Source-Transfer Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear - Outdoor Distribution (15.5 KV Through 38 KV) - Detailed Functional Specification Guide
Source-Transfer Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear - Outdoor Distribution (15.5 KV Through 38 KV) - Detailed Functional Specification Guide
Note to specifiers: Where applicable throughout the text, select the appropriate text inside “<>” and
delete the text that does not apply to your application needs.
1.0 GENERAL
1.1 The switchgear shall be in accordance with the single-line diagram and shall conform to
the following specification:
1.2 The switchgear shall consist of a <gas-tight tank containing SF6 insulating gas> or
<hermetically sealed tank containing CO2 mix insulating gas>, load-interrupter switches
and resettable fault interrupters with visible open gaps and integral visible grounds,
sensing, motor operators and controls, a low-voltage compartment/enclosure, a micropro-
cessor-based overcurrent control for the fault interrupters, and a microprocessor-based
source-transfer control. Load-interrupter switch terminals shall be equipped with
bushings rated 600 or 900 amperes continuous, and fault-interrupter terminals shall be
equipped with bushing wells rated 200 amperes continuous or bushings rated 600 or
900 amperes continuous (as specified) to provide for elbow connection. (200-A bushing
wells are supplied with SF6 models only.) Manual operating mechanisms and viewing
windows shall be located on the opposite side of the tank from the bushings and bushing
wells, so that operating personnel shall not be required to perform any routine operations
in close proximity to high-voltage elbows and cables.
1.3 Ratings
The ratings for the integrated switchgear shall be as designated below. (Select values
from the table on page 3.)
Frequency, Hz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ___________
Short-Circuit Current, Amperes, RMS, Symmetrical . . . . . . . . ___________
Voltage Class, kV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ___________
Maximum Voltage, kV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ___________
BIL Voltage, kV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ___________
Main Bus Continuous Current, Amperes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ___________
Three-Pole Load-Interrupter Switches
Continuous Current, Amperes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ___________
Load-Dropping Current, Amperes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ___________
Fault-Closing Current, Duty-Cycle
Three-Time, Amperes, RMS, Symmetrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ___________
Three-Time, Amperes, Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ___________
January 8, 2024
© S&C Electric Company 2000–2024, all rights reserved
Information Bulletin 683-450
Source-Transfer Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear
IEC ANSI
Frequency, Hz 50 or 60 50 or 60
Short-Circuit Current, Amperes, RMS, Symmetrical 25 000 25 000
Voltage Class, kV 12 24 36 15.5 27 38
Maximum Voltage, kV 15.5 29 38 15.5 29 38
BIL Voltage, kV 95 125 150 95 125 150
Main Bus Continuous Current, Amperes② 630 630 630 600 600 600
Continuous Current, Amperes Load③ 630 630 630 630 630 630
Dropping Current, Amperes③ 630 630 630 630 630 630
Fault Closing Current, Duty-Cycle
Three-Pole Load-In-
Three-Time, Amperes, RMS, Symmetrical 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000
terrupter Switches
Three-Time, Amperes, Peak 65 000 65 000 65 000 65 000 65 000 65 000
Ten-Time, Amperes, RMS, Symmetrical 16 000 16 000 16 000 16 000 16 000 16 000
Ten-Time, Amperes, Peak 41 600 41 600 41 600 41 600 41 600 41 600
Continuous Current, Amperes③ 630 630 630 600 600 600
Load Dropping Current, Amperes ③ 630 630 630 600 600 600
Fault Interrupting Current, Duty-Cycle
Three-Time, Amperes, RMS, Symmetrical 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000
Ten-Time, Amperes, RMS, Symmetrical 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000
Fault Interrupters
Fault Closing Current, Duty-Cycle
Three-Time, Amperes, RMS, Symmetrical 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000 25 000
Three-Time, Amperes, Peak 65 000 65 000 65 000 65 000 65 000 65 000
Ten-Time, Amperes, RMS, Symmetrical 16 000 16 000 16 000 16 000 16 000 16 000
Ten-Time, Amperes, Peak 41 600 41 600 41 600 41 600 41 600 41 600
① Actual capabilities may be limited to lower values by the bushing ③ 900‑ampere load interrupting and fault interrupting ratings are
inserts, elbows, and cables used on these units. (200-A ratings are avail- available.
able in SF6 models only.) ● Ratings are 600 amperes (630 amperes for IEC) continuous and load
② 1200‑ampere bus rating is available. dropping when the fault interrupters are furnished with 600‑ampere
bushings.
