OTHER JOSLYN PRODUCTS SUBSTATION CAPACITOR AND REACTOR SWITCHING

DB750-502
CAPACITOR CONTROLS February 2006

Fisher Pierce capacitor controls range from solid-state single

function controls to state-of-the-art microprocessor based
programmable units. AutocapTM Adaptive Capacitor Controllers
feature adaptive functions which allow the unit to program itself.
Model with two-way communications provides the use of a data
radio and cellular technologies.

VERSAVAC DISTRIBUTION CAPACITOR SWITCHES

Joslyn VerSaVac vacuum switches are used for pole top capaci-
tor switching. VerSaVac switches are a direct replacement for oil
switches, designed to eliminate costly maintenance and hazards.

AIR SWITCH & INTERRUPTER ATTACHMENTS

USA • (800) 621-5875

4000 East 116th Street • Cleveland, OH 44105
(216) 271-6600 Fax: (216) 341-3615
CANADA • (800)363-8110
Lachine, Quebec
(514) 631-6145 Fax: (514) 631-1213

Joslyn Air Disconnect Switches provide highly dependable www.joslynhivoltage.com

• Varmaster Switches 15kV - 69kV
operation for sectionalizing or isolationg service. Vertical-Break Email: info@joslynhv.com
switches are available in voltage ratings from 15kV to 230kV. • VBU Switches 69kV - 230kV
Side-Break switches are available in voltage ratings from 15kV
through 115kV. Interrupter attachments can be easily mounted to
most isolating switches to provide a complete interrupter switch.
• Zero Voltage Closing Controls
• Fisher Pierce Capacitor Controls
VARMASTER SWITCHING SYSTEMS CONFIGURING SWITCHING SYSTEMS
1. Select Application 6. Terminal Pad Orientation
FEATURES VACUUM
CONTACTS
MODULE
HOUSING
Capacitor Switching, Reactor Switching
or Filter Bank Switching
VBM Varmaster Only: Select terminal pad
orientation from Diagram 1.
• Maintenance-free long life HIGH VOLTAGE (Certain Filter Banks may require additional
SOLID
• Completely sealed construction HIGH-DIELECTRIC
TERMINALS vacuum interrupters. Please consult the factory 7. Mounting Stand
FOAM “JOSLYTE” when applying VBM Varmasters or VBU’s for
• Safe, completely oil free Filter Bank Switching. VBM Varmaster:
DEAD SOFT Substation Frame-
• Low cost installation COPPER SHUNTS
2. Voltage Rating Height: 8 ft. or 10 ft.
• Quiet operation Material: Galvanized Steel or Alminum
VBM Varmaster: 15.5kV, 25kV, 38kV,
• High speed operation PORCELAIN 48.5kV, or 12.5kV Pole Mounting Frame- For 15.5kV or
INSULATOR
• Easy to test VBU: 72kV, 121kV, 145kV, 169kV, or 242kV 38kV single-mechanism VBM Varmasters
Material: Galvanized Steel
• Compact and lightweight
INSULATED
3. Continuous Current Rating VBU:
• Choice of operating mechanisms FIBERGLASS
PULL ROD VBM Varmaster: 200A, 300A, 400A, or 600A 8 ft. Tubular Galvanized Steel
• Wide choice of control options Substation Frame
VBU: 600A
• Zero voltage closing
4. Control Voltage 8. Options & Accessories
Varmaster switching systems use VBM switches Figure 1- Cutaway of single vacuum module
mounted on a 15kV line-to-ground insulator. • Capacitor Controls
that are completely sealed breaker class devices 120V AC, 48V DC, 125V DC, or 250V DC
utilizing vacuum as the interrupting dielectric.
- Fisher Pierce: 4400, 4500, AC100
VBM switches offer high reliability with little or no One or two vacuum modules are mounted on - Joslyn Capmaster
maintenance. Interruption is safe, with no external each line-to-ground insulator and are connected 5. Operating Mechanism
• Zero Voltage Closing Control
arcing, and quiet. VBM Interrupters are manufac- to the operating mechanism by a high strength VBM Varmaster: Solenoid or Motor. Motor
tured for application at system voltages from 15 to pull rod. The operating mechanism is completely operator can only be supplied with a single- • Current Limiting Reactors
69 kV. Vacuum interrupters are connected sealed in a housing, which supports the line-to- mechanism switch, such as a 15kV model.
electrically in series to provide the necessary ground insulators and the modules. An For additional options refer to page 7
environmental protection system in the housing, VBU: Solenoid Only
recovery voltage characteristics for the specific
application. Vacuum interrupters may also be consisting of a breather chamber and desiccant
connected electrically in parallel for high continuous prevents moisture and contaminated air from
or momentary current requirements. entering the switch operator. An “Open/Closed”
position indicator is directly coupled to the
*Please consult the factory for standard control configurations available for
VBM Switches are lightweight and require no special mechanism. The entire assembly can withstand
foundations or supports. VBMs are completely factory a force of several “G’s” without damage. faster delivery and cost effectiveness.
assembled, ready for fast, easy installation.
Stored energy operating mechanisms that can
Each vacuum interrupter is enclosed in a be operated manually or electrically move the Example: 5. Solenoid Operated Mechanism
shatterproof, high dielectric housing to form a contacts at a high speed and are unaffected by 1. Capacitor Switching
module (Figure 1) designed with all solid insulation. control voltage fluctuation or manual operating 6. Terminal Pad Orientation- Standard
The interrupter is surrounded by “JoslyteTM” high- speed. An operation counter is included with 2. 34.kV VBM Varmaster
7. 8 ft. Galvanized Steel Mounting Stand
dielectric strength non-hygroscopic solid foam that each switch. A wide range of AC and DC
does not absorb moisture, eliminates condensation voltage control package options are available. 3. 600A Continuous
8. Zero Voltage Closing Control
and increases the impulse level on the outside of All electrical control connections to the operating
4. 120V AC Control Voltage Fisher Pierce 4400 AutoCap Control
the vacuum interrupter. No gas, oil or other material mechanism are made through a single
is required to maintain electrical properties. environmental control cable connector.

