Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Edition II
Copyright MMVII
T&D PowerSkills, LLC
5501A John Eskew Blvd.
Alexandria, LA 71303
866-880-1380
http://www.tdpowerskills.com
All rights reserved. This book or any part thereof
must not be reproduced in any form without the
written permission of T&D PowerSkills, LLC.
Printed in the United States of America
on March 11, 2013
General Guidelines
The Underground Residential Distribution Systems training unit is composed of a video and associated
Student Manual. The DVD contains one Course. The course is divided into Lessons, where each
Lesson consists of a number of Topics. The number of Lessons and Topics will vary with each course.
Recommended Sequence of Instruction
1. After the instructors introductory remarks, read the segment objectives found in the block at
the beginning of the first segment.
2. Briefly discuss the segment objectives with the instructor and other class members.
3. View the first segment of the video.
4. Read the text segment that corresponds to the first segment of the video.
5. Answer the questions at the end of the text segment. Check your answers with the correct
answers provided by the instructor.
6. Participate in a class discussion of the material just covered. Ask any questions you might have
concerning the material in the video and the text, and note any additional information given by
the instructor.
7. Before proceeding, be sure you understand the concepts presented in this segment.
8. Work through all segments in this manner.
9. A Course Test covering all the material will be administered by the instructor upon completion
of the unit.
10. Additional instruction and testing may be provided, at the instructors discretion.
This recommended sequence may be modified slightly by the instructor due to scheduling or other
special considerations.
Incomplete
SECTION: UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION
UNIT(S): Underground Residential Distribution Systems
REQUIREMENTS
VG
ACC
NI
NA
=
=
=
=
Very Good
Acceptable
Needs Improvement
Not Able to Complete
on this Crew
SUPERVISOR SIGN-OFF
VG ACC NI NA
4.3 Can demonstrate approved procedures for installing a direct-buried transformer .............................
4.2 Can demonstrate approved procedures for installing a subsurface transformer ................................
CONTINUED:
__________________________
__________________________
____________________
Apprentices Signature
Supervisor's Signature
Date
NOTES:
Table of Contents
Segment 1:
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
Segment 2:
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.3
8
9
10
10
11
13
19
22
22
23
26
29
29
32
34
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Error! Bookmark not defined.
Segment 6:
6.1
6.2
6.3
Segment 5:
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
Segment 4:
4.1
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
Segment 3:
3.1
3.2
3.3
Equipment Operation
Table of Figures
Figure 1-1: Portion of a Typical Cable Pole ............................................................................................. 9
Figure 1-2: Radial Feed URD System .....................................................................................................11
Figure 1-3: Radial Feed URD System with Faulted Cable ..................................................................... 12
Figure 1-4: Loop Feed URD System ...................................................................................................... 13
Figure 1-5: Open Loop URD System Energized from Two Different Overhead Phases ...................... 14
Figure 1-6: Three-Phase Loop URD System .......................................................................................... 15
Figure 1-7: Three-Phase Open Loop: Phase "A" .................................................................................... 16
Figure 1-8: Three-Phase Open Loop: Phase "B" .................................................................................... 17
Figure 1-9: Three-Phase Open Loop: Phase "C" .................................................................................... 18
Figure 1-10: Double Feed URD System ................................................................................................. 19
Figure 2-1: Pothead ................................................................................................................................. 23
Figure 2-2: Fuses in a URD Transformer ............................................................................................... 24
Figure 2-3: Surge Arrestors in a Transformer ......................................................................................... 25
Figure 2-4: Transclosure ......................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 2-5: Oil-Filled, Spring-Operated Gang Switch ........................................................................... 27
Figure 2-6: Tap Hole ............................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 2-7: Live-Front Pad-Mounted Transformers ............................................................................... 30
Figure 2-8: Dead-Front Pad-Mounted Transformer ................................................................................ 31
Figure 2-9: Subsurface Transformer ....................................................................................................... 32
Figure 2-10: Direct Buried Transformer ................................................................................................. 33
Figure 2-11: Ground Connection of a Transformer ................................................................................ 34
Figure 2-12: Terminal Strip on Secondary Bushing ............................................................................... 35
Figure 2-13: Terminal Strip Inside Pedestal ........................................................................................... 36
