Closing the Recloser During
Testing
Electrical Closing – Solenoid-Operated
Reclosers
Line voltage is required for automatic recloser operation
during testing of reclosers equipped with a closing solenoid
(except for reclosers equipped with the low voltage closing
accessory).
For on-line testing,
bypass the recloser, open the load-
side disconnects and keep the source-side disconnects
closed. This will remove the recloser from service, but will
keep line voltage supplied to the closing solenoid (Figure
32).
For shop testing,
the closing solenoid voltage is supplied
by back-feeding a transformer with a low-side rating equal
to the voltage rating of an available power source, and a
high-side rating equal to the voltage rating of the recloser
(Figure 34). A 75 kVA transformer of the proper voltage rat-
ing with an impedance drop of approximately 3% is satis-
factory. The AC source must have a comparable imped-
ance drop.
A test circuit for these solenoid-closed reclosers is shown
in Figure 33. The following equipment is required for the
recommended shop testing setup:
Note:
Solenoid-closed reclosers equipped with a 120- or 240-
VAC low-voltage closing coil accessory can be tested as
shown in Figure 35.
• Variable Autotransformer T1, 230 Volts, 20 Amps.
• Low-Voltage transformer T2 to simulate fault conditions.
Ratio and size will depend upon the maximum current
to be used. The recloser presents a low impedance to
the transformer, so secondary voltage must be only
high enough to force the required current through the
secondary of the transformer and the recloser.
Note:
An alternative method of providing the necessary
current through the transformer is shown in Figure
33.
• High-Voltage T3 to operate the closing solenoid.
The closing coil requirement is approximately 200 kVA
during the two-to-three cycle closing operation. The
solenoid coil operating voltage must be maintained at
the recloser bushings during the interval the closing coil
is energized. This procedure is not used on reclosers
equipped with the low-voltage closing accessory.
• Ammeter with a rating based on the level of test cur-
rent.
• Current-actuated timer.
S280-70-10
39
5
6
3
4
1
2
C
B
A
BYPASS SWITCHES
(CLOSED)
SOURCE SIDE
DISCONNECT SWITCHES
(CLOSED)
LOAD SIDE
DISCONNECT SWITCHES
(OPEN)
CLOSIN
G
COIL
LOAD
SOURCE
SOURCE
LOAD
Figure 32.
Closing source-side switches of a bypassed “on-line” recloser provides closing solenoid power for automatic
operation during testing.
WARNING:
Hazardous voltage. The switchgear
(apparatus and control) and high-voltage trans-
former must be in a test cage or similar protected area
to prevent accidental contact with the high-voltage
parts.
Solidly ground all equipment. Failure to comply can
result in death, severe personal injury, and equipment
damage.
T221.5
WARNING:
Hazardous voltage. Interconnect
source leads X and Y and ground solidly to the
recloser tank (Figure 34). Do not connect lead Z to any
other phase or mechanical ground. Dangerous voltages to
ground exist on the phase connected to lead Z. Solidly
ground all equipment. Failure to comply can result in severe
personal injury and/or equipment damage.
T224.1