2 11
ZERO VOLTAGE CLOSING CONTROL VARMASTER APPLICATIONS
FEATURES Capacitor Switching
Josyln VBM Varmaster Switches are ideally
• Eliminates Electronic Adjustable Speed suited for repetitive switching of any load,
Drive Nuisance Tripping and can carry or switch full continuous
current rating regardless of power factor.
• Increases Capacitor Life Maximum load current including
harmonics, nameplate-rating tolerances of
• Eliminates High Inrush Currents the load, and system voltages must be
• Reduces System Overvoltages considered in selecting the continuous
current rating. Switching capacitor banks
Normally Associated with Random
connected back-to-back may require
Capacitor Switching current limiting reactors, available from
• Several Hundred Installations Worldwide Joslyn, to limit high frequency inrush
currents.
• Over Fifteen Years Successful Field Experience

• Available for Voltages from 15 to 230kv

• Now Available for Distribution Capacitor Banks

• Easy Installation Setup

a. Select phase rotation
Zero Voltage Closing (ZVC)
b. Select reference phase The Joslyn ZVC control can be supplied
(and phase shift if necessary) with the Varmaster switching package
Standard 15kV VBM Switch and to reduce system overvoltages and
Zero Voltage Closing Control Package stress on capacitors due to overvoltages
and high inrush currents. Refer to the
Figure 5 Interfaces with new or existing ZVC section in this brochure for a more
Standard Capacitor Controllers and Joslyn detailed description.
Control
Vacuum Switch
VOLTAGE

Joslyn’s commitment to the demanding duty of

capacitor switching is further demonstrated by the
development of an optional control package to close
CLOSE three switch poles independently, synchronized with
CAP#1 the occurrence of zero voltage in each phase.
(PHASE A)
The mechanical simplicity, high-speed operation and Reactor Switching
response repeatability of the Joslyn vacuum switches The Joslyn VBM Varmaster reactor
Figure 6
make this application feasible. The result is switch can reliably switch shunt reac-
With Zero elimination of overvoltage duty on the capacitors and tors. The “low” 4.1-ampere mean chop
Voltage
VOLTAGE

system overvoltage disturbances which were once current of these switches eliminates
Closing overvoltage concerns. Continuous cur-
tolerated as an inherent negative aspect of energizing
Control rent ratings through 3000 amperes are
a capacitor bank, and the significant reduction of
inrush current duty on the capacitors as illustrated in available.
CLOSE
CAP#1
the difference between . The control can be also
interfaced with any manufacturer capacitor controller.

