SWITCHGEAR AND PROTECTION

L17-L19
Isolator, Earthing Switch
Operating Mechanism of CB
Switchgear
GIS
Dr. H.V. Gururaja Rao
Associate Professor
Department of E&EE
MIT, MAHE, Manipal

29-Feb-24 Switchgear and Protection 1

Isolators and Earthing Switches
Isolator
• Isolator: Disconnecting switch (3 pole isolators) connected on the supply side of the
circuit breaker.
• Used to isolate the circuit breaker and other equipments from live parts for the purpose of
maintenance.
• While opening the circuit, CB is opened first and then the isolator; While closing a circuit,
isolator is closed first and then the CB.
• Isolators are intended to operate under no load condition.
• They do not have any specified breaking or making capacity.
• They have the same rated voltage, normal current and short time current as that of the CB
in series with it.
• Interlockings to prevent maloperation:
i) Interlocking between 3 poles (for simultaneous operation) .
ii) Interlocking with CB (Isolator cannot be opened until CB is opened and CB cannot
be closed until isolator is closed).
One line diagram of connection of isolator and Earthing Switch
Earthing switch
• Normally provided on the frame of the line side isolator; Connected between line and earth.
• Normally in open position.
• In EHV/UHV systems, even after isolator is opened (line is disconnected), line may be left with
sufficient voltage (charge) due to capacitance between line and earth.
• Before proceeding with the maintenance work, earthing switch is closed to discharge these
voltages to earth.
❖Sequence of operation :
➢While opening a circuit:
i) Open the CB
ii) Open the isolator
iii) Close the earthing switch.
➢While closing a circuit:
i) Open the earthing switch.
ii) Close the isolator.
iii) Close the CB.
Types of Switchgear
❖Based on place of installation
• Indoor switchgear: Installed inside a building.
• Outdoor switchgear: Installed under the open sky.
• Below 33kV, normally switchgear equipment (CB, CT, PT, isolator etc.) are installed
indoor as the phase to phase and phase to ground clearances required are less.
• Above 33kV, Normally SG equipments are installed outdoor, since large clearances
are required.
• Indoor SG are also used in industrial plants like steel, chemical, textile, petrochemical
etc.
Types of Indoor SG
• Stationary cubicle type: Components occupy fixed positions.
• Draw out type: CB and some other components are installed on a carriage which
can be pulled out to provide isolation.
• Metal clad type: Components arranged in separate compartments with metal
enclosures.
• Compound filled type: Components are enclosed in metal enclosures filled with
SF6 or vacuum.
Metal clad or Metal enclosed SG (Indoor)
• Generally factory assembled and unit type.
• Each unit has horizontal busbars of std. length.
• Required number of units assembled in a line.
• Busbars enclosed in busbar chambers.
• Bus sections of neighboring units connected by copper or Al. links.
• All components enclosed in sheet metal or cast iron enclosures.
• Normally of draw out type. (CB and some other components mounted on a withdrawable carriage).
• After opening the CB contacts, CB can be drawn out to isolate the CB.
• Main components: Busbars, CBs, CTs, PTs, Isolators, Cable terminations, Instrument chamber,
Earthing switch, Indicators etc.
Compound filled SG( SF6 or Vacuum)
• Also called Gas Insulated Substation(GIS).
• Preferred for voltages above 66kV.
• Various equipments like CB, Busbars, Isolators, Load break switches, CT, PT etc. housed
in separate metal enclosed modules filled with SF6 gas.
• SF6 gas provides phase to ground insulation.
• Dielectric strength of SF6 gas is higher than air.
• Smaller clearances are sufficient.
• Size of individual equipment and hence of the complete substation is greatly reduced.
Compound filled SG( SF6 or Vacuum)
❖Advantages:
• Compact: Occupies about 10% of the space of that of a conventional outdoor substation of same
rating.
• Dust, Pollution etc. have very little effect.
• Installation time required is less.
❖Disadvantages :
• Separate building is required.
• High cost of installation
• Presence of moisture can create problems.
• Leakage of SF6 gas.
• Time required for repair is more.
• Adequate stock of gas must be maintained.
Operating mechanisms
❖Functions:
• Provide means to close the CB rapidly at all currents from zero to rated making current.
• Hold the CB in closed position, till a trip signal is received.
• Open the CB immediately on receiving trip signal, at all currents from zero to rated breaking current.
• Perform autoreclosure cycle (if necessary).
• Perform other related functions like indication and control.
❖Types:
• Spring operated.
• Solenoid operated.
• Pneumatic mechanism.
• Hydraulic mechanism.
• Suitable combination of the above.
Comparision
➢Springs are very good for opening since their force is large in the beginning
➢Springs are not very suitable for closing since the force gradually decreases and less force is available at the time of
closing
➢Solenoids are good for closing operation since force increases and high force is available at the time of closing. They
are not suitable for opening since less force is available initially.
➢Compressed air is suitable for both closing and opening since force remains constant.
Miniature Circuit Breakers(MCBs)
❖Provide overload and short circuit protection.
❖Faster and more reliable than a fuse.
❖Rewiring not required after every operation.
❖Can be made to operate even for slight over load conditions.
❖Arc splitters are used for higher current ratings to quickly extinguish the arc.
Uses / applications:
❖Extensively used in low voltage applications like homes, shops, offices, small industries
for protecting lighting loads, electric heaters, air conditioners, motors etc.