50 replies to this topic

[Tha Bobster]

I just found out that I've been mapping line re-reclosers as capicitor banks all along. As a part time communications mapper we had recently been requested to differentiate capicitor banks from transformers for power supply locating. I was under the impression that these line reclosers were just newer model capicitor banks. I stand corrected! say what

So when I was heading to Sacramento this weekend I saw a trouble linesman a stopped and talked w/ him and he gave me a quick high level overview of what a line reclosers were and got some useful info. I then talked w/ an old roommate of mine that was a NW Lineman College grad and he told me that in fact there were quite a few different types of these reclosers and that they were very useful elements of a power system.

I may be wrong here so please correct me if so. But they are typically utilized in an end of line situation and if a circiut is disrupted the recloser has a control box that will automatically break the circut. Then at a predetermined time interval will attempt to reclose the circiut, thus reactivating the circuit. but if a tree had shorted the circuit it would attempt the reclose and break the circuit again and continually attempt to re-energize the circuit on the control box's schedule until a troubleman coul get out and rectify the situation

Maybe someone can give me a better explaination of the purpose of this aparatus and better describe it's usefulness.

I just wanted to spark some conversation huh

TB

[639trbl]

BOBSTER,
THE TROUBLEMAN YOU SAW, GAVE YOU JUST ABOUT AS CLOSE AS IT GETS, WITHOUT GETTING TOO DEEP!!

THE RECLOSERS, ARE BASICALLY A FUSE, IN OIL, BUT A LITTLE MORE COMPLICATED! edumacated THEY ARE RATED IN AMPS--AND ARE DESIGNED TO WHERE IT CAN BE RAISED OR LOWERED DEPENDING ON IF THE LOAD ON THE LINE INCREASES OR DECREASES. MOST OLD STYLE--TO CHANGE THE AMPS--YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT DOWN--SOME NEW ONES LIKE THE 'VXE' STYLE ELECTRONIC--JUST OPEN A CONTROL CABINET AND DIAL IN THE NEW SETTING!! ON THE OLD STYLE 'KYLES'--A NICKNAME FOR EM--THERE IS A YELLOW HANDLE OR RING THAT DROPS OUT WHEN THE KYLE IS OPEN--CLEAR YOUR FAULT AND THEN CLOSE THE HANDLE IN--IF THE LINE IS GOOD, IT STAYS IN--IF NOT, IT COMES BACK OUT---JUST BE SURE IF YOU CAN, WHEN YOU CLOSE ONE , ---DON'T BE STANDING DIRECTLY UNDER IT- flush you ---I HAVE SEEN THE BOTTOM BLOW OUT!! huh

ON THE 'VXE' --ELECTRONIC TYPE--THE HANDLE DOES NOT DROP OUT ON A LOCK-OUT SITUATION!! tounge ON THE CONTROL BOX, THERE IS A SIGHT GLASS THAT CHANGES COLORS WHEN THE VXE IS OPEN. THE CONTROL BOXES MAY BE ON THE CAN ON THE VXE OR AT THE BASE OF THE POLE CONNECTED TO THE VXE BY A CONTROL CABLE! ON THE CAN, BY THE HANDLE, THERE IS A BIG SIGHT GLASS THAT TELLS YOU IF THE VXE IS OPEN---THE VXE WORKS JUST LIKE THE OLD KYLES, EXCEPT TO CLEAR IT UP TO DO YOUR WORK, YOU HAVE TO PULL THE RING/HANDLE DOWN--WHERE ON THE OLD STYLE, THE RING WILL BE---OR I SHOULD SAY--SHOULD BE DOWN! say what

SOME PLACES MOUNT THESE WITH A FUSED BYPASS SWITCH OTHERS DON'T. SOME PLACES HAVE A FUSE ON THE LINE SIDE OF THE KYLE USUSALLY FUSED A LITTLE HIGHER THAN THE KYLE AND A FUSE ON THE LOAD SIDE OF THE KYLE WITH A LITTLE HIGHER FUSE. OUR NEW SPEC IS TO HANG 3 FUSE SWITHES ON A 1 PHASE KYLE--1 OF THEM IS FUSED--AND THE OTHER 2--LINE AND LOAD SIDE---HAVE SOLID BLADES.