10 3
VARMASTER MODELS VBU RATINGS & DIMENSIONS
The VBU yields a very long life switch by utilitizing a modular design
concept which connects vacuum interrupter modules electrically in
series and mechanically in parallel. The VBU is supplied with the
appropriate number of modules determined by recovery voltage
considerations for specific applications. (Refer to table 4) Order by
fully describing the application, options and accessories. Table 3 VBU Ratings**
Voltage Class 69kV -230kV
Standard Control Continuous Current
Features Include: (Amperes) 600
Electrical Operations
Counter, Heater, Anti-Single Fault Interrupting Current
4,000
Phasing Circuit (Amperes, Symmetrical)
Momentary Current
Control Current Close: 40,000
(Amperes, Asymmetric)
THREE PHASE THREE PHASE THREE PHASE 1 ampere peak at 48 V.D.C.
or 125 V.D.C. Two-Second Current
15kV/25kV1 400A 25kV 200A 34.5kV 300A (Amperes)
10,000
15kV/25kV1 600A 25kV 300A Trip:
18 amperes at 125 V.D.C.; Three Second Current
25kV 400A 8,000
Module 54 amperes at 48 V.D. C. (Amperes)
1
Housing
Solid grounded system and capacitor banks only. Four Second Current
7,000
(Amperes)

Closing Time 55 milliseconds

Pull
Rods Maximum Interrupt Time 2 cycles
Vacuum
Interupter

Figure 4
Table 4 VBU Ratings
Rated L-G Term-Term Interrupter
Maximum Bil Bil kV Modules per Weight per Primary
Voltage kV kV Phase A B Phase Lbs. Application*
72 350 400 4 8’ 71/4” 30” 710 TGU
1
121 550 550 5 11’ 1 /4 ” 48” 860 TG
1
121 550 750 7 13’ 1 /4” 48” 940 U
145 750 650 6 13’ 11/4” 60” 950 T
145 750 750 7 14’ 11/4” 60” 990 G
145 750 850 8 15’ 11/4” 60” 1030 U
169 750 750 7 14’ 11/4” 60” 990 T
169 750 850 8 15’ 11/4” 60” 1030 G
ONE POLE 2 ONE POLE 2 ONE POLE 2 169 750 950 9 16’ 11/4” 60” 1070 U
34.5kV 400A 46kV 300A 69kV 300A 242 900 950 9 17’ 71/4” 78” 1180 TG
34.5kV 600A *T- Transformer Switching & Fault Protection- Grounded or Ungrounded
G- Shunt Capacitor or Reactor Switching- Solidly Grounded Source & Load
U- Shunt Capacitor or Reactor Switching- Ungrounded Source or Load
2
**Refer to Joslyn Bulletin TD 750-457 for recommended inrush current limiting
Three poles required for a 3-Phase installation
reactor size if applied for back to back capacitor banks.
Figure 2 VBU OPTIONS & ACCESSORIES
Refer to page 7.

4 9
VBU SWITCHING SYSTEMS VARMASTER RATINGS
Table 1 VBM Varmaster Ratings
FEATURES Maximum Voltage 15.5kV/25kV3 25kV 38kV 48.5kV 72.5kV

• Maintenance-free long life Capacitor and Load

Switching Current1,2 400 600 600 200 300 400 300 400 600 600 2004 300 400 300
• Completely sealed construction (Amperes)
• Safe, completely oil free Fault Interrupting Current
3kA 4kA 8kA 3kA 3kA 3kA 3kA 3kA 4kA 8kA 4kA 3kA 3kA 3kA
• Low cost installation (Amperes)