Figure 3-1: Single Phase Primary URD Cable ........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-2: Jacketed URD Cable ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-3: Three-Phase Primary Underground Cable ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-4: Single-Conductor Secondary Cable ......................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-5: Two-Conductor Secondary Cable .........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-6: Three Separate Cables to Provide 120-Volt Service .............Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-7: Three-Conductor Secondary Cable .......................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-8: Potheads ................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-9: Load-Break Elbow ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-10: A Fault Indicator..................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-11: Terminal Strips on Transformer Secondary Bushings .........Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-12: Terminal Strips and a Pedestal ............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3-13: Mole ....................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 4-1: Backhoe Digging Trench ......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 4-2: Trench with Cable, Conduit, and a Telephone Line ..............Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 4-3: Cable Plow ............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 4-4: Plastic Pad .............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 4-5: Pre-Formed Concrete Pads....................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 4-6: Below-Ground Vault ............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 4-7: Direct-Buried Transformer in a Vault ...................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
T&D PowerSkills Lineman Training Edition II
Page 6
Figure 5-1: Inspecting Cable Pole Equipment .........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 5-2: Preparing to Work on a Pad-Mounted Transformer ..............Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 5-3: Transformer Installation Plate ...............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 5-4: Cable Tag on the Primary Side of a Transformer ..................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 5-5: Oil-Filled, Spring-Operated Switch ......................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 5-6: Simple Illustration of an Underground Circuit .....................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 6-1: Open Loop URD System ......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 6-2: Closed Loop ..........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 6-3: Open Connection at Point "C" ..............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 6-4: Cable CD Isolated and De-Energized ...................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 6-5: Open Connection at Point "M" .............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 6-6: Cable Pole "N" Isolated ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 6-7: Transformer "DE" Isolated ....................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Segment 1:
OBJECTIVES:
Identify the source of power for a typical URD system.
Describe general equipment and design considerations associated
with URD systems.
Describe the following types of URD system designs:
o Radial feed
o Loop feed
o Double feed
In many modern residential subdivisions, local building regulations require that all utilities -electricity,
telephone, gas, water, cable television, etc. - be installed underground. The electricity in such areas is
carried by underground residential distribution (URD) systems. URD systems are local distribution
systems that are designed primarily to be buried in the ground and to serve residential customers.
This training program focuses on three common types of URD systems: radial feed, loop feed, and
double feed systems. Components commonly found in these systems are introduced, and typical
procedures for installing and inspecting URD equipment are described. The flexibility of one type of
URD system design is demonstrated in the final part of the program.
a) General.
(1) Application.
(i) This section covers the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control,
transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment. These provisions apply to:
[A] Power generation, transmission, and distribution installations, including related equipment for the
purpose of communication or metering, which are accessible only to qualified employees.
1926.950 subpart V
General requirements
(a) Application. The occupational safety and health standards contained in this Subpart V shall
apply to the construction of electric transmission and distribution lines and equipment.
URD systems consist of various types of components, including cables, transformers, switchgear, and
protective devices. The specific components used in a system and the way that the components are laid
out may vary from one system to another.
T&D PowerSkills Lineman Training Edition II
Page 8
1.1
URD Systems are most often fed from overhead primary distribution lines. The URD system is
connected to the overhead system at one or more cable poles, or riser poles. A portion of a typical cable
pole is shown in Figure 1-1.
From the connection point on the cable pole, the URD cable runs down the pole and continues
underground. If a residential subdivision is large, it may have several independent URD systems, all
fed from one set of overhead primaries. When a large customer of three-phase power, such as an
industrial park, is associated with a URD system, the load demand of the system may be so great that
the system must be fed by a large underground cable directly from a substation.
