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Type VFI, Fluid-insulated Switchgear
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
MN285006EN March 2018
Product information
Introduction
Service Information MN285006EN
provides installation
instructions, operation information, maintenance
procedures, and limited testing information for Eaton’s
Cooper Power™ series Type VFI fluid-insulated underground
distribution switchgear.
For in-depth testing information, 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.
Read this manual first
Read and understand the contents of this manual and follow
all locally approved procedures and safety practices before
installing or operating this equipment.
Additional information
These instructions do not claim to cover all details or
variations in the equipment, procedures, or processes
described, nor to provide directions for meeting every
possible contingency during installation, operation, or
maintenance. When additional information is desired to
satisfy a problem not covered sufficiently for the user’s
purpose, please contact your Eaton representative.
Acceptance and initial inspection
VFI switchgear is completely assembled, tested, and
inspected at the factory. The switchgear is filled to the
correct level with insulating fluid. It is in good condition
when accepted by the freight carrier for shipment.
1. Upon receipt, inspect the unit thoroughly for damage
and loss of parts or fluid incurred during shipment.
If damage or loss is discovered, file a claim with the
carrier immediately.
2. Check for fluid leakage and tighten any bolts that may
have loosened during shipment.
Handling and storage
The switchgear should remain on its shipping pallet until it is
installed. When handling the switchgear, always use a fork
truck that has adequate lifting capacity and forks that extend
the entire length of the pallet. Improper handling can cause
damage to the switchgear.
If the switchgear is to be stored for any appreciable time
before installation, provide a clean, dry storage area.
Be careful during handling and storage to minimize the
possibility of mechanical damage. Do not stack other
material on the switchgear.
Standards
Type VFI underground distribution switchgear products are
designed and tested in accordance with IEEE Std C37.60™-
2003, IEEE Std C37.74™-2003, IEEE Std C.57.12.28™-2005,
and IEEE Std 386™-2006 standards.
Quality standards
ISO 9001 Certified Quality Management System
Product description
Type VFI switchgear provides fault interruption and
convenient load switching for 15, 25, and 35 kV underground
systems. VFI switchgear is designed for outdoor mounting
on a concrete pad. Power is fed to and from the switchgear
from underground through openings in the pad.
Deadfront construction minimizes the high-voltage safety
hazards for both the operator and the general public.
Type VFI switchgear employs mineral oil, Envirotemp™
FR3™, or Envirotemp™ E200™ as the insulating medium to
provide a compact, low profile installation.
NOTICE
The use of Envirotemp™ FR3™ dielectric fluid is limited
to a minimum operating temperature of 0 °C (32 °F) .
Failure to comply can result in equipment misoperation .
T374 .0
VFI switchgear can also be specified with a variety of
control options to meet specific distribution system
protection requirements
VFI switchgear operation
Type VFI switchgear utilizes vacuum interrupters to provide
fault current interruption and load make/break switching
capabilities. Hotstick-operable operating handles are located
on the front plate of the unit. Vacuum fault interrupter
operating mechanisms can be configured for either single-
or ganged three-phase operation.
Current sensing transformers, located inside the switchgear
tank, provide line current information to the control. When
line current exceeds the minimum trip setting, the control
initiates a signal which causes the vacuum fault interrupter
to interrupt the circuit. Interruption may be single- or three-
phase, depending upon the configuration of the control and
vacuum fault interrupter.
