Type CAP

CapSwitcher®
Capacitor Switching Device

15.5 kV – 38 kV

INSTALLATION &

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL
 Safety Information

DANGER

THE EQUIPMENT COVERED IN THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE HANDLED, INSTALLED, AND

MAINTAINED BY TRAINED PERSONNEL ONLY. IMPROPER HANDLING, INSTALLATION,
OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE OF THIS EQUIPMENT MAY CAUSE IMMEDIATE HAZARDS WHICH
WILL LIKELY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONNEL INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING

The equipment covered by this publication must be handled, installed, operated and maintained by
qualified persons who understand any hazards involved and are thoroughly trained in the handling,
installation, operation and maintenance of high voltage transmission and distribution equipment. These
instructions are meant for only such qualified persons. They are not intended to be a substitute for
adequate training and experience in safety procedures for this type of equipment.

A qualified person is one who is trained in and has skills necessary:

 to distinguish between energized and non energized parts

 to determine proper approach distances to energized parts
 to determine proper approach to energized or de-energized equipment that may be pressurized
with gas
 proper use of personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, insulated tools
for working near energized and /or pressurized electrical equipment
 Knowledge of special purpose equipment that may be unbalanced, pressurized or may have
other special attributes that require precautions in handling, installation, operation and
maintenance

The instructions in this manual are general guidelines for this type of equipment and not specific to the
equipment supplied. Portions of it may not be applicable or may not have complete instructions for your
specific equipment. If you do not understand any part of these instructions or need assistance, contact
Southern States Service Division at 770-946-4562.
 Page II

The Quality Name in High Voltage Switching

Type CAP
CapSwitcher®
15.5 kV – 38 kV
 Page III

Table of Contents
Chapter Page
List of Tables and Figures ................................................................................................................................... IV
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
Ratings .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Receiving .............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Storage .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Description ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
Interrupter .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Control System ................................................................................................................................................ 10
SF6 Gas Handling Procedures ............................................................................................................................ 13
Description of SF6 Gas........................................................................................................................................ 13
Environmental and Handling Warnings ........................................................................................................... 13
Arc Decomposition By-Products ...................................................................................................................... 13
Corrosive Effects of SF6 By-Products ............................................................................................................. 13
How to read the SF6 Density Gauge ............................................................................................................... 14
Procedures For SF6 Gas Handling ................................................................................................................. 15
Installation & Adjustment .................................................................................................................................... 16
Installation Check: ........................................................................................................................................... 18
Post-Installation Testing .................................................................................................................................. 19
Itemized Installation Checklist ......................................................................................................................... 20
Recommended Inspection and Maintenance ..................................................................................................... 23
Patrolling Inspection (6 Months) ...................................................................................................................... 24
Routine Inspection and Maintenance (5 year or 2000 operations) ................................................................ 24
Periodic Inspection and Maintenance (10 year or 5,000 operations)............................................................. 24

Important
The information contained herein is general in nature and not intended for specific application purposes. It
does not relieve the user of responsibility to use sound practices in application, installation, operation, and
maintenance of the equipment purchased. Southern States reserves the right to make changes in the
specifications shown herein or to make improvements at any time without notice or obligations. 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.
 Page IV

List of Tables and Figures

List of Tables and Figures

Tables Page
Table 1: Ratings Table .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Table 2: Cable Pin Out ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Table 3: Recommended Installation and Maintenance Table ............................................................................ 23

Figures Page
Figure 1: CapSwitcher® - (Typical Construction) ............................................................................................. 4
Figure 2: Interrupter Operating Sequence ............................................................................................................ 5
Figure 3: Operating Mechanism ............................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 4: Manual Release Button ......................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 5: Limit Switch and Trip Arm ...................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 6: Close Solenoid with Close Arm ............................................................................................................. 8
Figure 7: Slow Close Prevention Mechanism ....................................................................................................... 9
Figure 8: Typical Unit Control Setup ................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 9: Control Circuit and Auxiliary Contacts (Typical) .................................................................................. 12
Figure 10: Heater Circuit ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Figure 11: Gauge Face ....................................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 12: Typical Installation Diagram............................................................................................................... 17

Summary
These instructions do not intend to cover all details or variations in equipment, or provide for every
possible contingency to be met in connection with installation, operation or maintenance. Should
information be desired or should particular problems arise which are not covered sufficiently for the
purchaser’s purposes, the matter should be referred to the local Southern States Representative.

