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should be carefully studied and applied in each user's 
formation of planned maintenance. 
 
Some users may require additional assistance from GE in the 
planning and performance of maintenance. Local GE Sales 
can be contracted to either undertake maintenance or to 
provide technical assistance such as the latest publications. 
 

The performance and safety of all equipment may be 
compromised by the modification of supplied parts or their 
replacement by non-identical substitutes. All such design 
changes must be qualified to the original manufacturers 
specifications. 

 

The user should methodically keep written maintenance 
records as an aid in future service planning and equipment 
reliability improvement. Unusual experiences should be 
promptly communicated to G.E.

SECTION 2—Description 

 

2.1—General 

This section contains a description of the PowerVac

®

 vacuum 

circuit breaker. It also describes the functions of the electrical 
and mechanical systems. 

 

2.2—Summary Description 

The PowerVac

®  

vacuum circuit breaker uses sealed vacuum 

power interrupters to establish and interrupt a primary circuit. 
Primary connections to the associated metalclad switchgear 
are made by horizontal bars and disconnect fingers, 
electrically and mechanically connected to the vacuum 
interrupters. Molded interrupter supports, one per phase on a 
three-phase circuit breaker, provide mountings for the primary 
bars, interrupters, current transfer fingers, and heat 
dissipation fins (where used). The operating mechanism 
provides direct motion at each phase location in order to 
move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupters from an 
open position to a spring-loaded closed position and then back 
to the open position on command. 

 

The ML-18 and ML-18H mechanisms are of the stored-energy 
type and use a gear motor to charge a closing spring. During a 
closing operation, the energy stored in the closing spring is 
used to close the vacuum interrupter contacts, compress the 
wipe springs which load the contacts, charge the opening 
spring, and overcome bearing and other friction forces, The 
energy then stored in the wipe springs and opening spring will 
open the contacts during an opening operation. 
 
Closing and opening operations are controlled electrically by 
the metalclad switchgear or remote relaying. Mechanical 
control is provided by manual close and trip buttons on the 
circuit breaker. The closing spring may be manually charged, 
and a method for slow-closing the primary contacts is 
available. The mechanism will operate at the ac or dc voltage 
indicated on the circuit breaker nameplate. 

 

Mechanical and electrical interlocks are provided and are 
described in Section 4.2, Interlock.

SECTION 3—Receiving, Handling and Storage 

 

3.1—Receiving 

A.   Equipment Packages

 

Every package leaving the factory is plainly marked with the 
case number, requisition number, and customer’s order 
number. If the equipment has been split for shipment, the 
section numbers of the equipment enclosed in each shipping 
package are identified. 

 

    

NOTE:

   

To  avoid  loss  of  any  parts  when  unpacking,  the 

contents  of  each  container  should  be  carefully  checked 
against the packing list before discarding the packing material.

 

 

Contents of each shipping package are listed on the Master 
Packing List. In addition, this list includes the number of the 
shipping crate in which miscellaneous parts needed to install 
and operate equipment (such as hardware, contact lubricant, 
touch-up paint, breaker closing devices, etc.) are located. 
Normally, such devices are packed in a cardboard carton and 
the carton secured in an empty switchgear compartment. If 
such items are packed in a switchgear section instead of a 
separate crate, the list will indicate appropriate section 
number in which they are stored. Large items (such as 
breaker lift trucks used with indoor and outdoor equipment) 
will always be shipped in separate crates or cartons.

 

 

B.   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.

 

 

C.   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 General Electric Company 
Sales Office immediately. Information on damaged parts, part 
number, case number, requisition number, etc., should 
accompany the claim. 

3.2—Handling 

When lifting the breaker, use of the specially designed lift 
truck is recommended. It is necessary to use the lift truck 
when placing a breaker into or removing it from the metalclad 
switchgear unless the breaker is equipped with a roll-in 
undercarriage (bottom only) . If it is necessary to lift the 
breaker with a hoist use four 1/2 inch diameter hooks rated at 
least 500 pounds each. Lifting locations are provided in the 
side frame members. Use a spreader wider than the breaker 
to prevent slings from contacting the interrupter supports. 

 

3.3—Storage 

It is recommended that the breaker be put immediately in its 
permanent location. If this is not possible, the following 
precautions must be taken to assure proper breaker storage. 

 

Summary of Contents for PowerVac GEK-86132G

Page 1: ...1 GEK 86132G Instructions g PowerVac Vacuum Circuit Breaker with ML 18 or ML 18H Mechanism ________________________________________________________________________________ ...

