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GE AKD-8 - User Manual

GE AKD-8
16 pages
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DEH-41482
GE Energy
Industrial Solutions
Low Voltage Switchgear
Remote Racking Operator
For AKR Circuit Breakers
Cat. # AKREGRR
115 VAC, 60/50 Hertz
Operation and Maintenance Manual
BCS Switchgear Inc.
Switchgear | Circuit Breakers | Parts | Tech Support
bcsswitchgear.com | 888.599.0486
Need Help? 888.599.0486
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Summary

Introduction to Remote Racking Operator

Receiving, Handling, and Storage Procedures

Receiving and Handling Guidelines

Outlines inspection upon receipt, damage reporting, and careful handling procedures for the operator.

Optimal Storage Conditions

Specifies ideal storage environments and conditions to protect the remote racking operator.

Description and Modification of Remote Racking Operator

Small Frame Remote Racking Operator Description

Explains the drive train, control switches, and attachment brackets for small frame AKR breakers.

Modification for Small Frame Breakers

Details modifications needed for AKR 30/50 and 30s breakers before attaching the operator.

Attaching Remote Racking Operator to Small Frame Breakers

Step-by-step guide for physically connecting the remote racking operator to the breaker.

Installation of Mounting Brackets

AKR 30 S Mounting Bracket Installation

Instructions for installing the mounting bracket kit on AKR 30S breakers.

AKR 30;50 Mounting Bracket Installation

Instructions for installing the mounting bracket kit on AKR 30/50 breakers.

Description and Operation for Large Frame Breakers

Large Frame Remote Racking Operator Description

Details the drive train, control switches, and attachment brackets for large frame AKR breakers.

Attaching and Removing Operator from Large Frame Breakers

Guide for connecting and disconnecting the remote racking operator from large frame AKR breakers.

Field Modification of Breaker Doors

Door Drilling Template for AKR 30 S, 75;100 and 125 Doors

Illustrates drilling steps for modifying AKR 30S, 75/100, and 125 breaker doors.

Door Drilling Template for AKR 30;50 Doors

Illustrates drilling steps for modifying AKR 30/50 breaker doors.

Available Aftermarket Solutions

Summary

Introduction to Remote Racking Operator

Receiving, Handling, and Storage Procedures

Receiving and Handling Guidelines

Outlines inspection upon receipt, damage reporting, and careful handling procedures for the operator.

Optimal Storage Conditions

Specifies ideal storage environments and conditions to protect the remote racking operator.

Description and Modification of Remote Racking Operator

Small Frame Remote Racking Operator Description

Explains the drive train, control switches, and attachment brackets for small frame AKR breakers.

Modification for Small Frame Breakers

Details modifications needed for AKR 30/50 and 30s breakers before attaching the operator.

Attaching Remote Racking Operator to Small Frame Breakers

Step-by-step guide for physically connecting the remote racking operator to the breaker.

Installation of Mounting Brackets

AKR 30 S Mounting Bracket Installation

Instructions for installing the mounting bracket kit on AKR 30S breakers.

AKR 30;50 Mounting Bracket Installation

Instructions for installing the mounting bracket kit on AKR 30/50 breakers.

Description and Operation for Large Frame Breakers

Large Frame Remote Racking Operator Description

Details the drive train, control switches, and attachment brackets for large frame AKR breakers.

Attaching and Removing Operator from Large Frame Breakers

Guide for connecting and disconnecting the remote racking operator from large frame AKR breakers.

Field Modification of Breaker Doors

Door Drilling Template for AKR 30 S, 75;100 and 125 Doors

Illustrates drilling steps for modifying AKR 30S, 75/100, and 125 breaker doors.

Door Drilling Template for AKR 30;50 Doors

Illustrates drilling steps for modifying AKR 30/50 breaker doors.

Available Aftermarket Solutions

Overview

The GE Energy Industrial Solutions Low Voltage Switchgear Remote Racking Operator is a portable device designed to safely move drawout circuit breakers between CONNECT, TEST, and DISCONNECT positions within AKD-8 Switchgear. This operation is performed remotely, enhancing operator safety by keeping them away from the energized equipment during racking procedures. The device is specifically designed for AKR Circuit Breakers and requires 115 VAC, 50/60 Hertz control power.

