SIEMENS 33 KV GIS Manual

Type 38-3AH3 38 kV
vacuum circuit breaker

instruction manual
Installation operation maintenance E50001-F710-A238-V1-4A00
Answers for energy.
Hazardous voltages and high speed moving parts.

Will cause death, serious injury or property damage.
Always de-energize and ground the equipment before
maintenance. Read and understand this instruction manual
before using equipment. Maintenance should be performed only
by qualified personnel. The use of unauthorized parts in the
repair of the equipment or tampering by unqualified personnel
will result in dangerous conditions which will cause death, severe
injury or equipment damage. Follow all safety instructions
contained herein.
Important
The information contained herein is
general in nature and not intended for
specific application purposes. It does not
relieve the user of responsibility to use
sound practices in application, installation,
operation and maintenance of the
equipment purchased. Siemens reserves
the right to make changes in the
specifications shown herein or to make
improvements at any time without notice
or obligations. Should a conflict arise
between the general information
contained in this publication and the
contents of drawings or supplementary
material or both, the latter shall take
precedence.
Qualified person
For the purpose of this instruction manual
a qualified person is one who is familiar
with the installation, construction or
operation of the equipment and the
hazards involved. In addition, this person
has the following qualifications:
I s trained and authorized to
de-energize, clear, ground and tag
circuits and equipment in accordance
with established safety procedures.
I s trained in the proper care and use of

protective equipment, such as: rubber
gloves, hard hat, safety glasses or face
shields, flash clothing, etc., in
accordance with established safety
practices.
Is trained in rendering first aid.
Further, a qualified person shall also be
familiar with the proper use of special
precautionary techniques, personal
protective equipment, insulating and
shielding materials and insulated tools and
test equipment. Such persons are
permitted to work within limited approach
of exposed live parts operating at 50 volts
or more, and shall, at a minimum, be
additionally trained in all of the following:
T
he skills and techniques necessary to
distinguish exposed energized parts
from other parts of electric equipment.
T
he skills and techniques necessary to
determine the nominal voltage of
exposed live parts.
T
he approach distances specified in
NFPA 70E and the corresponding
voltages to which the qualified person
will be exposed.
T
he decision-making process necessary
to determine the degree and extent of
the hazard and the personal protective
equipment and job planning necessary
to perform the task safely.
Table of contents
Introduction
4 -5
Receiving, handling and storage
6 -8
Installation checks and functional tests
9 - 13
Vacuum interrupter/operator
14 - 39
Maintenance
40 - 52
Overhaul
53 - 58
Maintenance and troubleshooting
59 - 61
Appendix
62 - 67
Note:
These instructions do not purport to cover
all details or variations in equipment, nor
to provide for every possible contingency
to be met in connection with installation,
operation or maintenance. Should further
information be desired or should particular
problems arise that are not covered
sufficiently for the purchasers purposes,
the matter should be referred to the local
sales office.
The contents of this instruction manual
shall not become part of or modify any
prior or existing agreement, commitment
or relationship. The sales contract contains
the entire obligation of Siemens Energy,
Inc. The warranty contained in the contract
between the parties is the sole warranty of
Siemens Energy, Inc. Any statements
contained herein do not create new
warranties or modify the existing warranty.
Introduction
Hazardous voltage and high-speed moving parts.