Page 2: ...Switch Adjustment 12 8 6 3 IL MS Switch Adjustment 13 Description Page SECTION 9 Electrical Checks 14 9 1 Electrical Operation 14 9 2 High Potential Test 14 9 2 1 Primary Circuit 14 9 2 2 Secondary Circuit 14 9 3 Primary Circuit Resistance 14 9 4 Vacuum Interrupter Integrity Test 14 9 5 Insulation Test 15 SECTION 10 Checking and Installing Breakers 16 SECTION 11 Maintenance 17 11 1 General 17 11 1...

Page 3: ...nterlock 24 16 Toggle linkage positions of the ML 18 mechanism 25 17 Schematic of ML 18 mechanism 27 18 Typical wiring diagram for ML 18 mechanism 29 19 PowerVac breaker left front view 30 20 PowerVac breaker right rear view 30 21 Trip coil and linkage 31 22 Close coil linkage 32 23 Bottom view of the ML 18 mechanism 33 24 Flex cable connections 34 25 Negative interlock 34 26 Close latch stop 35 2...

Page 4: ...ccidents is for all associated personnel to carefully apply a thorough under standing of the specific equipment from the viewpoints of its purpose its construction its operation and the situations which could be hazardous All personnel associated with installation operation and maintenance of electrical equipment such as power circuit breakers and other power handling equipment must be thoroughly ...

Page 5: ...n the circuit breaker nameplate Mechanical and electrical interlocks are provided and are described in Section 4 2 Interlock SECTION 3 Receiving Handling and Storage 3 1 Receiving A Equipment Packages Every package leaving the factory is plainly marked with the case number requisition number and customer s order number If the equipment has been split for shipment the section numbers of the equipme...

Page 6: ...owerVac breaker with front cover 1 Front cover 6 Manual charge lever 2 Cover mounting bolts 7 Counter 3 Manual trip button 8 Spring charge indication 4 Manual close button 9 Closing spring gag access 5 Nameplate 10 Open Close indicator The circuit breaker has been shipped in the CLOSED position After removing packing material open the breaker by pushing in firmly on the manual trip button item 3 F...

Page 7: ...g the close circuit power The negative trip interlock is functional while the beaker is being moved between the DISCONNECT TEST and CONNECT position and upon withdrawal from the metalclad compartment 4 2 4 Positive Interlock Bar This interlock will prevent the racking of a closed breaker into or out of a metalclad compartment A linkage connected to the cross shaft extends a détente angle item 3 Fi...

Page 8: ... and pawl assembly Advancement of one tooth spacing is provided for each oscillation of the system The ratchet motion is restricted to one direction by a spring loaded holding pawl that prevents the ratchet wheel from going backwards as the charging arms oscillate back to pick up the next tooth Thirteen complete cycles of the charging arms are needed for a full charge of the closing spring The eff...

Page 9: ...n the breaker is racked between the connect and disconnect position the negative interlock roller is depressed as a result the IL MS switch is open and does not allow the motor to charge the closing spring Once the breaker is rack in the switch closes allowing the spring charge motor to charge the closing spring The close coil circuit is established through two normally closed 52Y relay contacts a...

Page 10: ...tem 11 Figure 3 CAUTION FAILURE TO PUSH THE CLOSE BUTTON BEFORE CONTINUING THE SLOW CLOSE PROCEDURE WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE MECHANISM After pushing the manual closing button put the manual charge handle on the manual charge lever and move the handle up and down The breaker will be fully closed when the spring charge indicator shows CHARGED CAUTION WITH THE GAG PLATE INSTALLED THE BREAKER CLOSED A...

Page 11: ...eaker closed and the closing spring gagged Figure 7 Contact gap measure with a feeler gauge and record the distance between the bellville washer and the trunion between the bell crank arms 8 4 Contact Gap The method of measuring the contact gap is as follows With the breaker in the open position the closing springs charged and the closing spring gag plate installed apply a piece of masking tape to...

Page 12: ... using a go no go gauge with the go end having a thickness of 200 inches and the no go end with a thickness of 251 inches With the armature depress until resistance is felt the go gauge must fit between the coil housing and the surface of the red PVC cap covering the steel plunger base With the armature in the same position the no go gauge must not fit between the coil housing and the plunger base...

Page 13: ...ting bracket as shown in Fig 11 8 6 3 IL MS Switch adjustment The nut should be adjusted to fully extend the plunger AUXILIARY SWITCH STACK SWITCH NEGATIVE INTERLOCK BAR IL MS SWITCH SHIM PLACEMENT CLMS SWITCH ML 18 TYPE 0 1 2 CLMS SWITCH ML 18 TYPE 3 ML 18 H TYPE 0 Figure 11 Control Switches LCS SWITCH ...