The contents of this instruction manual should not become part of or modify any prior or existing
agreement, commitment or relationship. The sales contract contains the entire obligation of Southern
States. The Warranty contained in the contract between the parties is the sole warranty of Southern
States. Any statements contained herein do not create new warranties or modify the existing warranty.
 Page 1 of 24

Introduction

Introduction
The Southern States Type CAP CapSwitcher® is an outdoor three-phase interrupter device that provides
excellent capacitor switching capabilities. The interrupter is an SF 6 thermal puffer type. During tripping the
gas within the puffer is compressed by the piston and blown at the arc to extinguish it. The mechanism is a
low maintenance spring/spring motor charged mechanism. The key feature of this design is that it is available
with a closing resistor.

A standard package consists of:

 3 phase SF6 gas CapSwitcher®
 Side mounting brackets
 Aluminum terminal Pads
 2 Grounding mounts
The instructions contained within this manual are necessary for the safe installation, maintenance, and
operation of the CapSwitcher®. A qualified person, familiar with this of type equipment, should carefully read
and follow the instructions.
These instructions are intended to provide a general guideline for the installation, adjustment, and
maintenance of the CapSwitcher®. It is not possible to cover all details, equipment variations, and potential
conditions. Contact Southern States, LLC in the event conditions associated with a specific application are not
sufficiently addressed.
Distinctive signal words are used to indicate the degree of hazard that may be encountered by the user.
Identification of the signal words and their definition follow:

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will result in

death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in

death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in

minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
 Page 2 of 24

Ratings

Ratings
Table 1: Ratings Table
Ratings: CapSwitcher®
Maximum Voltage 15.5 kV 27 kV 38.0 kV
Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage
110 150 200
(BIL)
Frequency 50/60 Hz
Continuous Current 600 A
Shunt Capacitor Bank Switching 600 A
Current
Back-To-Back Capacitor Bank 600 A
Breaking Current:
Peak Capacitive Inrush Current: 42 kA @ 8100 Hz
Short-Time Withstand Current and
40 kA
Short-Circuit Making Current
Duty Cycle (see text below) 10 sec - CO
Operating pressure @20ºC 52 psig nom, 32 psig min
Operations 10,000

Normal service conditions:

 The maximum ambient air temperature range is +122ºF (+50ºC) to –58ºF (–50ºC).
 The maximum altitude is (3280 ft) 1000 m.
 The maximum wind velocity should not exceed 90 mph (40 m/s).
 The seismic performance is Low Performance Level as defined in IEEE 693.
Higher service conditions are available and will be stated in other documents associated with the specific
switcher purchase.
The CapSwitcher® is applied as a circuit switcher for capacitor switching application. It is designed and
rated to close into a discharged bank. It is generally accepted practice that there should be a 5 minute delay
between opening a capacitor bank and closing back to allow it to discharge. The standard duty cycle is
10 sec - CO with the following details:
 A 5 min delay should be observed to allow the capacitor bank to discharge before closing.
 This rating is based on closing into no more than two faults per hour.
 For capacitor switching operations not involving faults one operation every 5 minutes (12 per hour) is
permitted.
 For no load operations, during installation and testing, the frequency of user operation can be
increased, but shall not exceed 20 operations in 10 min or 30 operations in 1 hr.
Please note that the CapSwitcher® is a definite purpose device. It is designed and rated for capacitor
switching only. It was not designed or tested for line protection, transformer protection or reactor switching.
 Page 3 of 24

Receiving and Storage

Receiving
Interrupter housings contain pressurized SF6 gas. Do not strike, shock, strain
or in any way damage the equipment. Such damage may cause the interrupter to rupture.
Improper handling may result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.

The horizontal frame with interrupters center of gravity is above the lifting
eyes. Follow instructions in this book for lifting. Use caution when handling to avoid personal
injury or equipment damage.

SF6 gas is heavier than air. Do not get caught in a low area with SF 6 gas
present. The SF6 can displace the oxygen. Death by suffocation is possible.

Unpack equipment and check for damage and parts shortage. Unit Assembly and Operating Mechanism
drawing bill-of-material should be used for this purpose. If damage or shortage is noted, file a claim with the
carrier immediately and notify the factory.