(c) The hermetically sealed tank shall be evacuated prior to filling with CO2 mix gas to
minimize moisture in the tank.
(d) The switchgear shall withstand system voltage at a gas pressure of 0 psig at 68º
F (20ºC).
(e) The gas fill port shall be sealed to prevent field access as standard.
(f) A temperature-compensated pressure gauge shall be provided that is color coded
to show the operating range. The gauge shall be mounted inside the hermeti-
cally sealed tank (visible through a large viewing window) to provide consistent
pressure readings regardless of the temperature or altitude at the installation site.
2.2 <Gas-Tight> or <Hermetically Sealed> Tank
(a) The tank shall be submersible and able to withstand up to 10 feet (305 cm)of
water over the base.
(b) The tank shall be of welded construction and shall be made of 7-gauge mild steel
or Type 304L stainless steel, as specified in Section 4.0.
(c) A means of lifting the tank shall be provided.
2.3 <Gas-Tight Tank Finish> or <Hermetically Sealed Tank Finish> (for mild steel only)
(a) After pretreatment, protective coatings shall be applied that shall help resist
corrosion and protect the mild-steel surfaces of the <gas-tight> or <hermetically
sealed> tank. To establish the capability to resist corrosion and protect the mild
steel, representative test specimens coated by the manufacturer’s finishing system
shall satisfactorily pass the following tests:
(1) 1500 hours of exposure to salt-spray testing per ASTM B 117 with both:
(i) Underfilm corrosion not to extend more than 1/32-in. (0.79 mm)
from the scribe, as evaluated per ASTM D 1645, Procedure A,
Method 2 (scraping)
(ii) Loss of adhesion from bare metal not to extend more than 1/8-in.
(3.18 mm) from the scribe
(2) 1000 hours of humidity testing per ASTM D 4585 using the Cleveland
Condensing Type Humidity Cabinet, with no blistering as evaluated per
ASTM D 714
(3) Crosshatch-adhesion testing per ASTM D 3359 Method B, with no loss
of finish
Certified test abstracts substantiating the above capabilities shall be furnished
upon request.
(b) The finish shall be inspected for scuffs and scratches. Blemishes shall be touched
up by hand to restore the protective integrity of the finish.
(c) The finish shall be indoor light gray, satisfying the requirements of ANSI Standard
Z55.1 for No. 61.
2.4 Viewing Windows
(a) Each load-interrupter switch shall be provided with a large viewing window at
least 6 inches (15 cm) by 12 inches (30 cm) to allow visual verification of the
switch-blade position (Closed, Open, and Ground) while shining a flashlight on
the blades.
(b) Each fault interrupter shall be provided with a large viewing window at least
6 inches (15 cm) by 12 inches (30 cm) to allow visual verification of the discon-
nect-blade position (Closed, Open, and Ground) while shining a flashlight on
the blades.
(c) Viewing windows shall be located on the opposite side of the gear from the
bushings and bushing wells, so operating personnel shall not be required to
perform any routine operations in close proximity to high-voltage elbows
and cables.
(d) A cover shall be provided for each viewing window to prevent operating
personnel from viewing the flash that may occur during switching operations.
2.5 High-Voltage Bus
(a) Bus and interconnections shall withstand the stresses associated with short-cir-
cuit currents up through the maximum rating of the switchgear.
