SIEMENS Vector Group Operated Air Break Switches Instruction Manual

: June 1, 2024
: SIEMENS

Table of Contents

SIEMENS Vector Group Operated Air Break Switches
Specifications
Product Usage Instructions
FAQ
Signal words
Maintenance
CONTACT
References
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SIEMENS Vector Group Operated Air Break Switches

SIEMENS-Vector-Group-Operated-Air-Break-Switches-
PRODUCT

Specifications

Manufacturer: Siemens
Product: Vector Switch
Mounting Hole Diameter : 11/16 inches
Grounding Wire Size : #2 or larger copper wire

Product Usage Instructions

Uncrating and Inspection

Inspect the Siemens Vector Switch upon uncrating for any shipping damage, including chipped insulators, bent hot parts, broken interrupters, or missing items as per the assembly drawing.

Installation

Drill two mounting holes according to customer construction standards and the Siemens Vector assembly drawing.
Install mounting bolts (not provided).
Use hoist brackets to lift the switch carefully about four feet off the ground, ensuring no damage to interrupters or hot parts.
Cut hinge ties.
Mount lightning arrestors if required by the customer.
Install extension links on the jaw side if dead end on the switch unit.
Mount the switch unit on the pole over the bolts and tighten until split washer is flattened
Ground the switch unit and lightning arrestors using #2 or larger copper wire.
Install vertical operating shaft sections and universal joints following the assembly drawing.
Remove excess pipe leaving at least one foot extending below the lock segment assembly.

FAQ

Q: What qualifications are required for handling the Siemens Vector Switch?
A: A qualified person must have skills and knowledge related to installation, construction, and operation of the equipment along with proper personal protective equipment and job planning
Q : How should I check for shipping damage during uncrating?
A : Look for chipped insulators, bent or broken hot parts, broken interrupters, and any missing items as indicated in the Vector assembly drawing.
Q: When should lightning arrestors be mounted?
A : Lightning arrestors should be mounted if required by the customer. Some customers prefer to do this during installation.

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Hazardous voltages and high-speed moving parts. Will cause death, serious injury or property damage.

Always de-energize and ground the equipment before maintenance. Read and understand this instruction manual before using the equipment. Maintenance should be performed only by qualified personnel. The use of unauthorized parts in the repair of the equipment or tampering by unqualified personnel will result in dangerous conditions that will cause death, severe injury or equipment damage. Follow all safety instructions contained herein.

Important
The information contained herein is general and not intended for specific application purposes. It does not relieve the user of the responsibility to use sound practices in the application, installation, operation, and maintenance of the equipment purchased. Siemens reserves the right to make changes in the specifications shown herein or to make improvements at any time without notice or obligation. Should a conflict arise between the general information contained in this publication and the contents of drawings or supplementary material or both, the latter shall take precedence.
Qualified person
For this instruction manual a qualified person is one who has demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the installation, construction, and operation of the equipment and the hazards involved. In addition, this person has the following qualifications:

Is trained and authorized to de-energize, clear, ground and tag circuits and equipment in accordance with established safety procedures.
Is trained in the proper care and use of protective equipment, such as: rubber gloves, hard hat, safety glasses or face shields, flash clothing, etc. in accordance with established safety practices.
Is trained in rendering first aid.

Further, a qualified person shall also be familiar with the proper use of special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulation and shielding materials, and insulated tools and test equipment. Such persons are permitted to work within a limited approach of exposed live parts operative at 50 volts or more, and shall, at a minimum, be additionally trained in all of the following:

The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed energized parts from other parts of electric equipment.
The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts.
The approach distances specified in NFPA 70E® and the corresponding voltages to which the qualified person will be exposed.
The decision-making process is necessary to determine the degree and extent of the hazard and the personal protective equipment and job planning necessary to perform the task safely.