Will cause death, serious injury and property damage.
Always de-energize and ground the equipment before
maintenance. Maintenance should be performed only by
qualified personnel. The use of unauthorized parts in the repair
of the equipment or by tampering by unqualified personnel will
result in dangerous conditions that will cause death, severe
injury or equipment damage. Follow all safety instructions
contained herein.
Introduction
The 38-3AH3 family of vacuum circuit
breakers is designed to meet all applicable
ANSI, NEMA and IEEE standards. Successful
application and operation of this
equipment depends as much upon proper
installation and maintenance by the user
as it does upon the proper design and
fabrication by Siemens.
The purpose of this instruction manual is
to assist the user in developing safe and
efficient procedures for the installation,
maintenance and use of the equipment.
Contact the nearest Siemens
representative if any additional
information is desired.
Signal words
The signal words "danger," "warning" and
"caution" used in this instruction manual
indicate the degree of hazard that may be
encountered by the user. These words are
defined as:
Danger - Indicates an imminently
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Warning - Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Caution - Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury.
Caution (without safety alert symbol) Indicates a potentially hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, may result in
property damage.
Hazardous Procedures
In addition to other procedures described
in this instruction manual as dangerous,
user personnel must adhere to the
following:
1. A
lways work only on a de-energized
circuit breaker. The circuit breaker
should be isolated, grounded and
have all control power removed
before performing any tests,
maintenance or repair.
2. A
lways perform maintenance on the
circuit breaker after the springcharged mechanisms are discharged
(except for test of the charging
mechanisms). Check to be certain
that the indicator flags read OPEN and
DISCHARGED.
3. A
lways let an interlock device or
safety mechanism perform its
function without forcing or defeating
the device.
Introduction
Field service operation and warranty
issues
Siemens can provide competent, well
trained field service representatives to
provide technical guidance and advisory
assistance for the installation, overhaul,
repair and maintenance of Siemens
equipment, processes and systems.
Contact regional service centers, sales
offices or the factory for details, or
telephone Siemens field service at
+1 (800) 347-6659 or +1 (919) 365-2200
outside the U.S.
For medium-voltage customer service
issues, contact Siemens at
+1 (800) 347-6659 or +1 (919) 365-2200
outside the U.S.
Receiving, handling and

storage
Heavy weight.
Improper lifting or hoisting can result in death, serious injury
or property damage.
Obtain the services of a qualified rigger prior to hoisting the
circuit breaker to assure adequate safety margins in the hoisting
equipment and procedures to avoid damage.
Introduction
This portion of the instruction manual
covers the receiving, handling and storage
instructions for a type 38-3AH3 vacuum
circuit breaker shipped separately from the
switchgear. This section of the instruction
manual is intended to help the user
identify, inspect and protect the circuit
breaker prior to its installation.
Receiving procedure
Make a physical inspection of the shipping
container before removing or unpacking
the circuit breaker.
Check for shipment damage or indications
of rough handling by the carrier. Check
each item against the manifest to identify
any shortages.
Accessories such as the manual charging
crank, the racking crank and the split plug
jumper are shipped separately.
Shipping damage claims
Important: The manner in which visible
shipping damage is identified by consignee
prior to signing the delivery receipt can
determine the outcome of any damage
claim to be filed.
Notification to carrier within 15 days for
concealed damage is essential if loss
resulting from unsettled claims is to be
eliminated or minimized.
1. W
hen the shipment arrives, note
whether the equipment is properly
protected from the elements. Note the
trailer number the equipment arrived
on. Note also any blocking of
equipment. During unloading, check
the actual equipment delivered to
verify it agrees with the delivery
receipt.
2. M
ake immediate inspection for visible
damage upon arrival and prior to
disturbing or removing packaging or
wrapping material. This should be
done prior to unloading when possible.
When total inspection cannot be made
on vehicle prior to unloading, close
inspection during unloading must be
performed and visible damage noted
on the delivery receipt. Take pictures if
possible.
3. A
ny visible damage must be noted on
the delivery receipt and acknowledged
with the drivers signature. The
damage should be detailed as much as
possible. It is essential that a notation
"possible internal damage, subject to
inspection" be included on the delivery
receipt. If the driver will not sign the
delivery receipt with the damage
noted, the shipment should not be
signed for by the consignee or their
agent.

