • GHANA
K P L C • K E N YA
CODENSA • COLOMBIA

Walton Well Road • Oxford OX2 6EE • United Kingdom

telephone +44 (0)1865 311411

fax +44 (0)1865 310504

email switchgear.sales@wlucy.co.uk
internet http://www.lucyswitchgear.com

LS00002 SABRE RMU 08 2002