(b) Before installation of aluminum bus, all electrical contact surfaces shall first be
prepared by machine-abrading to remove any oxide film. Immediately after this
operation, the electrical contact surfaces shall be coated with a uniform coating of
an oxide inhibitor and sealant.
2.6 Provisions for Grounding
(a) One ground-connection pad shall be provided on the <gas-tight> or <hermetically
sealed> tank of the switchgear.
(b) The ground-connection pad shall be constructed of stainless steel and welded
to the <gas-tight> or <hermetically sealed> tank, and it shall have a short-circuit
rating equal to that of the switchgear.
(c) When an enclosure is provided, no less than one enclosure ground pad shall be
provided.
The following optional feature should be specified as required:
(d) One ground-connection pad per way shall be provided.
2.7 Connections
(a) For gear rated 12.5 kA short circuit, load-interrupter switches shall be
equipped with 600‑ampere bushings, and fault interrupters shall be equipped
with 200‑ampere bushing wells. (200-A bushing wells are supplied with
SF6 models only.)
(b) For gear rated 25 kA short circuit, load-interrupter switches and fault inter-
rupters shall be equipped with 600- or 900‑ampere bushings.
(c) Bushings and bushing wells shall be located on one side of the gear to reduce the
required operating clearance.
The following optional feature should be specified as required:
(d) Bushings rated 600 or 900 amperes continuous shall be provided without a
threaded stud.
For gear rated 12.5 kA only, the following optional features should be specified as
required:
(e) Fault interrupters shall be equipped with 600‑ampere bushings.
(f) Load-interrupter switches shall be equipped with 200‑ampere bushing wells for
SF6 models only.
2.8 Bushings and Bushing Wells
(a) Bushings and bushing wells shall conform to ANSI/IEEE Standard 386.
(b) Bushings and bushing wells shall include a semiconductive coating.
(c) Bushings and bushing wells shall be mounted in such a way that the semiconduc-
tive coating is solidly grounded to the <gas-tight> or <hermetically sealed> tank.
3.0 BASIC COMPONENTS (Select applicable component specifications from those that follow.)
3.1 Load-Interrupter Switches
(a) The three-phase, group-operated load-interrupter switches shall have a three-
time and ten-time duty-cycle fault-closing rating as specified under “Ratings.”
This rating defines the ability to close the switch the designated number of times
against a three- phase fault with asymmetrical (peak) current in at least one phase
equal to the rated value, with the switch remaining operable and able to carry and
interrupt rated current. Certified test abstracts establishing such ratings shall be
furnished upon request.
(b) With the exception of the bus-tie switch in split-bus configuration switchgear,
each switch shall be provided with an integral Ground position that is readily
visible through the viewing window, eliminating the need for cable handling and
exposure to high voltage to ground the equipment.
(c) The ground position shall have a three-time and ten-time duty-cycle fault-
closing rating.
(d) The switch shall be provided with an open position that is readily visible through
the viewing window to eliminate the need for cable handling and exposure to high
voltage to establish a visible gap.
(e) The open gaps of the switch shall be sized to allow cable testing through a
feedthru bushing or the back of the elbow.
3.2 Fault Interrupters
(a) Fault interrupters shall have a three-time and ten-time duty-cycle fault-closing and
fault-interrupting rating as specified under “Ratings.” This rating defines the fault
interrupter’s ability to close the designated number of times against a three-phase
fault with asymmetrical (peak) current in at least one phase equal to the rated
value and clear the resulting fault current, with the interrupter remaining operable
and able to carry and interrupt rated current. Certified test abstracts establishing
such ratings shall be furnished upon request.
(b) The fault interrupter shall be provided with a disconnect with an integral Ground
position readily visible through the viewing window to eliminate the need for
cable handling and exposure to high voltage to ground the equipment.
(c) The Ground position shall have a three-time and ten-time duty-cycle fault-
closing rating.
(d) The disconnect shall be provided with an Open position that is readily visible
through the viewing window to eliminate the need for cable handling and
exposure to high voltage to establish a visible gap.