SIEMENS-Vector-Group-Operated-Air-Break-Switches-FIG-2

Signal words

The signal words “danger,” “warning,” and “caution” used in this instruction manual indicate the degree of hazard that may be encountered by the user. These words are defined as:

Danger ‒ Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Warning ‒ Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Caution ‒ Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

Notice (without safety alert symbol) ‒ Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
Field service operation and warranty issues
Siemens can provide competent, well trained field service representatives to provide technical guidance and advisory assistance for the installation, overhaul, repair and maintenance of Siemens equipment, processes and systems. Contact regional service centers, sales offices

or the factory for details, or telephone Siemens field service at +1 800-347-6659 or
+1 423-262-5700 outside the U.S.
For medium voltage customer service issues, contact Siemens at +1 800-347-6659 or
+1 423-262-5700 outside the U.S.

CAUTION
The equipment described by this bulletin must be operated and properly maintained by qualified personnel who are thoroughly trained and who understand any and all hazards that may be involved. This bulletin is not intended to be a substitute for adequate training and experience in safety procedures for the equipment listed.

NOTE: These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations in equipment, nor to provide for every possible contingency to be met in connection with installation, operation or maintenance. Should further information be desired or should particular problems arise that are not covered sufficiently for the purchaser’s purposes, the matter should be referred to the local sales office

The contents of this instruction manual shall not become part of or modify any prior or existing agreement, commitment or relationship. The sales contract contains the entire obligation of Siemens Industry, Inc. The warranty contained in the contract between the parties is the sole warranty of Siemens Industry, Inc. Any statements contained herein do not create new warranties or modify the existing warranty.

Inspection of switch components

The crated Vector Switch system includes the following components and assemblies (See Vector assembly drawing for exact Bill of Materials (BOM)):
A completely assembled and factory-adjusted three-phase switch.
Pipe bundles including (consult BOM for exact quantities):
Vertical operating pipe, seven (7) foot long sections
Universal joint assembly (steel pipe or fibreglass)
Hardware box including (consult BOM for exact quantities):
- Pipe guide assembly
- Loc k segment assembly
- Coupling assembly
- Handle assembly
- Insulate or assembly (optional)
- Pins
- Cotter pins
Documentation package
- Vector assembly drawing
- Vector Switch unit drawing
- Installation / check-out instructions (this document)

Uncrate the Siemens Vector Switch and inspect carefully for shipping damage. Look closely for:

Insulators that are chipped, cracked, etc.
Bent and/or broken hot parts
Bent and/or broken interrupters
Any missing items. (See Vector assembly drawing for BOM.)

Installation instructions

Drill two (2) mounting holes that are 11/16″ in diameter located per customer construction standards and spaced per Siemens Vector assembly drawing.
Install the mounting bolts in the holes (mounting bolts not furnished).
Use the hoist brackets to lift the switch approximately four (4) feet off the ground. NOTE: Be very careful when handling the switch not to damage the interrupters or hot parts
Cut the hinge ties.
If lightning arrestors (supplied by the customer) are required, some customers prefer to mount and make up the arrestors at this point.
NOTE: Be very careful when lifting the switch unit not to damage the interrupters or hot parts.
Extension Links (supplied by the customer) are required on the jaw side of the switch only if dead endings on the switch unit. Some customers prefer to install the extension links at this point (see Siemens Vector assembly drawing). CAUTION
It is the customer’s responsibility to adjust arrestor brackets, arrestors, ground lead wires and “Hot” lead wires to provide proper phase to ground and phase to phase clearance.
Lift the switch unit and mount it on the pole, over the previously installed mounting bolts and tighten bolts until the split washer is flattened. Keyhole slots for this purpose have been machined in the mounting channel. Remove blade ties from all three jaw assemblies so that the switch can be operated.
Remove hoist bracket.
Ground the switch unit (and lightning arrestors if required) using #2 or larger copper wire. A grounding point (1/2-13 tapped hole) is provided in the side of the mounting bracket
(see Siemens Vector assembly drawing).
Mount pipe guides and lock segment assemblies in position per customer’s construction standard or Siemens Topper assembly drawing using one thru bolt and one lag bolt each. Tighten the thru bolt and lag bolt until the split washer is flattened.
NOTE: The pipe guides and lock segment are adjustable. Loosen the bolts such that
the pipe guides and lock segment can slide in the slots.
Install vertical operating shaft sections and universal joint as shown on Siemens Vector assembly drawing using pins, cotter keys, coupling assemblies (if required) and insulator assembly (if required). Before placing bottom shaft section in the lock segment, place the operating handle assembly loosely in position.
NOTE: Make sure that the piercing set screws are backed out all the way before sliding the handle assembly on the bottom shaft section.
Excess pipe should be removed (if required). Leave at least one (1) foot of pipe extendingbelow the lock segment assembly.