storage
4. N
otify Siemens medium-voltage
customer service immediately of any
damage, at +1 (800) 347-6659 or
+1 (919) 365-2200 outside the U.S.
5. Arrange for a carrier inspection of the
damage immediately.
Important: Do not move the equipment
from the place it was set when unloading.
Also, do not remove or disturb packaging
or wrapping material prior to carrier
damage inspection. Equipment must be
inspected by carrier prior to handling after
receipt. This eliminates loss due to claims
by carrier that the equipment was
damaged or further damaged on site after
unloading.
6. Be sure the equipment is properly
protected from any further damage by
covering it properly after unloading.
7. If practical, make further inspection for
possible concealed damage while the
carriers inspector is on site. If
inspection for concealed damage is not
practical at the time the carriers
inspector is present, it must be done
within 15 days of receipt of the
equipment. If concealed damage is
found, the carrier must again be
notified and inspection made prior to
taking any corrective action to repair.
Also notify Siemens immediately at +1
(800) 347- 6659 or +1 (919) 365-2200
outside the U.S.
8. Obtain the original carrier inspection
report and forward it with a copy of the
noted delivery receipt to Siemens.
Approval must be obtained by Siemens
from the carrier before any repair work
can be performed.
efore approval can be obtained,
B
Siemens must have the documents
referenced in the paragraph above. The
carrier inspection report and/or drivers
signature on the delivery receipt does
not constitute approval to repair.
Note: Any determination as to whether the

equipment was properly loaded or properly
prepared by shipper for over-the-road
travel cannot be made at the destination.
Shipments are not released from the
factory without a clear bill of lading.
Approved methods are employed for
preparation, loading, blocking and tarping
of the equipment before it leaves the
Siemens factory. If the equipment is
received in a damaged condition, this
damage to the equipment has to have
occurred while en route due to conditions
beyond Siemens control. If the procedure
outlined above is not followed by the
consignee, purchaser or their agent,
Siemens cannot be held liable for repairs.
Siemens will not be held liable for repairs
in any case where repair work was
performed prior to authorization from
Siemens.
Handling procedure
1. C
arefully remove the shipping carton
from the circuit breaker. Keep the
shipping pallet for later use if the
circuit breaker is to be stored prior to
its installation.
2. Inspect for concealed damage.
Notification to carrier must take place
within 15 days to assure prompt claim
resolution.
3. E
ach circuit breaker should be lifted
appropriately to avoid crushing the side
panels of the circuit breaker, or
damaging the primary disconnect
assemblies.
ype 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breakers
T
weigh between 800 and 1,000 lbs
(364-455 kg), plus an additional 125
pounds (57 kg) for the pallet and
packaging.
4. T
he palleted circuit breaker can be
moved using a properly rated fork-lift
vehicle. The pallets are designed for
movement by a standard fork-lift
vehicle.

storage
Storage procedure
Manual spring-charging access port
Manual close button
1. W
henever possible, install the circuit
breaker in its assigned switchgear
enclosure for storage. Follow
instructions contained in the type
GM38 38 kV metal-clad switchgear
instruction manual, E50001-F710A236-V1-4A00.
2. W
hen the circuit breaker needs to be
placed on its pallet for storage, be sure
the unit is securely bolted to the pallet
and covered with polyethylene film at
least 10 mils thick.
CHARGED/DISCHARGED indicator
OPEN/CLOSED indicator
Operations counter
Indoor storage
Whenever possible, store the circuit
breaker indoors. The storage environment
must be clean, dry and free of such items
as construction dust, corrosive
atmosphere, mechanical abuse and rapid
temperature variations.
Manual open/trip button
Figure 1: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker front panel controls
Outdoor storage
Outdoor storage is not recommended.
When no other option is available, the
circuit breaker must be completely covered
and protected from rain, snow, dirt and all
other contaminants.
Space heating
Space heating must be used for both
indoor and outdoor storage to prevent
condensation and corrosion. When the
circuit breaker is stored outdoors, 250
watts per circuit breaker of space heating
is recommended. If the circuit breaker is
stored inside the switchgear enclosure,
and the switchgear is equipped with space
heaters, energize the space heaters.
Installation checks and

