May 22, 2007
S&C Offers Cost-Effective Alternatives to Metal-Clad Gear
S&C’s distribution switchgear offerings provide exceptional flexibility in satisfying even complex switching and protection requirements for medium-voltage power distribution systems. With field-proven dependability, low first cost, and minimal maintenance costs over the life of the gear, S&C switchgear offers an attractive alternative to metal-clad breaker gear.
S&C’s switchgear offers outstanding single-phase protection, exceptional ease of grounding, low or no maintenance, a wide variety of safety features to limit exposure to medium voltage, outdoor installation without protective houses, small size, simple reliable performance, and much more. The following chart shows how various S&C switchgear products compare to metal-clad gear.
| Product Type | Single Phase Protection | Ease of Grounding | Maintenance | Ratings | Safety Features | Indoor/ Outdoor | Size of Typical 15-kV Bay (W x D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vista | Choice of single- or three-phase protection | Three-position switch (open, close, ground) | No routine maintenance | 15-38 kV, up to 900 amps cont., 25-kA short circuit | Sealed Tank, elbow-connected components, arc-resistant, visible disconnect | Install indoors or outdoors, submersible | 24" x 30" |
| System VI | Choice of single- or three-phase protection | Three-position switch (open, close, ground) | Limited | 15-38 kV, up to 900 amps cont., 25-kA short circuit | Sealed Tank, elbow-connected components, arc-resistant, visible disconnect | Install indoors or outdoors | Vista section is 24" x 30" |
| PMX | Yes | Ground provisions included | Limited | 15-25 kV, 600 amps cont., up to 25 kA short circuit | Enhanced fuse handling, compartmentalization | Install indoors or outdoors | 42" x 67" |
| Metal- Enclosed Switchgear | Yes | Ground provisions included | Limited | 5-38 kV, 600-2000 amps cont., up to 40 kA short circuit | Arc-resistance is optional, UL Listed | Install indoors or outdoors | 42" x 42" |
| Metal-Clad | Yes | Draw out for grounding | Regular breaker and bus tests | 5-38 kV, 1200-3000 amps, up to 60 kA short | Arc-resistance is optional, draw out for visible break | Indoors, requires house for outdoor installation | 36" x 90" or 96" |
Each S&C switchgear product offers features that distinguish them from metal-clad gear:
Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear
Rated 15 kV through 38 kV, Vista Underground Distribution Switchgear features elbow-connected components enclosed in a compact, submersible, SF-6 insulated, welded-steel tank, completely protected from the environment. Vista offers exceptional ease of grounding with a three-position switch with open, close, and ground positions. Vista is easy to site, with a small footprint and the ability to be installed outdoors. It can also be installed below grade in undercover or vault-mounted styles. Vista offers Remote-Supervisory and Source-Transfer capabilities, and a variety of other styles to meet all of your project needs.
Metal-Enclosed Switchgear
Rated 4.16 kV through 34.5 kV, Metal-Enclosed Switchgear is ideal for use in service entrance applications. Built for long life and ease of operation, it is rugged enough for outdoor use, and can be customized to meet your individual application needs. It is available in arc-resistant models that offer an additional level of safety, reducing the risk of injury to service personnel.
System VI Switchgear
System VI Switchgear combines the innovations of S&C Vista with the versatility of S&C Metal-Enclosed Switchgear in a space-saving, multi-section package for applications through 34.5 kV, 25-kA. Main bus ratings through 2000 amperes are available. In this arrangement, Pad-Mounted Vista UDS units are joined together or connected by means of in-air bushings to metering transformers in adjacent air-insulated bays, in much the same manner as conventional metal-enclosed switchgear lineups. System VI Switchgear is custom-designed and can utilize as many Vista UDS modules as required for distribution to the loads.
PMX Modular Switchgear
With ratings of 13.8 and 25 kV, PMX Modular Switchgear combines the solid features of S&C Metal-Enclosed Switchgear with the size and economic benefits of S&C Pad-Mounted Gear. PMX offers an Enhanced Fuse Handling option that eliminates exposure to medium voltage during re-arming of the power fuses. The fuses are completely enclosed in an internal compartment for enhanced safety. PMX also offers a compartmentalization option that includes barriers and floors that separate the cable termination sections from the main bus and switching sections, further protecting operating personnel from exposure to medium voltage. PMX is expandable, so modules can be added at any time. Installation is simplified due to a removable roof, making cable pulling easier.
For complete details on the full range of S&C’s products and services, contact your local S&C Sales Office. S&C’s underground distribution product selector can also help you determine the product that best fits your application requirements.