Operating handle adjustment procedure

The next series of steps concern adjusting the position of the handle assembly and lock segment assembly so that the handle can be inserted into the open and closed slot correctly.
IMPORTANT NOTE
It is extremely IMPORTANT to adjust the handle position so that it is IMPOSSIBLE to place the operating handle in the closed slot unless the switch blades are fully closed. At night and/or under severe weather conditions an operator may not be able to check the blades visually to insure that the switch is fully closed.

THEREFORE, it should take considerable wind-up of the vertical pipe to get the handle in position to force it into the closed slot. Harsh elements and/or lack of maintenance may make it more difficult to operate the switch over time, requiring more force to completely close the switch. The operator must ensure the switch is completely closed to prevent the possibility of arcing, overheating, damage, and injury.

Adjust the closed and open segments on the lock segment assembly such that
they are approximately 90°/100°°apart, with adjustment still left in the slots in each direction. Tighten down the bolts loosened in Step B.10 until the split washer is flattened.
NOTE: Before tightening bolts put the end of the ground strap from the handle assembly under the flat washer on the bolt. Leave enough slack in the ground
strap to allow the operating handle to travel fully from the open position to the close position with out any interference (see Item C.4 below).
The handle casting should be mounted about four (4) to six (6) inches above the lock segment assembly. Position the handle casting so that with the switch closed (blades tight up against the spacer), the operating handle will strike point “A” on the lock segment assembly when the operating handle is lowered (see below). This will ensure that when the switch is fully closed, it will take considerable wind-up torque to get the operating handle into the closed slot on the lock segment assembly.
Tighten the four (4) clamp bolts until the split washer is flattened. (DO NOT TIGHTEN THE PIERCING SET SCREWS YET). Open and close the switch slowly and then rapidly. Check for a smooth operation of the switch. Adjust the pipe guides for a smooth, non-binding operation and tighten down both bolts in each pipe guide assembly. Make sure that the switch can be fully opened and fully closed (blade tight up against the jaw contact spacer on all three phases).
Make sure that the switch handle will strike point “A” of the lock segment assembly and that considerable wind-up torque is needed to get the switch operating handle into the closed slot of the lock segment assembly.
If needed, reposition the handle casting by loosening and retightening the four (4) clamp bolts, until the operation of the switch meets the requirements explained in steps C.3, C.4 and C.5. Adjustments may also be made by moving the lock segment assembly
After the handle casting is in the final, properly adjusted position, make sure the four (4) clamp bolts are fully tightened until the split washer is flattened. Then tighten both piercing set screws until each set screw pierces through the wall of the pipe.
NOTE: When tightening these set screws, the resistance will keep increasing and then drop off sharply when the pipe is pierced. Fully tighten the set screws until the shoulder of the set screw is firmly seated against the pipe.
The set screws help to ensure that when the switch handle is thrown open or closed, the vertical pipe will definitely rotate along with the handle.
Ground the lock segment/handle assembly to the pole ground using a #2 or larger copper wire (see below).

Operational check-out instructions

SWITCHES ARE FULLY ADJUSTED AND INSPECTED before they leave the factory. There should not be any need to adjust the switch unit.
Check the rotation of the hinge terminals. They should rotate approximately 180° with slight resistance.
The following checks should be performed on all three phases, independently, to verify proper operation of the switch and interrupters. This will be done manually.
Close the switch fully and lock the operating handle into the close position of the lock segment. Bounce the blade toward the open position. The blade should stay tight up against the stop. If the blade does not stay up against the stop, readjust the handle/lock segment assembly per Section C (above).
With the switch still fully closed and the interrupter cocked (set to trip), the lever should stick above the nylon bumper at least 1/8″. There should be no metal-to-metal contact between the interrupter’s lever and the contactor. The lever should rest i the air gap as shown below. Raise the interrupter lever and make sure the lever clears without touching any metal.
Slowly open the switch and be sure that the following operations occur:

  * As the blade opens, the bottom of the blade touches the auxiliary contacts before the blade leaves the main contacts (see Figure 1 below). This transfers the load from the main contacts to the auxiliary contacts. As the switch continues to open, the main contacts will part and no longer carry the load, while the auxiliary contacts carry the full load (see Figure 2 below).![SIEMENS-Vector-Group-Operated-Air-Break-Switches-FIG-18](https://manuals.plus/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SIEMENS-Vector-Group-Operated-Air-Break-Switches-FIG-18.png)
  * As the blade continues to rotate open, the interrupter lever must make full metal- to-metal contact with the contactor. At this point the load then transfers from the auxiliary contacts to the interrupter’s lever arm so that the interrupter now carries the full load
  * As the blade continues to rotate open, the interrupter will trip thus interrupting the load. The interrupter must trip while the lever arm is in metal-to-metal contact with the contactor. The interrupter should trip (fire) before the contactor gets within 1/2″ to 3/4″ of the end of the lever.![SIEMENS-Vector-Group-Operated-Air-Break-Switches-FIG-0](https://manuals.plus/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SIEMENS-Vector-Group-Operated-Air-Break-Switches-FIG-0.png)
  * Continue to open switch until the interrupter lever has cleared the end of the nylon push bar of the contactor assembly. Once the lever has cleared the push bar, the lever will spring back slightly. This allows the nylon bumper of the contactor assembly to engage the lever and lift the lever into position, when the switch is being closed. Open the switch fully.

Now, close the switch slowly. The following operations and checks should be made
- As the blade rotates closed the push bar must pick up the lever at least 1/2″ from the end of the lever
- Continue to close the blade, when the lever is at 90°to the interrupter, the push bar should be at least 1/2″ from the side of the connecting rod. At no time during the closing of the switch should the push bar touch the connecting rod.
- Close the switch completely and make sure that the interrupter resets (cocks) for the next opening operation.
- In the fully closed position, the lever should rest on the bumper, and stick above the bumper at least 1/8″.
- These adjustment checks should be repeated on each independent switch blade/phase.
The switch is now ready for installation of the conductors.

Maintenance

Periodically operate the switch and check for actions described in Section D. Lubricate the jaw, auxiliary contacts and the end of the blade with factory approved grease.
With the handle in the closed position of the lock segment, verify that the switch is fully closed and there is wind-up torque on the operating pipe. If not, readjust the operating handle and/or the lock segments (per Section C).
Refer to ANSI C37.35 for additional recommendations. C37.35 is “IEEE Guide for the Application, Installation, Operation and Maintenance of High-Voltage Air Disconnecting and Load Interrupter Switches.”

Disposal
Siemens equipment is environmentally friendly product predominantly consisting of recyclable materials. For disposal, some disassembly, separation, and professional services handling may be required. Materials to be handled include but are not limited to:

Metals: Should be transferred and recycled as mixed scrap metals.
Plastics: Plastic containing a recycle symbol should be recycled. Plastic lacking the recycle symbol should be discarded as industrial waste.
Small electronics, insulated cables, and motors: Should be recycled via electronics scrap disposal companies specialized in separating and sorting as described above.
Batteries: Should be recycled via a recycling company.

Disposal regulations vary from locality to locality and may be modified over time. Specific regulations and guidelines should be verified at the time of waste processing to ensure that current requirements are being fulfilled. For specific assistance in understanding and applying regional regulations and policies or manufacturer’s recommendations, refer to the local Siemens service representative for additional information.

WARNING

Stored energy. Can cause death, serious injury, or property damage.
Mechanisms contain stored energy, which may be released during disassembly.
Wear suitable protection and take appropriate precautions when disconnecting and removing moving parts.

WARNING

Heavy objects. Can cause death or serious injury.
Disassembly may cause an unbalanced load, and could result in falling objects. Take appropriate precautions in a properly designated workspace to maxmize support and stability.

This document contains a general description of available technical options only, and its effectiveness will be subject to specific variables including field conditions and project parameters. Siemens does not make representations, warranties, or assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the content contained herein. Siemens reserves the right to modify the technology and product specifications in its sole discretion without advance notice.