Page 14: ...ead a wire connecting all secondary disconnect pins except 24 the ground pin Connect the hipot machine from this wire to ground Increase the voltage to 1125 volts rms 60 Hz and maintain for 60 seconds Reduce the voltage to zero and remove the hipot machine from the circuit Remove the wire connecting the secondary disconnect pins and reconnect the motor leads 9 3 Primary Circuit Resistance A resist...

Page 15: ...DIATION WILL BE PRODUCED Although a AC hi potential test is recommended for checking the vacuum integrity a DC hi potential test can also be conducted on the vacuum interrupter If a DC Hi potential test set is to be used test voltage should not exceed 50kV DC and should be applied for 10 seconds Interrupters must be cleaned as previously discussed If failure occurs reverse the polarity and retest ...

Page 16: ... metalclad compartment NOTE When inserting the breaker and prior to racking the operator must ensure that both the right and left side racking arms are engaged on the drive blocks Racking arms must be fully engaged for breaker to rack in properly Failure to do so could result in jamming of the racking arms with the guide rail With the breaker in the CLOSED condition attempt to install the racking ...

Page 17: ...be extended to 10 years or 10 000 no load or 5 000 normal load switching operations Mild service conditions are defined as an environment in which the switchgear is protected from the deleterious effects of conditions such as Salt spray Changes in temperature that produce condensation Conductive and or abrasive dust Damaging chemicals and fumes Vibration or mechanical shock High relative humidity ...

Page 18: ...ommended Maintenance The following operations should be performed at each maintenance check 1 Perform a visual inspection of the breaker Check for loose or damaged parts 2 Perform slow closing operation described under MECHANICAL CHECKING AND SLOW CLOSING 3 Check the erosion indicator and the wipe and gap as described under DIMENSIONAL CHECKS 4 Perform the vacuum interrupter integrity test as desc...

Page 19: ...monitoring control circuit voltage and using no more than six volts DC and one ampere through the vacuum interrupter contact to indicate closed or open condition Typical time ranges vary with coil voltage but nominal values are Initiation of trip signal to contact parting 32 45 Milliseconds 5 Cycle 25 30 Milliseconds 3 Cycle 2 Milliseconds maximum pole spread Initiation of close signal to contact ...

Page 20: ...TE Tightening of the opening spring adjusting nut will decrease the closing time and speed while increasing opening time and speeds Loosening will have a reverse effect The operating speeds are as follows Operation Operation Operation Operation Feet Per Second Feet Per Second Feet Per Second Feet Per Second Open 5 0 nominal 4 5 minimum Close 3 5 nominal 4 0 maximum V I STOP CENTER PHASE Figure 13 ...

Page 21: ...cator on c Advance operating rod two and one half 2 1 2 additional turns d Tighten lock nut to 40 50 foot pounds and the coupling clamp capscrews to 8 10 foot pounds e Check contact wipe must be 0 15 0 18 inch set all three phases before measuring It is not necessary that all three poles have the same wipe measurement as long as all three poles fall within the specified limits f Check contact gap ...

Page 22: ...With the breaker open and the closing spring discharged remove retaining clip from auxiliary switch shaft or loosen clamping bolt in operating link Remove mounting hardware securing auxiliary switch to mechanism plate Slide auxiliary switch and shaft out of operating link Before removing any wires from switch terminals make sure they are properly tagged with switch terminal numbers to assure prope...

Page 23: ...quired if wipe is more than 0 075 inch After adjustment the wipe should be 0 15 0 18 inch To adjust the primary contact wipe close the breaker and proceed as follows 1 Loosen but do not remove the two capscrews item 9 Figure 6 holding the interrupter clamp 2 Check that the interrupter clamp is loose A light pry at the clamp half junction may be required to loosen the wedging action of the clamp 3 ...

Page 24: ...ats on head of bolt Step three is to check for proper holding of the latch on recharging of the closing spring If the latch fails to reset and hold the spring back the bolt out 1 or 2 additional flats All PowerVac circuit breakers with ML 18 mechanisms and a type designation ending in 3 have no adjustment bolt for the close latch ML 18H mechanisms also do no have adjustment bolts A permanent stop ...

Page 25: ...rop spring 11 Linkage return spring NOTE Shading indicates fixed pivots B Breaker open spring charged Figure 16 Toggle linkage positions of the ML 18 mechanism Viewed from right side Continued on next page NOTE Orientation of closing cam item 9 in view A C are shown when operated by slow closing Under normal operation the cam may rotate further in the counter clockwise direction ...

Page 26: ...26 C Breaker closed spring discharged D Breaker closed spring charged Figure 16 Continued ...

