LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Hey, gang. I just returned from a service call for a switchgear problem at a Sears store in a mall, and I'm hoping someone here has some experience with this kind of equipment.
It's one of two fused switches in the section next to the POCO-tagged incoming section, which only has GF in it. It's the kind of switch that you turn the handle three times to close, and press a red button to open. The two-switch section is rated for 4000a, 480/277.
The model is a GE THPC 3412ET1. The problem is that turning the handle does not ratchet the mechanism. The number '1' stays in the window, although the red button goes in a bit, and I can feel that the mechanism is not engaging as it should when I turn the handle.
From what the store's maintenance guy said, this was after a power outage and POCO repair (outside the store), and something to the effect that, after power was restored, someone opened the switch by turning the handle again, instead of pressing the button.
I opened the switch and removed the front of the switch mechanism housing, but I couldn't easily see the problem. The problem is clearly mechanical, not electrical. The store manager is hoping it can be repaired without having to replace the entire switch.
So, does anyone here with experience with this gear have any ideas or suggestions? Is the mechanism repairable, or at least replaceable without having to have the POCO completely deenergize the incoming service? Where does one look for parts?
We do have a local GE distributor, but I hope to be armed with at least a modicum of knowledge before proceeding. As always, any help is appreciated.
It's one of two fused switches in the section next to the POCO-tagged incoming section, which only has GF in it. It's the kind of switch that you turn the handle three times to close, and press a red button to open. The two-switch section is rated for 4000a, 480/277.
The model is a GE THPC 3412ET1. The problem is that turning the handle does not ratchet the mechanism. The number '1' stays in the window, although the red button goes in a bit, and I can feel that the mechanism is not engaging as it should when I turn the handle.
From what the store's maintenance guy said, this was after a power outage and POCO repair (outside the store), and something to the effect that, after power was restored, someone opened the switch by turning the handle again, instead of pressing the button.
I opened the switch and removed the front of the switch mechanism housing, but I couldn't easily see the problem. The problem is clearly mechanical, not electrical. The store manager is hoping it can be repaired without having to replace the entire switch.
So, does anyone here with experience with this gear have any ideas or suggestions? Is the mechanism repairable, or at least replaceable without having to have the POCO completely deenergize the incoming service? Where does one look for parts?
We do have a local GE distributor, but I hope to be armed with at least a modicum of knowledge before proceeding. As always, any help is appreciated.