• Quiet operation Interrupter

Momentary Current
20kA 20kA 20kA 15kA 15kA 15kA 15kA 20kA 20kA 20kA 20kA 15kA 15kA 15kA
(RMS Amperes, Asymmetric)
Assembly
• High speed operations
Impulse Withstand (kV
• Easy to test 110 110 110 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 250 250 280
BIL)Terminal-toTerminal5
• Wide choice of control options Line-to-Ground (kV BIL)
150 150 150 150 150 150 200 200 200 200 250 250 250 350
(1.2 x 50 Positive Wave)
• Zero voltage closing
Maximum 60-Cycle With-
stand Line-to-Ground (kV):
The VBU Switching System is completely 101 101 101 101 101 101 138 138 138 138 178 178 178 178
One Minute Dry
sealed against the environment. They are 74 74 74 74 74 74 119 119 119 119 176 176 176 176
immune to ice and to the effects of Two Seconds Wet
contamination. The mechanism is completely
Maximum Peak Making 20 20 20 15 15 15 15 20 20 20 20 15 15 15
sealed so no heaters are required. Routine
Current (kA)
“exercise” is not required. The VBU is A
designed to withstand system voltage Maximum Peak 10 10 10 8 8 8 8 10 10 10 10 8 8 8
continuously in the open position. Back-to-Back
Insulator
Suitable for all loads, the VBU with reliable Assembly Inrush Current (kA)6
vacuum interrupters ensure dependable B Two-second Current 12,500 Amperes
switching of magnetizing current, cable or line
charging current or load current of any power Position Four-second Current 9,000 Amperes
Indicator
factor. VBUs are ideally suited for capacitor
switching.
1
The VBU can be applied on 69kV to 230 kV VBM Varmasters can switch loads of any power factor up to their continuous current rating. Include effects of voltage
variances, harmonic currents and load tolerances in calculating continuous current.
systems. The flexibility of modular design
makes a change in the voltage rating of VBUs 2
VBM Varmasters are available with continuous current ratings through 3000 amperes. Consult factory regarding
as simple as adding or subtracting the appro-
application of these switches.
priate number of vacuum contact modules. Operator
17”
Assembly 3
The VBU is safe even when exposed to fault Grounded systems only at 25kV
currents that exceed the equipment rating.
4
They are free of explosive or combustible In capacitor switching applications the 48.5kV, 200 ampere VBM may be used on solidly grounded systems and
materials. grounded capacitor banks with total current less than 200 amperes. For all other loads, this VBM rating is 600 amperes.
VBUs are virtually maintenance-free. All that is 5
Interrupter portion of switch does not provide a visible open gap; therefore it cannot be used to establish a safety
needed is a normal operation inspection every Figure 3
clearance for personnel.
five years or 10,000 operations.
6
VBUs are easily installed. They are shipped The VBU System is economical. They are less In back–to-back capacitor bank switching applications, it is recommended that inrush current be limited to the values
completely assembled and adjusted. They are expensive to purchase than circuit breakers and less shown for maximum maintenance-free performance. Current limiting reactors through 60 microhenries/phase are
lightweight. Field installation is quickly and expensive to install. They are free of routine mainte- available from Joslyn Hi-Voltage. Refer to Joslyn bulletin T.D. 750-457
easily accomplished. Often they are mounted nance, and require a minimum of structural support
on potential transformer stands. and space.

