11
Type VFI, Fluid-insulated Switchgear
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
MN285006EN March 2018
Testing
All underground distribution switchgear is carefully
tested and adjusted at the factory to operate according
to published data. Well-equipped test facilities, a detailed
testing procedure and thoroughly trained personnel assure
accurately calibrated equipment. Each unit leaves the
factory ready for installation.
Pre-installation testing is not necessary. However, should
verification of switchgear prior to installation be required,
the vacuum interrupters can be tested using the following
procedures.
High-potential withstand testing of vacuum
interrupters
High-potential withstand tests can be performed to
check the vacuum integrity of the interrupters used in VFI
switchgear.
Safety Requirements
WARNING
Hazardous voltage . The switchgear (apparatus and
control) and high-voltage transformer 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
CAUTION
Radiation . At voltages up to the specified test voltages,
the radiation emitted by the vacuum interrupter is
negligible . However, above these voltages, radiation
injurious to personnel can be emitted . See Service
Information MN280062EN, Vacuum Interrupter
Withstand Test Voltage Ratings Information for further
information .
G109 .2
To prevent accidental contact with high-voltage parts, the
switchgear and high-voltage transformer must be placed
in a suitable test cage and all proper grounding procedures
must be observed.
With the vacuum interrupters open (manual operating
handle(s) in the Open position), perform an AC high-potential
test for one minute (or 15 minutes for DC) across each open
vacuum interrupter assembly at the voltages shown in
Table 5
. The interrupter should withstand the test voltage
and should not load down the source.
Table 5 . High-Potential Withstand Test Voltages
VFI Voltage Rating (kV)
High-Potential* Test Voltages
15
25.5 kV AC RMS or 39.75 kV DC
25
30 kV AC RMS or 58.5 kV DC
35
37.50 kV AC RMS or 77.25 kV DC
* 75% of the production AC withstand test voltage, per IEEE Std
C37.60
TM
-2003 standard.
Trip and control testing
Eaton’s Cooper Power series VFI Tester device (
Figure 5
) is
used for testing VFI underground distribution units equipped
with Tri-phase or TPG controls. It is self-contained and
provides quick verification of the correct operation of VFI trip
mechanisms, supervisory controls, and accessory SCADA
boards.
Refer to
Service Information MN285001EN, VFI Tester
Operating Instructions
for complete information regarding
operation of the VFI tester and in-depth VFI underground
distribution switchgear testing procedures.
For VFI switchgear provided with Edison Idea relays, please
refer to the following service manuals for trip and control
testing:
For iTAP-265 relay:
●
CA165005EN: iTAP-265 Dual Overcurrent Relay
For iTAP-260 relay:
●
Service Information S165-260-1,Use and Operations
Manual for the iTAP-260 Underground Distribution VFI
Switchgear Controller
For iDP-210 relay:
●
CA165002EN: iDP-210 Feeder Protection Relay
Figure 5 . VFI Tester Unit - Catalog Number KVFI TESTER
