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260-80
Switches
Automated M-Force Switch
260-80
Electrical Apparatus
January 2008 New Issue

Printed in U.S.A.
DESCRIPTION
Cooper Power Systems Automated
M-Force switch is an integrated, fully
automated three-phase distribution
class switching station including an
iMC switch control, ProView control
software, motor operator, sensors
(optional) and M-Force switch.
The iMC switch control is used in
conjunction with a motor operator to
open or close the M-Force switch on
command. It is designed for use as
a complete system that can perform
as a sectionalizing switch, a load
shedding switch, or a tie switch in a
distribution loop scheme. In addition
to the basic switching capabilities
provided by the M-Force switch, the
iMC switch control with ProView
operating system provides advanced
automation switch control functionality.
Advanced functionality includes
custom configuration of user-selected
inputs and outputs, events and alarm
data, and selectable communications
points for serial communications.
Analysis tools include sequence of
event recording, Idea Workbench,
Data Profiler, and oscillography
functions, including oscillography
replay. PeerComm networking as
well as standard communications
protocols are available.
ThREE-PhASE
AuTOMATED M-FORCE
SwITCh FEATuRES
AND DETAIlED
DESCRIPTION
The Automated M-Force switch is
a distribution class, gang-operated,
and factory-unitized three-phase
overhead loadbreak switch. It is
offered in distribution voltage
classifications of 15 kV and 27 kV.
It uses the Cooper Reliabreak device
for loadbreak capability up to 600 A.
The Automated M-Force switch
may be used for line sectionalizing,
paralleling, by-passing, isolating, or
as a remote system when used in
conjunction with a motor operator.
Reverse loop Contacts
M-Force stands for Magnetic Force.
The reverse loop contact design
provides added reliability by utilizing
the high electromagnetic forces
produced during fault conditions
to provide high contact pressure
between the blade and clip. This
feature prevents pitting and distorting
of the switch blade and contacts, even
under severe momentary overload.
The reverse loop contacts were
adapted from the KPF Line Tension
switch and have been field-proven
for over 80 years. These contacts,
originally designed for high voltage
transmission switches, also maintain
extremely cool temperatures even
under rated full load. The maximum
temperature rise allowed per ANSI
®