Storage
All components of the CapSwitcher® are suitable for outdoor use. The storage requirements are listed
below:
 Inspect all packing material thoroughly prior to handling after storage.
 Protect unit from being immersed in water.
 Connect the cabinet heaters to appropriate supply to protect the mechanism and control circuit
components from corrosion. (Failure to do so can void the warranty.)
 The gas system is sealed at the factory and filled with a positive pressure of dry SF 6 gas. Ensure that
the interrupters remain sealed and filled with 52 psig dry SF6 gas at all times. Do not allow moisture or
dust to enter the gas system. The internal resistors will absorb moisture if exposed to the atmosphere
for more than one hour. Contact factory if the resistors have been exposed for more than one hour.
 The mechanism is shipped and should be stored with the close and open springs discharged. This
requirement is for the safety of personnel in handling the CapSwitcher® while in storage and
subsequent installation.
 Page 4 of 24

Description

Description
The CapSwitcher® is a three-phase device with a common spring mechanism and three single break SF 6
interrupters designed specifically to switch capacitor banks. When transient suppression is required each
interrupter is available with an internal closing resistor to suppress switching transients on the electrical
system.

Figure 1: CapSwitcher® - (Typical Construction)

Note: Please refer to customer drawings for specific construction details.

Interrupter
The interrupter is an SF6 puffer design. It has been designed specifically for capacitor switching duty. The
contact structure is robust and designed for many low current switching operations.
The closing resistor is made of a stack of carbon block resistors. Spring force holds the resistor disks
together. There are no user serviceable parts in this assembly. If there is a problem in this assembly
contact the factory.
 Page 5 of 24

Description
The CapSwitcher® utilizes composite insulators. These insulators require very little maintenance. They
are naturally hydrophobic and generally do not need to be washed.
A brief pictorial description of the interrupter operation is shown in Figure 2.

Open contacts

Resistor contacts
touch first on closing,
pre-inserting the
resistor

Main contacts touch last

on closing

Resistor contacts open first

and main contacts open last
on opening

Figure 2: Interrupter Operating Sequence

 Page 6 of 24

Description

Operating Mechanism
There are also several distinct sounds during operation which can be
mistaken as the unit closing. Always check the position indicator to see if
the unit has finished closing.

The operating mechanism is a traditional circuit breaker type spring/spring mechanism. It is shipped with
both springs discharged. A motor is used to charge both springs by a cam mechanism. The charge motor
is turned off when the interrupter closes and the cam is in a safe position. Energizing the open solenoid
discharges the opening spring. Discharging the open spring opens the contacts and readies the
mechanism for another cycle.
Immediately upon completion of the closing operation the mechanism is ready to open the interrupters.
There are no user serviceable parts in the mechanism. Side covers can be removed for viewing the
operation counter and for visual inspection of the mechanism. For manual operation there is a manual
release button for interrupter opening. There is no manual charging port. If the CapSwitcher® will not
charge the springs and close, contact the factory for service.

Mechanism Operation
The open and close springs for the mechanism are charged by a single motor. Sending the close signal to
the unit will start the motor, which turns a cam. The cam operates against a charging tube, which
compresses both springs at the same time. The closing latch, which is at the end of the mechanism
attached to the linkage, holds the closing spring until the mechanism is finished charging. The opening
latch, which is located at the opposite end of the mechanism from the closing latch, only closes once the
unit is finished charging.

Once the unit is completely charged, the close arm trigger will operate the close latch via a long rod. This
allows only the closing spring to discharge, closing the mechanism. The opening spring remains charged
until the opening solenoid is fired, moving the open latch out of the way and allowing the open spring to
discharge and open the unit.
 Page 7 of 24

Description

Trip
Solenoid Motor and Open Spring
Gearbox (Outer) Close Latch
Main Link
Close Spring Assembly
(Inner)

Figure 3: Operating Mechanism

Manual Operation
This CapSwitcher® has no manual charging mechanism. If the CapSwitcher® will not charge and
close, contact the factory for service.
This CapSwitcher® does have a manual open button located on the underside of the mechanism.
Pressing this button while the opening spring is charged will discharge the spring and open the contacts.
The button may require a significant amount of force to operate, so the button is designed to withstand
blows from hooksticks and hammers. There is a mechanical block to prevent operation of the manual open
while the cam is in an unsafe position.