THERE ARE ALSO SOME THAT LOOK LIKE KYLES, BUT THE CAN IS REALLY SHORT OR SMALLER COMPARED TO A REGULAR KYLE--THESE A RE SECTIONLIZERS--JUST A 1 SHOT DEAL--A FAULT HITS THE LINE, THEY OPEN AND STAY OPEN UNTIL SOMEONE CLEARS THE FAULT!! WHERE ON THE 'VXE' AND OTHER KYLES, YOU GET 2 OR 3 TRIPS BEFORE IT KILLS THE LINE!!

VERY, VERY FEW OF THESE HAVE A '1 SHOT'--NON RECLOSING DEVICE CUTOFF ---SO IF YOU ARE WORKING BEHIND THEM 'HOT' YOU NEED TO BY-PASS THEM AND GO BACK TO THE NEXT DEVICE WITH '1 SHOT' CAPABILITIES!!

SOMETIMES, THIS CAN BE A LITTLE SPOOKY spyral --EXAMPLE---YOU BY-PASS A 35AMP KYLE TO WORK BEHIND IT--- AND THE NEXT DEVICE WITH A '1 SHOT' IS A 3 PHASE --140A -RECLOSER--14 MILES AWAY!!!!!!!! ODDS ARE--IF YOU BUILD A FIRE--THE 3 PHASE OCR MAY NEVER SEE THE FAULT!!!!!!!! awe crap

ALWAYS REMEMBER, IF YOU ARE WORKING BEHIND 1 OF THESE 1 PHASE OCRS/KYLES OR 'VXE' RECLOSERS--PICKING UP WIRE OR ON RESTORATION--CLEAR THE KYLE UP----LIFT THE LINE/ LOAD SIDE JUMPERS ON THE KYLE--LIFT THE LINE SIDE JUMPER ON THE BY-PASS SWITCH--OR OPEN THE LINE/LOAD SWITCH SWITCHES AND LIFT THE JUMPERS ON THOSE SWITCHES---NOT TO MENTION, PULL THE HANDLE/RING ON THE KYLE DOWN!

devil --------NEVER TRUST THESE THINGS ANY FURTHER THAN YOU CAN SEE EM WITH YOUR EYES CLOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!-------- devil

SOME OUT FITS, USE THEM ON 1 PHASE--3 PHASE AND 2 OF 3 PHASE---ON 2 OF 3 PHASE AND 3 PHASE IF YOU HAVE 1 PHASE DOWN--THEN TO PICK IT UP, YOU ALMOST ALWAYS HAVE TO OPEN THE OTHER KYLES TO MAKE REPAIRS,, CUASE THAT 1 PHASE COULD VERY WELL BE LAYING ON THE GROUND HOT huh ----FROM BACK FEED!!!!! yes way

SOMETIMES THEY JUST LOOK AT 1 PHASE ON 3 PHASE---NO 3 PHASE LOAD AND AT THE 3 PHASE DEADEND--EACH PHASE WILL GO A DIFFERENT DIRECTION!!!

WE USED TO NOT HANG THEM ON 2OF 3PHASE--JUST USED AN OLD '6H' AND PICKED UP THE 2 OUTSIDE BUSHINGS---NOW WE ARE USING 2-1PHASE KYLES--ANOTHER MONEY SAVING TACTIC---COST US 1 GOOD HAND SEVERAL YEARS AGO IN AN ICE STORM- flush you --BUT WE HAVE YET TO USE EM ON 3 PHASE!!!

BASICALLY THEY TAKE OUT A SMALL AMOUNT OF CUSTOMERS INSTEAD OF A WHOLE BUNCH.
!
SOMETHING I ALMOST FORGOT---ON THE 'VXE' TYPE--IF YOU HAVE A STORM AND THEY ARE OUT OF SVC FOR SAY A WEEK OR SO====WHEN YOU GET READY TO HEAT IT BACK UP---9 TIMES OUT OF 10 THEY WON'T CLOSE no way ----YOU HAVE TO BYPASS THEM!! yes way THEY HAVE A SMALL BATTERY INSIDE TO WORK THEM--AS LONG AS THERE IS CURRENT/VOLTAGE ON THE LINE SIDE OF THE 'VXE' THE BATTERY CHARGES yes way ---WITH NO CURRENT/VOLATAGE ON THE LINE SIDE --THE BATTERY DIES!! no way mad2b SOMETIMES AFTER A STORM--BYPASSS THE 'VXE' AND CLOSE THE LINE SIDE SWITCH-- COME BACK A WEEK LATER AND THE THING WILL CLOSE--IF IT WON'T -- REPLACE THE BATTERY!!