(e) The fault interrupter, including its three-position disconnect, shall be a single inte-
grated design, so operation between the Closed and Open positions or the Open
and Ground positions is accomplished with a single, intuitive movement.
(f) The open gaps of the disconnect shall be sized to allow cable testing through a
feedthru bushing or the back of the elbow.
(g) An internal indicator shall be provided for each fault interrupter to show when
it is in the Tripped condition. The indicator shall be clearly visible through the
viewing window.
3.3 Operating Mechanisms
(a) Load-interrupter switches and fault interrupters shall be operated by means of a
quick-make, quick-break mechanism.
(b) The manual handle shall charge the operating mechanism for closing, opening,
and grounding of the switches and fault interrupters.
(c) A single, integrated operating mechanism shall fully operate each fault interrupter
or load-interrupter switch in a continuous movement, so additional operations are
not required to establish Open or Ground positions.
(d) Operating mechanisms shall be equipped with an operation selector to prevent
inadvertent operation from the Closed position directly to the Ground position,
or from the Ground position directly to the Closed position. The operation
selector shall require physical movement to the proper position to permit the next
operation.
(h) The control shall have two independently settable and field-adjustable defi-
nite-time delay settings. (A definite-time delay setting can be configured to be an
instantaneous trip setting if the definite-time delay is set to 0 milliseconds.)
(i) The minimum trip current shall be 14 amperes for switchgear with 660:1 ratio
current transformers, and 28 amperes for models with 1320:1 ratio current
transformers.
(j) Event records shall be easily viewable from the control using a personal computer
connected to the USB port. The event log shall capture the last 64 events recorded
by the overcurrent control.
(k) The control shall store sufficient energy to operate the fault interrupters without
affecting the accuracy or coordination under fault conditions.
3.5 Source-Transfer Control
(a) Operating Description (Select one of the three operating descriptions.)
(1) Transfer on Loss and Return of Source Voltage in Common-Bus Primary-
Selective Systems
(i) The normal condition shall be with one source load-interrupter
switch (for the preferred source, as field-programmed) closed to
energize the high-voltage bus and with the other source load-inter-
rupter switch (for the alternate source) open with its associated
circuit available as a standby.
The control shall monitor the conditions of both power sources
and shall initiate automatic switching when the preferred-source
voltage has been lost (or reduced to a predetermined level) for a
period of time sufficient to confirm the loss is not transient. Auto-
matic switching shall open the preferred-source load-interrupter
switch and then close the alternate-source load-interrupter switch
to restore power to the high-voltage bus. The total transfer time
from the preferred to the alternate source shall be approximately
6 seconds.
(ii) When normal voltage returns to the preferred source for a preset
time, the control shall initiate retransfer to the preferred source if
in the automatic return mode or await manual retransfer if in the
hold return mode. In the Hold Return mode, if the alternate source
fails and the preferred source has been restored, the control shall
initiate automatic retransfer to the preferred source.
(iii) In the Automatic Return mode, the control shall provide either
open transition (nonparalleling) or closed transition (paralleling)
on retransfer, as field-programmed.
(g) For submersible applications, all current- and voltage-sensing wiring between the
switchgear tank and the low-voltage compartment/enclosure shall be submersible.
(h) Low-voltage wiring, except for short lengths, such as connections to terminal
blocks, shall be shielded for isolation from medium voltage.
(i) The low-voltage compartment/enclosure shall be made of 14-gauge mild steel.
(j) Control cabling between the tank and the low-voltage enclosure 15 feet (457 cm)
or greater in length shall be furnished with a braided shield to protect electronic
components from damage under surge and transient conditions.
(k) Single-point grounding methods shall be used on cabling between the tank and the
low-voltage enclosure to protect electronic components from damage under surge
and transient conditions.
The following optional feature should be specified as required:
(l) To guard against corrosion caused by extremely harsh environmental conditions,
the exterior of the compartment/enclosure shall be fabricated from Type 304 stain-
less steel.