Page 27: ...s shaft 3 Manual charge 14 Bell cranks 4 Charging arms 15 Opening springs 5 Ratchet wheel 16 Wipe springs 6 Driving pawl 17 Auxiliary switch 7 One way clutch 18 Trip solenoid 8 Close latch 19 Trip latch 9 Close cam 20 Over travel stop 10 Close roller 21 Latch check switch 11 Prop 22 Gear motor 23 Manual trip button ...

Page 28: ...28 Figure 17 Continued ...

Page 29: ...29 Figure 18 Typical wiring diagram for ML 18 and ML 18H mechanisms ...

Page 30: ...pring discharge roller 5 Negative interlock roller 6 Rating interference plate 7 Front cover 8 Racking engagement lever 9 Secondary coupler 10 Secondary disconnect handle Figure 19 PowerVac breaker left front view Figure 20 PowerVac breaker right rear view 4 6 9 2 2 7 5 1 3 8 10 ...

Page 31: ...31 Figure 21 Trip coil and linkage 1 Trip coil 2 Closing spring 3 Trip linkage adjusting rod and nut 2 3 1 ...

Page 32: ...32 Figure 22 Close coil linkage 1 Close linkage adjusting nut 2 Close linkage adjusting rod 3 Link to close latch actuator 1 2 3 ...

Page 33: ...switch 4 Spring charging motor 13 LCS latch checking switch 5 Trip coil 14 CL MS close latch monitor switch 6 Close coil 15 Stationary auxiliary switch operator 7 Ratchet wheel 16 Close latch adjustment screw 8 Closing cam on ML18 type 0 1 2 breakers only 9 52Y relay 17 Close linkage pivot 18 Spring discharge linkage 5 3 4 6 15 11 1 10 7 17 2 2 13 16 8 9 12 14 18 ...

Page 34: ...34 Figure 24 Flex cable connections Figure 25 Negative interlock CAUTION This is a safety feature not routine maintenance MID BAND RING not on all Interrupters ...

Page 35: ...h stop on ML 18 Type 0 1 2 only CAUTION This is a safety feature not routine maintenance A change in the setting of the close latch stop bolt will affect the adjustment of the spring discharge interlock Figure 27 Spring wipe ...

Page 36: ...EE SECTION 13 19 TABLE 3 ADJUSTMENTS ITEM BREAKER CL SPRING OP SPRING MEASUREMENT PG CONTACT WIPE CLOSED CHARGED CHARGED ADJUST OPERATING ROD TO OBTAIN REQUIRED DIMENSION 23 CONTACT GAP OPEN DISCHARGED DISCHARGED ADVANCE OR RETARD GAP ADJUSTING NUTS TO SET GAP 23 CONTACT EROSION CLOSED DISCHARGED CHARGED ALIGN REFERENCE ARM WITH DISK ON NEW UNITS ONLY 11 TRIP COIL CLOSED DISCHARGED CHARGED TURN AD...

Page 37: ...s 17 Service Conditions 17 Transfer Finger Wear 17 Measurements Table 2 36 Mechanical Adjustments 23 Close Coil Plunger 24 Close Latch Stop Bolt 24 Contact Gap 23 Negative Interlock 24 Spring Discharge Interlock 24 Trip Coil Plunger 24 Wipe Adjustment 23 Mechanical Checking and Slow Closing 9 10 Mechanism 17 21 33 Motor Replacement 22 N Negative Interlock 7 24 34 Negative Interlock Roller 24 O Ope...

Page 38: ...Intentionally Left Blank ...

Page 39: ...tion to Ground Internal Insulation to Ground Insulating Medium Isolating Contact Bushing Interrupter Seals Gaskets Air System SF6 System C T Resistor Sw or Aux Int Voltage Grading Device Line Terminals Compressor Heater Electrical Controls Wiring Operating Mechanism Mechanical Linkage Other _______________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________...

Page 40: ... during and after failure 4 Oscillograms attach with explanation interpretation 5 Attach a description of the exact position of all mechanical components from the control solenoid through all interrupter contacts as applicable photograph each in detail before mechanisms are moved supply copies of photos with report 6 Describe arc damage and location of arc products relative to valve seals photogra...

Page 41: ...Notes ...

Page 42: ...Notes ...

Page 43: ...Intentionally Left Blank ...

Page 44: ...e desired or should particular problems arise which are not covered sufficiently for the purchaser s purposes the matter should be referred to the General Electric Company g GE Consumer Industrial ______________________________________________________ General Electric Company Switchgear Business Department 510 East Agency Road West Burlington Iowa 52655 GEK 86132G 2004 General Electric Company Las...

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