1.2
Because URD system components are primarily underground, there are special equipment and design
considerations that must be taken into account when dealing with a URD system. For example, it is
difficult to troubleshoot and repair cable and equipment that are buried in the ground. Repair
frequently involves excavation of the equipment. Therefore, URD equipment must be designed to last a
long time without maintenance.
Equipment that is buried in the ground comes in contact with water and a variety of corrosive
chemicals found in soil. Strong acids and alkalis, such as those used in fertilizers can cause equipment
damage. Splices, terminations, gaskets, and connecting devices are particularly susceptible to the
effects of moisture and corrosion.
In addition to the chemicals found in soil, the ground itself can also have an adverse effect on URD
equipment. Shifting or unstable soil, vibrations from heavy machinery, and subterranean root growth
can all cause damage to URD equipment.
1.3
Although URD systems can be designed in a variety of ways, three basic primary system designs are
radial feed, loop feed, and double feed designs. The designs differ from each other in the way that
primary power is distributed.
One difficulty with radial feed designs is apparent when a cable becomes faulted. When this happens,
customers beyond the fault cannot be re-energized until the fault is repaired. For example, the "X" in
Figure 1-3 represents the location of a cable fault. The customers beyond that point are without power.
Figure 1-5: Open Loop URD System Energized from Two Different
Overhead Phases
In an arrangement like the one shown in Figure 1-5, the entire loop could be energized by one phase if
a problem developed in the other phase. However, any equipment to be switched would have to be deenergized from its original feeder before being connected to the second feeder. This would cause a
temporary power outage for the customers served by the equipment being switched.
The loop that is energized by phase "A" of the overhead feeder is shown in gray in Figure 1-7. From
the overhead, the cable runs down the pole to a number of transformers. From the last transformer in its
group, the cable runs back to the second cable pole, where it rejoins the overhead. One of the
transformers has an open connection, so this loop is an open loop.
The loop that is energized by phase "B" of the overhead feeder is shown in gray in Figure 1-8. As with
the loop energized from phase "A," this loop serves some of the transformers, and one of the
transformers has an open connection.
When a double feed URD system is switched over to the alternate source, there may be a momentary
power outage as the switch is made. Although this outage can be very short, some customers, such as
large computer installations, may not be able to tolerate even the smallest loss of power. These
customers may use another type of system that employs a secondary network design. In a secondary
network URD system, the customer is fed continuously from two or more sources. The system is
connected on the secondary sides of the transformers, allowing the customer to be energized from any
or all of the sources at once. The specific design of this type of system is beyond the scope of this
program.
Section Quiz
1-1.
True or False. URD systems are most often fed from overhead primary lines.
1-2.
When a large customer of three-phase power is associated with a URD system, the system may
be fed directly from a _____________________ through an underground feeder.
1-3.
True or False. URD system equipment must be designed and built to withstand the effects of
moisture and corrosion.
1-4.
1-5.
A URD system that has both ends connected to an overhead feeder is known as a
____________________ feed system.
1-6.
An underground feeder
A cable, or riser, pole
A double feed system
A radial feed system
None of the above
Segment 2:
The components that make up a URD system can vary, depending on the type of installation and
whether the source of power is from overhead or underground feeders. For purposes of explanation, the
URD system used as an example in this section is divided into three sections: (1) the connection with
the primary feeder, (2) the transformers, and (3) the secondary service to the customers.
OBJECTIVES:
Recognize and identify various types of URD system equipment.
Describe the functions of potheads, switchgear, transformers, and
protective devices commonly found on URD systems.
2.1
All URD systems have a source of primary power. The source may be an overhead primary system or
an underground feeder from a substation.