Figure 4: Manual Release Button

 Page 8 of 24

Description

Solenoid Close Option

The solenoid close option on the 38kv CapSwitcher® uses a solenoid rather than the motor to close the
CapSwitcher®. This option allows the CapSwitcher® to be closed quickly and reliably whenever the user
desires.

Description
The solenoid close option uses a solenoid mounted to the spring mechanism to pull on the closing rod. A limit
switch is mounted on the charging mechanism to stop the motor in a safe position. These are the two
mechanical changes made to the CapSwitcher®. The remainder of the parts and their functions remain
unchanged. The images below illustrate these changes.

Figure 5: Limit Switch and Trip Arm

Figure 6: Close Solenoid with Close Arm

 Page 9 of 24

Description

Slow Close Prevention Mechanism

The 38kV CapSwitcher® includes a slow close prevention mechanism. This prevents the CapSwitcher®
from partially or slowly closing. If there is an issue, a latch will prevent the mechanism from closing far enough
to start an arc within the interrupter.

The slow close prevention mechanism uses a sacrificial tab to actuate the slow close prevention latch. This
mounts to the top of the charging plate in the spring mechanism and activates a pushrod that rotates the slow
close prevention latch once the charging springs are fully charged. In the event of a close latch failure, the tab
will deform, the latch will stay in place, and the interrupter linkage will not be able to close. Once the tab is
deformed, the CapSwitcher® will no longer operate and must be removed from service. If a deformed tab is
encountered, please contact Southern States. Only a qualified Southern States service rep is qualified to
repair a CapSwitcher® with a deformed tab.

Slow Close Prevention Tab

Figure 7: Tab in Normal Operation (Left), Deformed Tab (Right)

Attempts to bend the tab back to operate the CapSwitcher will not fix
the mechanism, and could cause the interrupters to short to ground and vent gas.
Bending the tab back to the non-bent state will void the warranty.
 Page 10 of 24

Description

Control System
Note: The following is a description of the basic control circuit provided by Southern States. Due to
variations in customer specifications there may be differences in any given circuit. Please see
schematics provided with the product to fully and accurately understand the control system on any given
CapSwitcher®.
The CapSwitcher® comes with a cable with which to connect the unit to a junction box. This junction box
can be supplied by Southern States if one is not available. The connector end of the cable plugs into the
CapSwitcher® while the other end of the cable is loose, allowing the wires to be landed on the terminal
block at the junction box. The typical setup is shown in Figure 7. The cable pin out is shown in Table 2.
When the CapSwitcher® is shipped both springs are discharged and the CapSwitcher® is in the open
position, and relays are shown in the state shown in Figure 8.
When signal voltage is applied from the remote close, the motor control relay (MCR) closes, supplying
voltage to the motor. The circuit also applies voltage to the MCR, keeping it closed until the motor is
finished charging and the CapSwitcher® closes. When the mechanism closes, contact 52b opens,
turning off the MCR and charging motor.
When the CapSwitcher® is in the closed position contact 52a closes, allowing the trip coil to receive a
control signal. The trip coil will not operate unless the CapSwitcher® is in the closed position.

CapSwitcher®

Cable

Junction Box

Figure 8: Typical Unit Control Setup

 Page 11 of 24

Description

Table 2: Cable Pin Out

 Page 12 of 24

Description

Figure 9: Control Circuit (Typical)

Figure 10: Heater Circuit

 Page 13 of 24

Installation & Adjustment

SF6 Gas Handling Procedures

Description of SF6 Gas

SF6, sulfur hexafluoride, is a colorless, odorless and chemically very stable gas. The SF6 provides the
dielectric insulation across the interrupter gap and it provides the means to interrupt current.
The performance of SF6 gas is based on the density of the gas not the pressure. As the temperature
drops so will the pressure, but the interrupter will continue to function normally.

Environmental and Handling Warnings

SF6 has been determined to be a greenhouse gas but not an ozone depleting gas. All users should
minimize emissions to the atmosphere.

