Splitting 1000kcmil Cable

[wilheldp_PE]

I have a problem on a project at work. We are trying to use a spare compartment in the load side of 13.8kV isolation switch to feed 2 new transformers for an expansion. The problem is that the load-break elbows on the transformers can only take a maximum of 4/0 cable, and the switch is set up to use 1000kcmil cable. We would like to put an inline fuse in the isolation switch compartment and just run 4/0 the whole way to save money, but after days of searching, I am coming up empty on a manufacturer/part number that will take 1000kcmil, run it through a fuse, and spit out 4/0. The other option would be to splice the 1000kcmil cable into two 4/0 cables, but I think I would still need inline fuses to protect the 4/0, and I haven't been able to find a splice like that either.

Has anybody out there tried to do anything like this? What did you end up doing?

 

[geofs_PE]

Have you considered a custom switch shop? We recently had two 13.8 kV substation primary switches that needed replacement. Had to have switch housings to acommodate incoming underground 3/C 750 kcmil PILC feeder cables with potheads and load side with existing transformers buss throats. The shop we used installed S&C fused switches in custom enclosures, worked out very well. Possibly have a custom fabricated double set of fuse holders built to accept the 1000 kcmil from the switch and 4/0 to the transformers?

Tyco (Raychem) makes a "Y" splice kit for 15 kV cable that will go from 750 kcmil to 2-4/0 cables but I think this product line stops at 750. If you find that this is something you'd be interested in, you might give them a call, they have good tech support folks who may be able to help.

Good luck, hope this helps.

 

[Art]

you want to feed 2 transformers from 1 switch?

with common protection and 2 seperate feeders of 4/0?

is that code compliant?

1000 kcmil at 13.8 kv is a huge load...10 MW or so

is the 13.8 switch fused or unfused?

if it's a feeder it should be fused...

what are the xfmr ratings?

put a Burndy E2C34G1 adapter on the switch, it is a copper rod with 2 lugs that will take 2 each 1/0 to 500 conductors ...run 1-4/0 to each xfmrs...

 

[wilheldp_PE]

We never did find a viable, code-compliant solution to the problem, so we are going to have to install an underground switch (S&C Vista series). We have fused, feed-through transformers, so the switch is really not necessary. But the 1000kcmil cable not being compatible with our transformers caused a problem.

 

[chaosiscash]

(S&C Vista series)

Its just another $75k or so.

 

[wilheldp_PE]

Its just another $75k or so.

****...I hope not. We were thinking $25k or so.

 

[chaosiscash]

Have you priced them yet? The last one I put in was about $70, but it was 4-way (2 in, 2 out) source transfer, pad mounted.

 

[wilheldp_PE]

Have you priced them yet? The last one I put in was about $70, but it was 4-way (2 in, 2 out) source transfer, pad mounted.

No, but the old guy with tons of experience said that they would only be $25k. I think they were in this project initially but got "Value Engineered" out of it...now they are back in, so I assume he's using information from the initial design. This one will only be a 2 way, underground vault.