functional tests
Read instruction manuals, observe safety instructions and use
qualified personnel.
Introduction
This section provides a description of the
inspections, checks and tests to be
performed on the circuit breaker prior to
operation in the metal-clad switchgear.
Inspections, checks and tests without
control power
Vacuum circuit breakers are normally
shipped with their primary contacts OPEN
and their springs DISCHARGED. However, it
is critical to first verify the DISCHARGED
condition of the spring-loaded
mechanisms after de-energizing control
power.
De-energizing control power in
switchgear
When the circuit breaker is mounted in
switchgear, open the control-power
disconnect device in the metal-clad
switchgear cubicle.
The control-power disconnect device is
normally located on the secondary-device
panel in the upper cell of the vertical
section. The normal control-power
disconnect device is a pullout-type fuse
holder. Removal of the fuse holder deenergizes control power to the circuit
breaker in the associated switchgear cell.
In some switchgear assemblies, a moldedcase circuit breaker or knife switch is used
in lieu of the pullout-type fuse holder.
Opening this circuit breaker or switch
accomplishes the same result: control
power is disconnected.
Spring-discharge check (refer to

Figure 1: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit
breaker front panel controls on page 8)
Perform the spring-discharge check before
removing the circuit breaker from the
pallet or removing it from the switchgear.
The spring-discharge check should be
performed after de-energizing control
power. This check assures both the tripping
and closing springs are fully discharged.
Note: Do not perform the spring-discharge
check if the circuit breaker is in the
CONNECT position. Open the circuit
breaker and rack to the DISCONNECT
position, and then perform the springdischarge check.
1. P
ress red trip pushbutton.
2. P
ress black close pushbutton.
3. P
ress red trip pushbutton again.
4. V
erify spring-condition indicator shows
DISCHARGED.
5. V
erify main contact status indicator
shows OPEN.

functional tests
Heavy weight.
Can result in death, serious injury or property damage.
Observe all handling instructions in this instruction manual to
prevent tipping or dropping of equipment.
Removal from cell in indoor switchgear

if not on raised pad and Shelter-Clad
outdoor switchgear
Removal from cell in outdoor non-walkin enclosures or for indoor switchgear

installed on a raised pad
After performing the spring discharge

check (with control power de-energized),
remove the circuit breaker from its
switchgear cubicle.
Removal of the circuit breaker from a nonwalk-in outdoor-switchgear assembly is

similar to removal of a circuit breaker at
floor level with several additional steps.
1. Insert the racking crank on the racking

screw on the front of the circuit
breaker cell, and push in (refer to
"Racking crank engagement procedure"
on page 11). This action operates the
racking-interlock latch. Figure 2 shows
circuit breaker racking.
Figure 3 shows the two extension rails

inserted into the fixed rails within the cell.
The rails engage locking pins in the fixed
rails to secure them in position. The
procedure for removal of a circuit breaker
not located at floor level is:
2. R
otate the racking crank
counterclockwise until the circuit
breaker is in the DISCONNECT position,
as indicated on the racking
mechanism.
3. M
ove the circuit breaker release latch
(on the floor of the cell near the right
side of the circuit breaker) to the left
and pull the circuit breaker out from
the DISCONNECT position. The circuit
breaker can now be removed from the
cubicle.
4. T
he circuit breaker is now free to be
rolled out onto the floor using the
handles on the front. The wheels of the
circuit breaker are at floor level (unless
the switchgear is installed on a raised
pad), and one person can normally
handle the unit.
10
1. C
lose the circuit-breaker compartment
door and secure all latches.
2. Insert the racking crank onto the
racking screw on the front of the
circuit-breaker cell, and push in (refer
to "Racking crank engagement
procedure" on page 11). This action
operates the racking-interlock latch.
3. R
otate the racking crank
counterclockwise until the circuit
breaker is in the DISCONNECT position.
4. O
pen the circuit-breaker compartment
door and insert the two extension rails
into the fixed rails. Be sure the
extension rails are properly secured in
place.