HOPE THIS HELPS YA OUT BRO!!

[Tha Bobster]

From what I saw it was basically a cut out w/ a automatic switching arm. It this correct?

Also is there a pneumatic (air) version? say what

[Tha Bobster]

Source: Central Maine Power

Quote

Protective devices (Protective devices help limit outages)
Despite the preventive measures we take, faults in the electrical system sometimes occur. Left unchecked, short circuits and surges of electricity in conductors and equipment will cause overheating and damage. It’s important, therefore, that the lines experiencing trouble can be isolated and disconnected from the rest of the electrical system. A number of protective devices help limit outages to the fewest possible customers:

Circuit breakersCircuit breakers in substations automatically interrupt the flow of electricity during overloads or short circuits, just as in your home.

Fuses
Fuses perform the same function on distribution lines as circuit breakers in substations.

Reclosers
Reclosers are switches located on main lines. They open the circuit in the event of a fault, as a fuse or circuit breaker would. But reclosers attempt to clear a temporary problem on a line by opening the circuit temporarily and reclosing it several times. During a temporary fault like a tree limb brushing against a line, the recloser works to maintain the flow of electricity and prevent the circuit from going out.

Sectionalizers
Sectionalizers are used to isolate the location of permanent faults on distribution circuits, keeping the number of customers out of service to a minimum. These devices are usually installed on lines off the main circuit.

[TexasLineworker]

Jus' one itty bitty teeney weenie little remark I want to point out. Sectionalizers are not meant to be opened or closed under load. Most reclosers can be.
brewsky

[639trbl]

THANKS TLW yes way --I LET THAT SLIP BY ME!! halo

NO AIR -PNEUMATIC-- ONES THAT I AM AWARE OF FOR DISTRIBUTION VOLTAGE---MOST ARE OIL FILLED OR VACCUM--SF6 GAS TYPE! ALTHOUGH THERE ARE AIR BLAST USED ON TRANSMISSION --USUALLY IN SUB/.SWITCHING STAS!!

brewsky

[Tha Bobster]

I'll be honest w/ cha I think I'd rather work transmission than distribution

I'm not afraid of heights but I really do not like all those wires so close.

Heck I'll try anything once, and you can just ask WP, I've done a lot of that!

[TexasLineworker]

Yup! It's funny, I've heard Transmission guys say that they don't like Distribution work for that same reason, plus, having to work Distribution hot.

On the other hand, I've heard Distribution guys say that they don't like Transmission because everything is real big and heavy and that it'll wear your @$$ out real quick.

I've never done Transmission work, so I really would not know, but I'll stick to what little I know about Distribution.


brewsky

[Wood Pecker]

Well Guys,
I am going to stick to the cable side of things :D I will leave the power up to you PROS. I am not scared of heights just POWER :P
WP

[TexasLineworker]

Here's something else, sectionalizers can look a LOT like capacitors. Don't be scared of power, just respect it!

brewsky

[639trbl]

NEVER WORKED ENOUGH TRANSMISSION TO GET USED TO IT---JUST DOING CRAP WHEN THE G.O.--OUR HIGHLINE CREWS--WERE ON THE OTHER END OF THE STATE AND SOMETHING BROKE AND HAD TO BE FIXED!!! KNOW A FEW TRICKS--BUT CUT MY TEETH ON DISTRIBUTION AND INTEND ON HAVING FALSE ONE PUT IN WHILE I'M ON IT-------AND IF YA BELIEVE THAT --I GOT SOME GREAT SWAMP LAND IN THE ROCKIES FOR SALE CHEAP!!!!!!!!!!! lite bounce

I MAY HAVE TO, BUT I AIN'T PLANNING ON DO THIS THE REST OF MY LIFE!! yes way I'm walkin