Arc Decomposition By-Products

During current interruption the SF6 gas in the arc is exposed to very high temperatures. Under these
conditions SF6 breaks down into its various by products and combines with metals in the interrupter
to create various gaseous and solid by-products.
The solid by-products deposit on the inside of the interrupter as a white powder. This white powder
will not cause any problems with the internals of the interrupter as long as the unit is dry, sealed,
pressurized, and contains adsorbent.

Corrosive Effects of SF6 By-Products

SF6 in its pure dry form is chemically very stable and causes no corrosion. When the by-products
come into contact with moisture, corrosive compounds can form. The CapSwitcher® has
adsorbent in the gas volume to keep the gas dry; therefore, these corrosive effects are not an issue
for units as delivered to the field.
Opening the interrupters exposes the by-products to moisture. It is necessary to remove the by-
products. The by-products can be neutralized with an alkaline solution of lime (Ca(OH) 2), Sodium
Carbonate (Na2CO3) or Sodium Bicarbonate (Na HCO3).
If a unit requires service then follow on page 14,Procedures for SF6 Gas Handling.

SF6 is heavier than air. Do not get caught in a low area with SF 6 gas
present. The SF6 gas can displace the oxygen. Death by suffocation is possible.
 Page 14 of 24

Installation & Adjustment

How to read the SF6 Density Gauge

The standard gauge on the CapSwitcher® is a temperature compensated pressure gauge. The
temperature compensated pressure gauge displays a constant pressure reading over the ambient
temperature range of the switcher.
 The GREEN zone signifies that there is adequate pressure for the CapSwitcher® to
function properly.
 The RED zone indicates that there is not sufficient gas in the unit for proper performance.
The unit should be taken out of service, inspected for leaks, and refilled with SF 6 gas; see
Procedures for SF6 Gas Handling in the next section.

RED GREEN
(0 – 32 psi) (32 – 80 psi)

NORMAL OPERTAING PRESSURES:

Fill Pressure: 52 psig

Minimum Pressure: 32 psig

Figure 11: Gauge Face

 Page 15 of 24

Installation & Adjustment

Procedures for SF6 Gas Handling

NOTE: The CapSwitcher® is shipped with 52 psig of dry SF6 Gas. If the CapSwitcher® arrives with the
proper pressure of SF6 gas, do not remove gas or vacuum evacuate.

Removal of SF6 Gas

If it is necessary in the life of the product to remove the gas please use a gas removal system
specially designed for SF6 collection. Companies like Dilo, Enervac, Cryoquip and others make
these gas carts. These carts will remove the gas, filter it through various media and compress it
for storage in various containers.
The CapSwitcher® is typically provided with a Dilo type series quick disconnect. Please
contact Southern States, LLC for the necessary connector.

Replacing the SF6 Gas: Evacuate and Fill

This only applies if the gas system has been opened to the atmosphere. For the SF6 to
have maximum electrical properties it needs to be pure. To accomplish this the gas system must
be evacuated before filling with SF6.
 Evacuate
o Remove the density monitor from the interrupter.
NOTE: Use two wrenches, one on the density monitor to loosen it and one on the fill port to
hold it tight.
o Evacuate the gas system through the coupling using a vacuum pump.
o Pull vacuum down to below 1 torr and hold for 15 min. Be careful not to turn off
the pump before closing the valve between the vessel and the vacuum pump. If
the valve is not closed first the vacuum in the gas system can pull the oil out of
the vacuum pump into the CapSwitcher®
 Before filling please be sure that the fill hose is filled with SF6 gas. This is accomplished
by bleeding a little gas from the bottle through the hose before opening the valve to the
gas system.

Filling Unit With Gas

 Fill pressure: 52 psig @+20C(+68F).
 Quantity of gas required is 0.63 lb per interrupter or 1.9 lbs per three-phase unit.
 Use only high quality SF6 per Specification:
Assay WT.% 99.9% Min
Limits of Impurities
Dew Point* -32C (-25F) {300 PPM}
Air as Nitrogen, WT. % 0.1 Maximum

Leak Detection Methods

If a leak is suspected there are various ways of discovering it.
 Pressure gauge dropping over time. This is the easiest method of detecting a leak. The
only drawback is that it takes time and does not locate the leak.
 Page 16 of 24

Installation & Adjustment

 Bubble Test using a liquid soap. This is a very good method for locating the position of a
leak.
 Halogen detectors. Common halogen detectors as used for Freon will detect SF 6 leaks.
 SF6 detectors can detect leaks down to below one part per million.