8 5
VARMASTER OPTIONS & ACCESSORIES CONTROLS & ACCESSORIES
VARMASTER OPERATING MECHANISMS Fisher Pierce Brand Capacitor Controls Zero Voltage, Independent Pole Closing
Series AC100 Control for Capacitor Switching
Programmable Closes the three poles independently synchronized with
1. Solenoid Mechanism Capacitor Control zero voltage in each phase to eliminate overvoltages and
Solenoid operators have an expected maintenance-free life of 100,000 operations on AC and 15,000 Provides voltage, time, or reduce inrush current. See page 10 for more information.
operations on DC. Controls for solenoid operators are mounted in a separate enclosure. temperature primary control
with programmable override.
2. Motor Mechanism Controller can be set up
Undervoltage Trip Option
Motor operators are primarily used on single mechanism VBM’s such as 15kV, 400A and 600A switches and through easy to program The undervoltage trip accessory causes the switch to
34.5kV, 300A switches. All controls are located inside the VBM mechanism housing. Inspection after 10,000 front panel or through USB open within three cycles of loss of control power.
operations is recommended. connection. Low profile
enclosure comes integrated Low Energy, Capacitor Discharge Option
Table 2 Operating Mechanisms Options with meter socket base.
This control package enables use of solenoid operated
Control Current switches in locations where control power is limited. The
Control Operating Per Switch Close Time4 Trip Time4 Auxilliary Series 4400 AutoCapTM main application for this system is in switching substation
Voltage Mechanism Mechanism Contacts Adaptive Capacitor Controller and Recorder capacitor banks and reactors, which are located at long
Microprocessor based control featuring one-to-four distances from the source of power. Current drain is 5
120 V Motor5 5 amps 3 sec 2 cycles 2“a” and 2“b”1 programming adapts itself to the installation. The amperes peak and less than 30 milliamperes average.
AC Solenoid3 60 amps7,8 6 cycles 6 cycles 4“a” and 4“b”2 controller automatically corrects for installation errors.
Programmable control modes include Var, current, Current Limiting Reactors
Motor 5
3 amps 5 sec 2 cycles 2“a” and 2“b” 1 voltage, time and temperature, as well as override and
48 V For back-to-back capacitor switching applications,
protective functions. Windows based application software
Solenoid3.8 60 amps6 6 cycles 6 cycles 4“a” and 4“b”2 reactors with wide range of inductance are available for
is included. all system voltages. Refer to Joslyn bulletin TD 750-457.
DC 125 V Motor5 4 amps 3 sec 2 cycles 2“a” and 2“b”1
Solenoid3 60 amps7,8 6 cycles 6 cycles 4“a” and 4“b”2 Overcurrent Relay Packages
Complete relay packages are available for fault
250 V Solenoid 3.8
60 amps 6 cycles 6 cycles 4“a” and 4“b” 2 interruption applications.

1
Two A and two B mechanically operated contacts are standard. Six A and six B 5
Motor operating mechanisms are designed for single Junction Box Accessory (Motor Operated VBM’s only)
contacts available as option. Contacts are rated at 10 amps 125 VDC or 115 VAC. mechanism switches only.
A weatherproof junction box can be mounted on the VBM
2
Four A and four B contacts available from auxiliary relay. Eight A and eight B 6
Current is 60 amperes peak for one, two, or three mechanism mechanism housing containing terminal strips for
contacts available as option. Contacts are rated at 15 amps 120 VAC and 10 amps switch systems. customer connections to the internal switch control
125 VDC. 7
Current is 120 amperes for 34.5kV 300A VBM. circuits. This can be supplied instead of the control cable.
3
For capacitor or reactor switching, a low energy control is available. 8
Current for three mechanism switch systems is approximately
See Table 3, Options and Accessories.
4
Close or Trip Times are measured from applying of close or trip signals. Vacuum
180 amperes peak for 3 cycles. Time Delay Relay
TM
contact travel time is six milliseconds. All VBM’s have built-in anti-pump controls. Series 4500 AutoCap Adaptive Capacitor A 5-minute time delay can be included in the controls to
Controller with Two-Way Communications prevent closing into a charged capacitor bank.
Microprocessor based control including all features of the
Series 4400 with data radios for two-way communica- Heater For Control Enclosures
tions. A dedicated communications microprocessor and
Varmaster flash memory allow the use of data radios cellular, and (No heater is required for the VBM or VBU switch).
modem communication technologies. The result is a
Terminal Pad powerful tool for discrete feeder management, data Electrical Operations Counter
gathering, trouble shooting, system evaluation analysis.
Orientation Options This counter is mounted in the control cabinet. (A mechanical
counter is always provided on the VBM switch.)
(for single mechanism switches) PowerFlex® Two and Three Step
Capacitor Switching Controllers
Multi-step controllers are intended for use with multiple Upright Stands and Pole Mounting Frames
capacitor racks found in substation applications. The
Trip Lever
controls can be purchased in Var, voltage or line current Special Controls
configurations. The control operates the first step which
& Position Indicator Joslyn can design special controls for particular
activates the following steps after a fixed time delay.
Standard Alternate A Alternate B Alternate C Proper sequencing on capacitors is ensured.
Diagram 1
6 7