PV System 38

38kV METAL-CLAD SWITCHGEAR

DEFINITION
A state-of-the-art ANSI metal-clad switchgear system
utilizing advanced vacuum circuit breaker technology at
38kV.

OVERVIEW
PV System 38 switchgear was introduced in 1995.
Powell has continued to enhance this design with
new capabilities including an ANSI Arc Resistant
construction. The advanced design axial-magnetic
vacuum interrupter utilizes a copper-chrome alloy
contact design. This breaker has been fully qualified
for 40kA interrupting duty and back-to-back capacitor
switching at KEMA. The design incorporates the look
and function of todays 5 and 15kV switchgear with
advanced materials and vacuum interrupters for the
demands of a 38kV application.

DESIGN FEATURES

Most Space Efficient Design

(40 wide by 92 high)
Tubular Copper Main Bus
Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Insulation System
Hipoxy-2000 Bus Insulation
Vinyl Joint Bus Boots
ISO 9001-2000

The PV System 38 breaker is designed with the same

basic stored energy mechanism utilized in other
breakers of the PowlVac family. Bus designs utilize
silver-plated tubular copper with a fully rated 38kV
epoxy insulation. Bolted main bus joints utilize specially
configured vinyl cover boots which have also been
fully qualified for 38kV service. Cycloaliphatic epoxy
insulators are utilized for main bus support as well as
the breaker pole support of the vacuum interrupters.
Custom design clamping type stand-off insulators
are molded of urethane for tubular bus support. The
breakers feature true closed-door racking with remote
operated electrical racking device option available.
Secondary control interface to the breaker element
utilizes a manually inserted plug and socket with
an umbilical cable which is up front and visible for
verification of connection.

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PV System 38 Switchgear
Ratings

Configuration

Dimensions (inches)

Voltage
(kV)

Continuous
Current
(amperes)

Circuit
Breaker
Lower

Width

Height

Depth1

Instrument
Door
Height

38

1200/2000

40

92

116.5

40

Note: 1) Depth may be increased to accommodate auxiliary devices, bus duct or cable entry.

Removable
Top Pla
te

Removable
Bus Cover
Tubular Insula
ted
Main Bus

Optional
Ground
Sensor CT

Cycloalipha
tic oxy
Ep
Bus Supp
ort
Tubular Insula
ted
Ris
er Bus

"Connec
ted"
"Test"
" Disc
onnect
ed"
Current
Transfor
mers

PV System 38 Circuit Breaker Rated on Symmetrical Rating Basis (ANSI C37.06)

Rated
Maximum
Voltage
(kV rms)

Rated
Voltage
Range
(k Factor)

38.0

1.0

Insulation
Withstand
Test Voltages
Low
Frequency
(kV rms)
80

Closing and
Maximum
Rated
Rated
Latching
Rated
Symmetrical
Short
Rated
Maximum
Capability
Continuous
Interrupting
Circuit at Interrupting Voltage
2.7K times
Current
Capability
Full
Maximum
Time
Divided
Rated Short
at 60Hz
and Short
Wave
kV
(cycles)
by K
Circuit
(Amps
rms)
Time
Current
Impulse
(kA rms)
(kV rms)
Current
(kA rms)
(kV Crest)
(kA Crest)
150

1200/2000

40

Publication No. 02065

Powell Electrical Group

PO Box 12818
Houston, TX 77217

3 or 5

38.0

40

108

11/2007 Rev 0

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2006 Powell Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

Tel: 713.944.6900 Fax: 713.947.4453

www.powellind.com
info@powellind.com