WP ---CAN'T BE SKEEEERTT OF IT spyral --LIKE TLW SAID GOTTA HAVE A HEALTHY RESPECT FOR IT!! lite bounce


brewsky

[Wood Pecker]

Maybee I have to much respect for it thats why I am sceeeered :P I have been working around it for 13 yrs now. I have been zapped 3 or 4 times. The last time was threw a set of layup sticks. huh I had a wake up call then that was 6 or 7 years ago. I have had small zaps from time to time threw a tree limb or something like that. But the time I got it through the sticks was a awkening. Since then I am very concerened with my practices. Those sticks had been riding in the back of the truck and had hydralic fluid on them frankie. I learned that lesson the hard way huh . I will tell you guys I am sceeeered spyral . But I still have respect for power I have to or I cant work! flame
WP
I will tell you about my other ZAPS later frankie

[TexasLineworker]

I used to see a lot extendo sticks, switch sticks, and shotgun sticks riding around in the backs of crew trucks. Like you said, getting hydraulic oil all over them, bumping and banging up against generators, spare tires, tools, and whatever else could be thrown in there. Never ceased to amaze me how people would grab an extendo, run it up to the cutout and open or close a switch without getting the fire knocked outta them! say what

brewsky

[Wood Pecker]

Never got zapped from the ground. I was in a Metal Telsta. My rope was throwed over the power, I went to pull it back over with the sticks and bumped the edge of the bucket a little above my waiste and POW plasma It got me. It made my entire body lock up at once the sticks went flying and my heart went to thumping. Scared the grief out of me. I will never forget that day edumacated
WP
Do you know what a telsta is?

[TexasLineworker]

Is a Telsta on of those bucket trucks with a metal cage at the end of the boom?


brewsky

[Wood Pecker]

Yes,
The Telsta boom has holes in the side of it. It is the name of those booms and yes they are completely metal. However they are the best buckets in my industry. I prefer a T-40. It has a 40 foot boom and comes with a set of balls :P Telstas are the only buckets with the holes down the side of the boom. Makes a great ladder if you ever get stuck.
WP

[TexasLineworker]

Jus' so everyone will kind of know what we are talking about on the reclosers. One is a common 3 phase recloser, which looks a lot like a capacitor bank.
The other one is a single phase recloser. It looks a lot like a little transformer. Both of these pictured are oil filled.
There are others, but I think these are the most commonly used here in my parts. 639, are yours like these?
brewsky

[639trbl]

YEAH JOHN,

LOOK JUST LIKE EM!! yes way HEY WHERE DO YOU FIND ALL THE PRETTY PICTURES??

brewsky

[MtIda]

Just to confuse thing a little further, Some of our 3 phase Capacitor banks have oil switches that look like reclosers mounted on the cap. bank. These are used for cap. banks that are timed on and off, or switched on and off by High/low temp. settings.

[639trbl]

GLAD YOU MENTIONED IT LARRY, SO I'LL CONFUSE FOLKS A LITTLE MORE!!

OUR NEW CAPACITOR BANKS NOW COME WITH 3 OIL SWITCHES AND A 1 1/2 KVA TRANSFORMER-ALL MOUNTED ON THE RACK!!!!!

THE TRANSFORMER IS TO SUPPLY CONTROL VOLTAGE FOR THE TIME/TEMPERATURE RELAY THAT OPENS/CLOSES THE CAP BANK!!

IN THE PAST, OUR CAP BANKS WERE FED FROM A REMOTE SOURCE---EITHER SECONDARY OR SERVICE ON THAT POLE, OR FROM A SOURCE 1 OR 2 SPANS AWAY!! UNLESS OF COURSE YOU VENTURE TO LOUISIANNA--THERE YOU WILL FIND THE CAP BANKWITH 3 FUSE SWITCHES AND A 5 OR 10 KVA TRANSFORMER ON THE SAME POLE AND IT HAS IT'S OWN FUSE SWITCH!!

THE NEW BANKS ALSO ONLY HAVE 3 FUSE SWITCHES TOO--TO SUPPLY THE HV TO THE OIL SWITCHES AND 1 PHASE OF THAT FEEDS THE CONTROL VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER!!

brewsky