Function Description

The primary function of the remote racking operator is to automate the manual racking process of AKR circuit breakers. It consists of a drive train, control switches, and attachment brackets. The drive train includes a gear motor housing and a square drive coupler that connects to the breaker's drawout mechanism. This allows the motor to turn the racking screw, moving the breaker in or out of its cubicle.

Control of the racking operation is managed through a hand-held control box connected to the operator via a thirty-foot cable, enabling remote operation. The control box features a spring-loaded start switch, which requires continuous pressure to keep the motor running. This safety feature ensures that the operator maintains active control throughout the racking process. A directional toggle switch, mounted on the motor housing, allows the operator to select "IN" for racking toward the CONNECT position or "OUT" for racking toward the DISCONNECT position.

A key safety mechanism is the device's ability to sense motor stall current. When the breaker reaches the end of its travel (either fully connected or fully disconnected), the motor stalls, causing a higher motor stall current. This current surge trips an integrated circuit breaker to the OFF position, automatically cutting power to the motor and preventing over-racking or damage to the breaker or switchgear.

Usage Features

The remote racking operator is designed for ease of attachment and removal from AKR circuit breakers. Before attachment, the circuit breaker must be in the OPEN position. For AKR 30/50 breakers, the racking screw cover on the breaker escutcheon needs to be slid to the right, and the remote racking attachment cover on the cubicle door slid to the left to expose an opening. For AKR 30S breakers, either the upper or lower racking screw access cover on the cubicle door is slid to the left, revealing two openings.

The operator is positioned so that its square drive coupling aligns with the breaker's square racking shaft, and a ¼-turn latch rod engages the breaker frame. If alignment is not immediate, the motor shaft extension on the back of the motor housing can be rotated to achieve proper engagement. Once aligned, the operator is pushed toward the breaker, and the ¼-turn latch rod is rotated counter-clockwise to lock it securely to the breaker. A visual check ensures the latch is fully engaged with the breaker front cover.

Removal is a reverse process: the latch release on the left side of the operator is rotated clockwise, allowing the operator to be pulled away from the breaker. The racking screw access covers on the cubicle door will automatically close upon removal.

The device requires specific mounting brackets to be added to existing AKR 30/50 and AKR 30S breakers before initial use. For AKR 30S breakers, a mounting bracket is installed on the right side, just above the racking screw. For AKR 30/50 breakers, a bracket is added to the left side of the escutcheon on the breaker frame. These modifications ensure proper attachment and operation.

Field modifications to existing breaker doors are also necessary to accommodate the remote racking operator. Drilling templates are provided to create the necessary access holes in the cubicle doors for both small and large frame AKR breakers. This ensures that the operator can be properly mounted and its components can interface correctly with the breaker.

Maintenance Features

The manual emphasizes the importance of inspecting the remote racking operator upon receipt for any transit damage. Any damage or signs of rough handling should be reported immediately to the transportation company and the GE Distributor. When unpacking, care should be taken to locate all "loose parts" such as couplers, mounting brackets, and support plates, which are essential for proper assembly and operation.

For long-term storage, the device should be protected from condensation and stored in a warm, dry environment with moderate temperatures (40°F to 100°F) and free from corrosive gases. Prior to use after any period of storage, a thorough inspection is recommended to ensure its proper mechanical and electrical working condition.

As part of the installation process, the existing racking screw mechanism on the breaker needs to be inspected for excessive wear and properly lubricated. This proactive maintenance ensures the smooth operation of the racking mechanism and prolongs the life of both the breaker and the remote racking operator. The installation instructions for mounting brackets include specific torque values for bolts, highlighting the importance of correct assembly to prevent improper alignment and potential damage.

GE AKD-8 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Current Rating8A
Number of Poles3
Frame SizeAK
Current Range8A
EnclosureMolded Case

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