Installation & Adjustment

The CapSwitcher® is shipped from the Southern States factory fully adjusted and ready for
installation.
The CapSwitcher® is shipped with the intent to minimize gas handling during installation. During
assembly, do not open the gas valves or discharge all of the gas to the atmosphere. The interrupters
are attached to the horizontal frame at the factory and shipped with 52 psig of SF6 gas.

Be careful when lifting the CapSwitcher®. Tie the lifting straps as shown to
keep the assembly from falling over, see Figure 11.

Never lift the assembly by the insulators.

Mechanism, Interrupters and Horizontal Frame Assembly: Typically the

CapSwitcher® is provided with the interrupters assembled to the horizontal frame and the
horizontal frame assembled to the mechanism. If this is the case, lift the entire assembly by the
four lifting eyes on the horizontal frame as shown in Figure 11.

After the CapSwitcher® is installed on the foundation and all of the mounting bolts are secure,
remove the shipping 2X4’s from the terminal pads. Do not throw away the terminal pads because
they are to be used later in the installation.
 Page 17 of 24

Installation & Adjustment

Ensure that the lifting straps go around the shipping braces (2x4’s) to keep the
Horizontal Frame with Interrupters from flipping over during installation.
The center of gravity of the unit is well above the lifting lugs.

Figure 12: Typical Installation Diagram

 Page 18 of 24

Installation & Adjustment

Do not adjust any of the linkage lengths. This adjustment is to be

done by factory authorized personnel only.

Installation Check:
 Connect the substation grounds to the provided grounding lugs on the mechanism box.
 The terminal pads can be installed on either side of the insulator. To install the terminal pads
apply NO-OX-ID A to the terminal pads and brush through the grease with a stainless steel
brush. Install the terminal pads in the desired position with the supplied fasteners.

Be sure that there is only one terminal pad on the same level on each
interrupter. The interrupter is between the top and middle flange. Failure to do this will short
circuit the interrupter.

 Ensure that all knife switches or fuses or circuit breakers are in the OPEN position before
connecting control wiring.
 Connect control wiring.
o Check wiring
o Check polarity of the AC and DC supply lines
 Ensure that the local - remote switch is in the local position.
 Page 19 of 24

Installation & Adjustment

Post-Installation Testing
Once installation is complete per preceding instructions installation testing should be conducted.
Please see the next section for the Installation Check-List.

The CapSwitcher® must be de-energized, isolated and grounded when

performing this inspection. This test will cause the CapSwitcher® to open and it will
render the CapSwitcher® unable to operate, trip or close during this test program

A. Substation Information: Record data about the location.

B. Record the ratings of the CapSwitcher® being sure to include the resistor value.
C. Receiving Inspection: Check for damages or shortages.
D. Record the initial condition of the CapSwitcher®.
E. CapSwitcher® Operational Test. This test can be performed with or without motion
analyzing equipment.
E.1. Test for the close, C, and open, O, function by operating the close and open switches
separately, these can be electrical buttons or a pistol grip switch.
E.2. To test C-O the CapSwitcher® must be in the open position. Operate the close and
open switches one after the other.
E.3. For the O-C test the CapSwitcher® must be in the closed position. Operate the open
and close switches one after the other.

F. Contact Resistance Check: The contact resistance test should be performed. Note: If readings
are abnormal, check the terminal pad connections to ensure that the connection is not adding
any additional resistance. Ensure that No-Ox ID A was used in making the joint.
G. Perform SF6 leak tests per the SF6 section of this instruction book.
H. After performing the above tests (E-G) record the final reading on the mechanical counter and
apply touch up paint if required.
 Page 20 of 24

Installation & Adjustment

CapSwitcher®
Itemized Installation Checklist
Date of Installation: ____________________
A. Substation Information:
Location:

Address: City: State:

B. CapSwitcher® Ratings Information:

System Voltage kV
Closing Resistor Value Ω
Control Voltage
Heater Voltage
Operating pressure @20ºC 52 psig nom, 32 psig min
C. Receiving Inspections: Check for damage or shortages
Material Comments

Insulators

Horizontal Base Frame

Control Cabinet

Support Column

Spare Parts Box

Other
D. Column Checks
Item Done ()
a. Switcher is installed on level columns
b. Foundation bolts secured
c. Ground leads secured to ground pads
 Page 21 of 24

Installation & Adjustment

E. Record:

Record Initial Mechanical Operation Counter Number:

Ambient Air Temperature: °F / °C

SF6 GAUGE (Temperature Compensated Pressure): psig

F. Cabinet Check:
Item Done ()

Inspect Field Wiring

Cabinet Wiring Secure

Check that all Mechanical Links Secure

Note any parts on the floor of the cabinet.

