VERTICAL BREAK PARALLEL (VBP)
Type VBPA (Aluminum) / Type VBPC (Copper)
Basic Ratings and Switch Types
The VBP switch ratings are as listed in Table 1, ANSI C 37.32 in ratings of 15kV through 345kV, 1200 Amp to 4000 Amp.
The rated withstand and radio influence voltages shall be as shown in Table A for installations below 3300 ft. altitude. Altitude correction factors per ANSI C37.30.2971, Table 1 will apply for higher altitudes. The momentary current withstand shall be as shown in Table B.
Live Parts and Application
Manufactured in either aluminum (VBPA) or copper (VBPC), the VBP offers minimum phase spacing and is the most versatile for interrupter accessories. The intrinsic design offers stability under heavy terminal pad loading. The VBP is ideal for substation and transmission applications, and mounting options include horizontal upright mounting, vertical mounting (up to 230kV) and underhung mounting (up to 230kV).
All hardware in the live parts is 300 series stainless steel and shall be no less than ½” diameter. The VBP arcing horns are ½” stainless steel.
Contacts
The exposed contacts shall be self-wiping, silver-to-silver and are of the reverse loop shoe type to increase contact pressure under fault conditions. All other current carrying contacts, including hinged end contacts, shall be silver - to - silver, unless sealed and insulated from contamination and corrosion. Internal sealed contacts may be either silver-to-silver or silver- to-copper. All exposed contacts, both fixed and movable, shall be replaceable in the field.
External silver-to-silver contact surfaces that are applied to copper are brazed silver alloy inlay to brazed silver alloy inlay. Minimum silver thickness shall be .010 inches. Contact springs are stainless steel.
Bearings
The rotating insulators on switches rated 115kV and above have stainless steel ball bearings in stainless steel races. Bearings are lubricated and sealed from contaminants with a breathable, dust proof seal. The rotating insulators on switches rated 69kV and below have either stainless steel bearings shafts in bronze bushing or stainless steel ball bearings as previously described.
Bases
Bases for PASCOR’s VBP switches are a square tube galvanized steel base construction offering added strength and rigidity. Tubular bases provide strength in the torsional, horizontal and vertical directions.
Terminal Pads
The VBP 's terminal pads are flat NEMA standard four-hole for 1200 to 2000A (9/16” round holes drilled on 1-3/4” centers). VBP 3000A and 4000A switches shall have 3-sided pads with 4 holes on each pad. Terminal pads, other than aluminum, shall be tin-plated.
Operating Mechanism
The VBP can be operated by swing handle, worm gear operator, or motor operator. All brackets will be designed to custom fit the structure, and all brackets and accessories are to be assembled to the maximum degree possible for shipment. Hardware that fastens the control brackets to the structure will be shipped attached to the brackets.
The operating mechanism shall have positive adjustable stops in both the open and closed positions. The operating handle have provisions for padlocking in both open and closed positions. The maximum operating effort shall be 50 lbs. for a swing handle operator or 35 lbs. for a manually operated gear mechanism.