Pothead
Compression
Termination
from URD
Cable Insulation
URD Primary
Cable
Neutral
Fuses
Another protective device often found on cable poles is a surge arrestor. Surge arrestors protect the
system by discharging overvoltage caused by voltage surges or lightning strikes to ground. Surge
arrestors are commonly installed on each cable pole, but, as with fuses, may also be found at other
locations in a URD system. Figure 2-3 shows surge arrestors in a transformer.
Surge Arresters
Another kind of pad-mounted switch is often used to energize and de-energize sections of the
underground primary feeder. The switch shown in Figure 2-5 is an oil-filled, spring-operated gang
switch; it is capable of switching all three phases of the underground feeder at one time.
In some URD systems, switching points are located in vaults below ground. These switching points are
commonly called tap holes. A typical tap hole is shown in Figure 2-6.
2.2
Transformers
The transformers in a URD system change the primary distribution voltage to a secondary voltage that
customers can use. Transformers come in single-phase and three-phase versions. Although most
residential customers require single-phase power, some nearby customers may require three-phase
power. For example, a neighborhood swimming pool may have pumps with three-phase motors. When
a three-phase customer is associated with a URD system, the system will include three-phase
transformers.
Transformers come in a variety of designs. Some are designed to be installed above ground, and some
are designed to be installed below ground.
Switches
Exposed
Energized Parts
Primary
Secondary
Figure 2-8 shows a typical dead-front transformer. Dead-front transformers have primary, and,
frequently, secondary terminals that are covered with insulating material. Devices known as load-break
elbows are generally used to form insulated connections between URD primary cables and the primary
terminals, or bushings, on a dead-front transformer. On the secondary side, the bushings may be
covered with pieces of insulating material called boots. The secondary cables are permanently attached
with bolts to the secondary bushings.
Primary Side
Secondary Side
Boots
Load Break
Elbows
Primary URD
Cables
Secondary URD
Cables
Because load-break elbows are designed to be disconnected while energized, or under load, dead-front
transformers usually do not have switches. Instead, power is routed into and out of the transformer by
removing an elbow from an energized terminal bushing and placing it on an insulated, un-energized
parking bushing.
Even though dead-front transformers have covered terminals, any work on energized units should be
done with the proper protective gear.
Secondary
Primary
The primary connections on subsurface transformers are made with load-break elbows, which provide
insulated, moisture-proof terminations. The load-break elbows also provide the capability of switching
subsurface transformers.
The secondary connections of subsurface transformers are covered with insulating, moisture-proof
sleeves. The sleeves are put on after the secondary connections have been made.
Figure 2-10 is a simplified illustration of a direct-buried transformer. Direct-buried transformers are
usually buried in vaults, although they are sometimes buried directly in the earth. In either case, once
they are buried, they are covered over completely, and are not easily accessible.
The metallic housings of transformers and other equipment in URD systems are typically grounded to
provide a low resistance path to ground. This low resistance path protects equipment from the effects of
overvoltage, and protects personnel from electrical shock hazards. Figure 2-11 shows the ground
connection of a transformer.
Secondary
Terminals
Ground
Connection
2.3
In a URD system, the secondary power that leaves a transformer is distributed to customers.
Sometimes, a secondary cable runs directly from the transformer to a customer's meter. Often,
however, a terminal strip is used to enable one transformer to serve several customers.
Some terminal strips, sometimes called "spades," are installed directly on the secondary bushing of a
transformer, as shown in Figure 2-12.
Terminal
Strip
Secondary
Connections
Terminal strips may also be centrally located between several customers inside a structure known as a
pedestal (Figure 2-13). Pedestals provide weatherproof enclosures for terminal strips, but the terminal
strips are still easily accessible.
Section Quiz
2-1.
2-2.
Name two ways in which URD systems can be supplied with power.
a)
________________________________________________
b)
________________________________________________
2-3.
When a URD system is fed from an underground feeder, the connection between the two is
typically made with a ___________________.
2-4.
2-5.
Can be subsurface
Are easily accessible
Can be direct buried
Are designed to operate under water