Re-Purpose 12KV for 4160V

[minesh21]

Hi,

I have a project where a client would like to reuse existing 12KV switchgear on the secondary side of a new transformer operating at 4160V. At first I was thinking this should be fine since we are going down in voltage, and everything would just be oversized in regards to voltage. But now I"m have second thoughts.

1. There is a 150E fuse in the gear, but it is rated for 12KV obviously. So will I need to change this to 4160V?
2. Won't the size of the fuse change so that it may no longer fit within the disconnect?
3. Along with the meter PT and Ct's, won't there be other auxiliary components that need to be altered or swapped out?
4. Would a testing agency be able to make all these changes?
5. Would a testing agency be able to re-certify and change the nameplate, or do I have to contact the original manufacturer?

Thanks.

 

[petersonra]

Hi,

I have a project where a client would like to reuse existing 12KV switchgear on the secondary side of a new transformer operating at 4160V. At first I was thinking this should be fine since we are going down in voltage, and everything would just be oversized in regards to voltage. But now I"m have second thoughts.

1. There is a 150E fuse in the gear, but it is rated for 12KV obviously. So will I need to change this to 4160V?
2. Won't the size of the fuse change so that it may no longer fit within the disconnect?
3. Along with the meter PT and Ct's, won't there be other auxiliary components that need to be altered or swapped out?
4. Would a testing agency be able to make all these changes?
5. Would a testing agency be able to re-certify and change the nameplate, or do I have to contact the original manufacturer?

Thanks.

It is not like I am an expert on MV stuff but off hand I don't see why can't reuse it as long as the current through the switchgear does not exceed its ratings.

As for item 3, it depends on what it is being hooked up to. The unit you are hooking up to may require the full scale current or voltage to be a specific value that is not met by what is there. Or it may be something that can be set in software.

Item 4 - testing agencies don't rebuild switchgear.

Item 5 - check with manufacturer. Whatever changes might need to be done if it is doable they probably have some field guys that are available to come do it.