Switchgear module and configurations, and method of fabrication and

Abstract

A switchgear module is provided that is assembled from one or more molded housing portions to provide a gas-tight volume for the housing of electrical components. The switchgear modules include provisions for assembly of various combinations of switchgear modules into a variety of electrical circuit configurations while maintaining a gas seal of the switchgear modules. In a preferred arrangement, the switchgear module includes bus conductors that are integrally incorporated during the molding of the switchgear module housing and that are accessible from opposite sides of the module. Further, the switchgear module includes integrally molded features for providing access to make electrical interconnections between the bus conductors of adjacently positioned switchgear modules. Thus, the finally assembled and tested switchgear modules with pressurized internal volume may be configured to provide a variety of different electrical circuit combinations of the internal components and are also capable of being reconfigured as desired into different configurations or lineups without the loss of the seal of the interior volume of the switchgear modules. The switchgear module includes a complete internal and integral system to satisfy desirable operating practices to deenergize, test and ground the circuit before working thereon. Specifically, the switchgear module includes an integral indicator with test feature, a visible open gap in the circuit which is readily observable externally to the module, and a ground position for the internal switch to ground the circuit. In a preferred arrangement, an operating mechanism is internal to the module and controls the position of either a loadbreak switch or a disconnect switch between three operable positions, close, open, and ground. The operating mechanism is charged and operated by an operating train that is connected to an operator control.