Are they important?

Inspect Mechanism for loose parts

Heaters, are they energized? And/or do the

thermostats work?

H. Operational Tests
PASS
TESTS YES/NO Comments
C
O

I. Contact Resistance Check

POLE 1 POLE 2 POLE 3

Contact Resistance
(Less than 100 μΩ):
 Page 22 of 24

Installation & Adjustment

J. SF6 Leak Checks

Leak YES/NO Comments

SF6 Gauge
Insulator
Rupture Disk

K. SF6 Moisture Levels (Optional) (less than 300 ppm): Level _______________ ppm

Record Final Mechanical

Date:
Operations Counter:

TOUCH UP PAINT AND W EATHER SEALANT Date:

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

INSPECTION DATE OF W ITNESS

BY: INSPECTION: SIGNATURE:
 Page 23 of 24

Recommended Inspection and Maintenance

Recommended Inspection and Maintenance

The CapSwitcher® has been designed to operate with no maintenance. There are no lubrication points.
Periodic inspection is important for satisfactory operation. Frequency of inspection and maintenance depends
on the installation site, weather and atmospheric conditions, experience of operating personnel and special
operation requirements.

Table 3: Recommended Installation and Maintenance Table

Installation Patrolling Routine Periodic
Tests Inspection 5 Year or 10 Year or
6 month 2000 Operations 5,000 Operations

Record Mechanism Counter X X X X

Gas Pressure X X X X
Ambient Temperature X X X X
Insulators Contamination X X X X
Damage X X X X
Cabinet Any loose parts on the floor of the X X X X
cabinet?
Wiring Secure X X X X
Links Secure X X X X
Inspect Mechanism for loose parts X X X X
Heaters Energized X X X X
Mechanical Operational Tests X X X
Electrical Contact Resistance X X X
SF6 SF6 Leak Checks X X X
Moisture Level Optional X X
Check Gauge X X X
Touch up Paint and Weather Sealant X X X
Mechanism Inspect Trip Latch assembly X X
Inspect Close Latch assembly X X
Interrupter Inspect SF6 seal for leaks X
Inspection
Measure Contact Resistance X
Mechanical Timing Tests* X

*: These inspections must be completed by a trained Southern States Representative.

Patrolling Inspection (6 Months)
The patrolling inspection is a largely visual inspection on an energized unit in service. The frequency of the
inspection is determined by the local conditions and policies of the owner of the equipment. Refer to Table
for recommended inspection items.

Routine Inspection and Maintenance

(5 year or 2000 operations)

The CapSwitcher® must be de-energized, isolated and grounded when

performing this inspection.
The Open and Close springs must be discharged with the switcher in the open position
before attempting to perform this maintenance.

1. Refer to Table for recommended inspection items.

2. Follow instructions identified in Installation Test Procedure as appropriate.

Periodic Inspection and Maintenance

(10 year or 5,000 operations)
Current recommended Inspection and Maintenance Procedures require participation of a trained
Southern States Representative.

The CapSwitcher® must be de-energized, isolated and grounded when

performing this inspection.
The Open and Close springs must be discharged with the switcher in the open position
before attempting to perform this maintenance.

The CapSwitcher® must be de-gassed before proceeding with this

inspection. Failure to comply can cause the resistor assembly to be thrown off the
interrupter housing with great force causing death or injury to personnel and equipment in
the area.

1. Follow instructions for the 5 year or 2000 operations Routine Inspection and Maintenance Procedure.
2. Perform timing tests and verify that the CapSwitcher® is within specifications.
30 Georgia Avenue
Hampton, Georgia 30228
Phone: 770-946-4562
Fax: 770-946-8106
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.southernstatesllc.com

©2013 Southern States, LLC

IB-809-CAP38-R7 02/21/2013 Printed U.S.A.