3.7 Motor Operators and Controls
(a) Motor operators shall be furnished for the load-interrupter switches.
(b) Each motor operator shall have its own control board located within the
low-voltage compartment/enclosure.
(c) The control board shall have pushbuttons for locally operating the switches
between the Closed, Open, and (except for the bus-tie switch in split-bus configu-
ration switchgear) Grounded positions.
(d) Each control board shall have position-indicating lamps to show the Closed,
Open, and Ground state of the motor operator.
(e) Each motor operator control board shall have a non-resettable, four-digit-min-
imum operation counter, which will only increment on a closed-to-open transition.
(f) Each motor operator control board shall have a connector for a portable remote
control device, which will allow the user to activate the motor operator at a
maximum distance of 50 feet (1524 cm) from the gear.
(g) No decoupling or any adjustments shall be required to manually operate a motor
operator.
(h) Removing the motor operator for decoupling shall be a simple, quick process
requiring only standard tools.
(i) Only one Local/Remote switch shall be required for the entire gear.
(j) The motor operator shall be watertight. Each unit shall be submersion-tested to
verify that water under pressure does not enter the operator housing.
(k) It shall not be possible for the motor operator to be changed from the Closed
position directly to the Ground position using local pushbutton or remote control.
The Ground position shall be directly accessible only from the Open position.
(l) A mechanical interlock shall be provided to prevent a decoupled motor operator
from being incorrectly recoupled.
(m) An integral means shall be provided for testing the position indicating lamps on
the motor controls.
(n) Controls shall be easy to operate with or without 25‑kV high-voltage rubber gloves
and protectors.
3.8 Optional Voltage Indication (Specify one of the following as required.)
(1) Voltage indication shall be provided for each load-interrupter switch and
fault interrupter by means of capacitive taps on the bushings, eliminating
the need for cable handling and exposure to high voltage to test the cables
for voltage prior to grounding. This feature shall include a flashing liquid-
crystal display to indicate the presence of voltage for each phase and a
solar panel to supply power for testing of the complete voltage-indication
circuit.
(2) The voltage-indication feature shall be mounted on the covers for the
viewing windows, on the opposite side of the gear from the bushings and
bushing wells, so operating personnel shall not be required to perform any
routine operations in close proximity to high-voltage elbows and cables.
4.0 SWITCHGEAR STYLE (Select UnderCover™, wet-vault-mounted, dry-vault-mounted, or
pad-mounted style.)
4.1 UnderCover Style
(a) The switchgear shall be suitable for subsurface installation.
(b) The switchgear shall be operable from grade level without exposure to high
voltage.
(c) Operating personnel shall be able to verify the positions (Closed, Open, and
Ground) of the load-interrupter switches and fault interrupters while standing.
(d) To guard against corrosion caused by extremely harsh environmental conditions,
the <gas-tight> or <hermetically sealed> tank shall be made of Type 304L stain-
less steel.
(e) The tank shall be designed for use in typical subsurface electrical manholes and
vaults that are subject to occasional flooding to a maximum head of 10 ft (3 m)
above the base of the tank. The water in these vaults may also contain typical
levels of contaminants such as salt, fertilizer, motor oil, and cleaning solvents.
Extreme environments, such as tidal waters, continuous submersion, abnormally
high concentration of certain contaminants, or unusually high or low pH levels,
should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
(f) For gear rated 12.5 kA short circuit, the switchgear shall conform to or exceed
the requirements of applicable portions of IEC 62271-200, covering arc resistance
through 12.5 kA for 15 cycles.
(g) For gear rated 25 kA short circuit, the switchgear shall conform to or exceed the
requirements of applicable portions of IEC 62271-200 , covering arc resistance
through 25 kA for 15 cycles.
4.2 Wet-Vault-Mounted Style
(a) The switchgear shall be suitable for installation in a vault.