C37.30 for the blade and contact area
is 53° C. The maximum temperature
rise observed on the reverse loop
contact area was 26° C, less than
half of the allowed temperature. These
types of test results, along with the
proven field performance, make the
M-Forces reverse loop contacts the
premiere choice in the industry.
Figure .
Automated M-Force switch, crossarm
motor operator, and sensors.
Figure 2.
iMC switch control. The Automated M-Force Switch
2
Insulators
The Automated M-Force switch
comes standard with 2.25" bolt
circle cycloaliphatic epoxy insulators.
These non-porcelain insulators offer
exceptional dielectric and mechanical
characteristics, adding to the reliability
of the Automated M-Force switch,
while lowering the weight. The
switch can also be provided with 3"
cycloaliphatic epoxy, or 2.25" and
3.00" porcelain at 15 kV and 27 kV.
When high-corrosion resistance
is required, 3.00" silicone rubber
insulators can be provided in all
voltage classes.
Extended Bearing
Assembly
The stainless steel shaft on the
rotating insulator bearing assembly
has been extended to four inches.
This extra length prevents horizontal
movement of the rotating insulator
during operation, ensuring proper
blade/contact alignment, which
is essential for smooth operation.
Another feature of the bearing
assembly is the oil-impregnated
bearings and stainless steel spindle
that provide maintenance-free
operation for the life of the switch.
Insulated Reliabreak Arm
The Reliabreak pick-up arm on
the Automated M-Force switch is
insulated on one side, which isolates
the interrupter from the current
path during a close operation. This
feature allows for a wide range of
adjustments between the Reliabreak
arm and the blade catch finger. This
increased tolerance removes the
possibility of misalignment during
operation, which ensures proper
load interruption.
Positive locking
Dead-End Brackets
The dead-end brackets on the
Automated M-Force switch are of a
positive locking design. This design
allows for dead-ending at an angle
without any distortion of the brackets.
This allows for a more flexible switch
that can be used in a wider variety
of installations.
New Inter-Phase Clamps
The inter-phase control rod clamps
on the Automated M-Force switch
are designed with a jam nut through
the side of the casting, which locks
the clamps after factory alignment.
This feature eliminates any possibility
of accidental slippage of the control
mechanism and ensures proper
operation even under icy conditions.
Optional Ice Shields
The standard Automated M-Force
switch is capable of operating under
a
3
/
8
" ice build-up. With the optional
ice shields, the switch is capable
of opening and closing with a
1
/
2
"
ice build-up. The unique shields are
designed to prevent ice from building
up between the contact clips, as well
as removing the ice from the blade
during the closing operation.
Contacts
n
The stationary contact is silver-
plated hard drawn copper in a
reverse loop configuration.
n
The reverse loop design ensures
that pressure is applied to the
blade when subjected to high
fault currents.
n
The stationary contact eliminates
the need for unreliable backup
springs to apply necessary
contact pressure.
Blade
n
The blade is a silver-plated hard
drawn copper of solid blade
buss design.
n
The blade is not a truss type
design that requires backup
springs to insure contact pressure.
n
The blade and contact design is
self-wiping and capable of 20,000
mechanical operations without
detrimental wear.
Interrupter
n
The load interrupter is a
"Reliabreak" type design.
n
The internal mechanism of the
interrupter is manufactured from
non-ferrous components ensuring
long-term resistance to corrosion
in all environments.
n
The interrupter mechanism is
capable of 2500 successful
mechanical operations.
n
The interrupter is capable of 50
successful 600 A interruptions
at 27 kV. More at 15 kV.
n
The body of the interrupter is
manufactured from UV stabilized
Lexan
®
103 material.
n
The interrupter operating arm
is stainless steel (304) with UV
stabilized Lexan 103 insulation
molded permanently onto
the arm.
Phase units
n
All current-carrying parts are
manufactured from copper.
n
Terminal pads are NEMA two-hole,
silver- or tin-plated.
n
The rotating insulator stack
incorporates oil-impregnated
bronze bearings to ensure
maintenance-free operation
for the life of the switch.
n
The spindle is manufactured from
stainless steel and is supported by
bushings spaced at four inches to
eliminate rocking of the insulator
and to ensure proper blade and
contact alignment.
n
Each phase unit is secured to the
crossarm with locking spacers to
eliminate distortion of the phase
unit base.
n
Dead-end brackets incorporate
locking tabs that eliminate
movement under side forces
present when conductors are
dead-ended at an angle.
n
The switch is capable of opening
or closing under a
3
/
8
" ice layer
without ice shields. It is capable
of opening or closing under a
1
/
2
"
ice layer with ice shields.
Figure 3.
Automated M-Force switch. 3
260-80

Sensors
The Automated M-Force switch
is available with optional current,
voltage, or current/voltage sensors
to monitor line conditions. Input
signals include:
n
Three analog voltage inputs
(optional)
n
Six analog voltage inputs
(optional)
n
Three analog current inputs
(optional)
Standard current and voltage
sensor mountings are on extended
phase base mountings. However,
sensors are moveable as required
to accommodate a variety of
different configurations.
Switches can also be built with
sensor provisions, allowing the
addition of sensors at a later date.
The interchangeability of the
horizontal Automated M-Force
switch for both automated and
non-automated applications
requires only one switch
in inventory.
MOTOR OPERATOR
The Automated M-Force switch
operator incorporates several
unique features to improve
operation and ease of use.
n
Increased reliability with a
direct drive dc motor and
electromagnetic clutch, which
delivers a robust, positive
switching action.
n
Fast switch operation in as
little as 0.3 seconds.
n
Control design allows for
immediate availability of the
next switching operation.
n
Electromagnetic clutch that only
engages during the open/close
cycle, allowing manual hook-stick
operation without disconnecting
operating linkages.
n
Retrofit capability with existing
Automated M-Force horizontal
pole-top and upright switches.
iMC SwITCh
CONTROl FEATuRES
AND DETAIlED
DESCRIPTION
The iMC switch control provides
a complete range of control
and instrumentation options for
distribution automation applications.
Built-in features include status
indicators, customer programmable
indicator lights, hot keys to quickly
access commands, overcurrent,
phase and ground fault target alarms
and complete functionality after loss
of power.
Control functions include:
n
Open switch
n
Close switch
n
Local/remote (Supervisory
ON/OFF)
n
Motor inhibit
n
Run battery test
n
Low battery lockout reset
n
Control reset alarms
n
Report system parameters
n
Custom programs as desired
Standard status sign