There are three general types of single-phasedistribution transformers. The conventional type (fig.2-6) requires a lightning arrester and fused cutout on theprimary phase conductor feeding it. The self-protected(SP) type has a built-in lightning protector. Thecompletely self-protected (CSP) type has the lightningarrester and current-overload devices connected to thetransformer. It requires no separate protective devices.Secondary MainsSecondary mains or circuits are the lines that carrythe electric power from the secondary side of thetransformer through a distribution system to supply theelectrical loads. They may or may not be on the samepole with the feeder lines. If on the same pole, they maybe either on a crossarm below the feeder lines or, asshown in figure 2-6, on spool racks attached to the sideof the pole below the feeder lines. The secondary circuitsmay have several wires (service drops) connected tovarious buildings to serve their electrical needs. Wherea large load is in demand, a transformer or transformerbank may be located at the building site.SINGLE PHASE.— Single-phase secondarycircuits usually supply current for electrical lightingloads, small electric appliances, and small (1 horse-power and under) single-phase electric motors. Thesecondaries consist of two hot conductors and oneneutral conductor. In overhead construction, theseconductors are mounted on the bottom crossarm on apole or on spools attached to the side of a pole. (See fig.2-6.) One transformer will feed this circuit if therequired load to be served is not too heavy. Where theload is heavy or where several buildings are served, abank of three transformers may feed the circuit.The normal voltage of a single-phase circuit is 120volts from either one of the energized conductors to theneutral or 240 volts across the two energizedconductors.THREE PHASE.— Some facilities, such as motorpools, industrial shops, and water and sewage plants,may have equipment using three-phase motors, whichrequire three-phase power. Transformer banks areinstalled to supply this power. If a number of buildingsin the area require three-phase power, cluster mountmay be installed with the three-phase secondariesextending in two or three directions and with servicedrops extending from the secondary to the buildings.Service DropsAs you learned in the EA3 TRAMAN, eachbuilding requiring electric current must have lead-inconductors, known as service drops. These may betwo-, three-, or four-wire conductors or a single cablecontaining the required number of conductors. A servicedrop may be connected to a secondary main to provideservice to a small load. Where a transformer bankservices a building requiring a large power load, thesecondary becomes the service drop, since it feedscurrent to one load only.Most Navy buildings are not metered. However,where it is desired to know how much electricity is beingconsumed, a meter is installed ahead of the main switchto the building. In this case, the service drop is connectedto the meter before it is connected to the mains.CONTROL AND PROTECTIVE DEVICESA power-distribution circuit, like any otherelectrical circuit, requires the use of special devices toprovide control and to protect the system from internalor external influences that may damage the circuit orinjure personnel.Distribution Cutouts, Switches,Reclosers, and Circuit BreakersA distribution cutout is used to protect thedistribution system or the equipment connected to it.Distribution cutouts are used with the installation oftransformers (fig. 2-6), capacitors, cable circuits, and atsectionalizing points on overhead circuits.Two types of switches used in power distributionare the air switch and the oil switch. Both devices areused to connect or disconnect a portion of the powerdistribution system. The air switch is used for theoverhead section of the distribution system, and the oilswitch is used with underground portions.Reclosers are for overload protection and aredesigned to open a circuit in an overload condition andthen automatically reclose the circuit. Reclosers comein single-or three-phase models and can either be polemounted or installed in a substation.Oil, air, gas, and vacuum circuit breakers are usedto switch electric circuits and equipment in and out ofthe system. They may be operated manually, by remotecontrol, or automatically under predeterminedconditions or when electrical failures in the systemoccur.Lightning ArrestersThe purpose of installing a lightning arrester (fig.2-6) on primary lines is twofold: first, to provide a pointin the circuit at which a lightning impulse can pass toearth, through a ground wire, without injuring lineinsulators, transformers, or other connected equipment;2-5
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