(b) To guard against corrosion caused by extremely harsh environmental conditions,
the <gas-tight> or <hermetically sealed> tank shall be made of Type 304L stain-
less steel.
(c) The tank shall be designed for use in typical subsurface electrical manholes and
vaults that are subject to occasional flooding to a maximum head of 10 ft (3 m)
above the base of the tank. The water in these vaults may also contain typical
levels of contaminants such as salt, fertilizer, motor oil, and cleaning solvents.
Extreme environments, such as tidal waters, continuous submersion, abnormally
high concentration of certain contaminants, or unusually high or low pH levels,
should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The following optional features should be specified as required:
(d) For gear rated 12.5 kA short circuit, the switchgear shall conform to or exceed
the requirements of applicable portions of IEC 62271-200, covering arc resistance
through 12.5 kA for 15 cycles.
(e) For gear rated 25 kA short circuit, the switchgear shall conform to or exceed
the requirements of applicable portions of IEC 62271-200, covering arc resistance
through 25 kA for 15 cycles.
4.3 Dry-Vault-Mounted Style
(a) The switchgear shall be suitable for installation in a vault.
(b) The <gas-tight> or <hermetically sealed> tank shall be made of 7-gauge mild steel.
The following optional features should be specified as required:
(c) To guard against corrosion caused by extremely harsh environmental conditions,
the <gas-tight> or <hermetically sealed> tank shall be made of Type 304L stain-
less steel.
(d) For gear rated 12.5 kA short circuit, the switchgear shall conform to or exceed
the requirements of applicable portions of IEC 62271-200, covering arc resistance
through 12.5 kA for 15 cycles.
(e) For gear rated 25 kA short circuit, the switchgear shall conform to or exceed
the requirements of applicable portions of IEC 62271-200, covering arc resistance
through 25 kA for 15 cycles.
(d) The manufacturer shall use commercially available PC-based computer software
such as Power System Analysis Framework (PSAF – Fault) from CyME Inter-
national, CyMDIST, and/or SKM Power Tools® for Windows with the PTW
Dapper Module to calculate three-phase, phase-to-phase, and phase-to-ground
fault currents at relevant locations in the electrical system, in accordance with
ANSI Standards C37.010, C37.5, and C37.13. If applicable, an ANSI closing-and-
latching duty analyses shall also be performed to calculate the maximum currents
following fault inception.
7.2 Overcurrent Protective Device Coordination Analysis
(a) The manufacturer shall provide an overcurrent protective device coordina-
tion analysis to verify electrical equipment is protected against damage from
short-circuit currents. Analysis results shall be used to select appropriately rated
protective devices and settings that minimize the impact of short-circuits in the
electrical system by isolating faults as quickly as possible while maintaining
power to the rest of the system.
(b) As applicable, the analysis shall take into account preload and ambient-tempera-
ture adjustments to fuse minimum-melting curves, transformer magnetizing-inrush
current, full-load current, hot-load and cold-load pick-up, coordination time
intervals for series-connected protective devices, and the type of reclosers and
their reclosing sequences. Locked-rotor motor starting curves and thermal and
mechanical damage curves shall be plotted with the protective-device time-cur-
rent characteristic curves, as applicable.
(c) Differing per-unit fault currents on the primary and secondary sides of trans-
formers (attributable to winding connections) shall be taken into consideration in
determining the required ratings or settings of the protective devices.
(d) The time separation between series-connected protective devices, including the
upstream (source-side) device and largest downstream (load-side) device, shall be
graphically illustrated on log-log paper of standard size. The time-current char-
acteristics of each protective device shall be plotted so all upstream devices are
clearly depicted on one sheet.
(e) The manufacturer shall furnish coordination curves indicating the required ratings
or settings of protective devices to demonstrate, to the extent possible, selective
coordination. The following information shall be presented on each coordination
curve, as applicable:
(1) Device identifications
(2) Voltage and current ratios
(3) Transformer through-fault withstand duration curves