functional tests
Heavy weight.
Can result in death, serious injury or property damage.
Do not transport a circuit breaker using a lift truck with the lift
truck in the raised position.
Figure 2: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum

circuit breaker racking
5. M
ove the circuit-breaker release latch
(on the floor of the cell near the right
side of the circuit breaker) to the left
and pull the circuit breaker out from
the DISCONNECT position. The circuit
breaker can now be removed from the
cubicle and rolled out onto the two
extension rails.
6. R
emove the circuit breaker from the
two extension rails using the approved
Siemens circuit-breaker lifting device or
Siemens lifting sling and a suitable
crane.
7. L ift the two extension rails and
withdraw them from the switchgear.
8. C
lose the circuit-breaker compartment
door and secure all latches.
Type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breakers
weigh between 800 and 1,000 lbs (364455 kg) depending upon ratings. The
circuit breaker can be moved using a
properly rated crane and lift sling. A lift
sling can be attached to the circuit breaker,
and then used to hoist the circuit breaker
vertically clear of the extension rails. When
clear, remove the rails and lower the circuit
breaker to the floor.
Racking crank engagement procedure

A crank for racking the circuit breaker is
provided as a standard accessory. Racking
a circuit breaker can be accomplished with
the drawout-compartment-front door
open or through a small opening (or
window) in the front door, with the door
closed. Racking a rollout-fuse truck is
accomplished with the compartment-front
door open.
The racking crank consists of an offset
handle with a custom socket assembly
welded to the end. The socket end of the
crank is designed to engage the shoulder
of the racking-mechanism shaft and
remain engaged during racking with spring
plungers. The plungers operate in a
manner similar to the retainers of an
ordinary mechanics socket wrench.
The portion of the racking-mechanism
shaft visible is cylindrical, and the shoulder
of the racking-mechanism shaft is hidden
by a shroud until the engagement
procedure starts. The square socket-end of
the crank will only engage the shoulder of
the shaft if it is aligned properly.
Figure 3: Use of extension rails for

voltage transformer (VT) fuserollout truck or circuit breaker not at
floor level (VT fuse-rollout truck in
upper cell shown. Procedure for
circuit breaker in lower cell but not
at floor level is similar.)
11

functional tests
The suggested procedure to engage the
racking mechanism is as follows:
1. T
he circuit breaker must be OPEN. (The
racking shroud cannot be moved if the
circuit breaker is CLOSED.)
2. H
old the socket-end of the crank in one
hand and the crank handle in the other
hand.
3. P
lace the socket over the end of the
racking-mechanism shaft. Align the
socket with the shoulder on the
racking-mechanism shaft.
Figure 4: Manual charging of the
closing springs
Note: If the socket is not aligned, the

socket will not be able to engage the
shoulder of the racking-mechanism shaft.
4. O
nce alignment is achieved, firmly
push the crank and socket assembly
toward the racking mechanism.
5. W
hen properly engaged, the crank
should remain connected to the
racking mechanism. If the crank does
not remain in position, adjust the
spring plungers clockwise one-half
turn. This will increase the contact
pressure of the spring plunger.
6. T
o remove the crank, pull the assembly
off of the racking-mechanism shaft.
Note: If the effort to rack the circuit
breaker increases considerably during
racking, or if turning of the racking crank
requires excessive force, stop racking
immediately. Do not try to force the
racking crank to rotate, or parts of the
circuit breaker or racking mechanism could
be damaged. Determine the source of the
problem and correct it before continuing
with racking.
Physical inspections
1. V
erify the rating of the circuit breaker is
compatible with both the system and
the switchgear.
2. P
erform a visual-damage check. Clean
the circuit breaker of all dust, dirt and
foreign material.
Manual-spring charging check
1. Insert the manual-spring charging
crank into the manual-charge handle
socket as shown in Figure 4. Turn the
crank clockwise (about 48 revolutions)
until the spring condition indicator
shows the closing spring is CHARGED.
2. Repeat the spring discharge check.
3. V
erify the springs are DISCHARGED and
the circuit-breaker primary contacts are
OPEN by indicator positions.
As-found and vacuum-integrity check
tests
Perform and record the results of both the
as-found insulation test and the vacuumintegrity check (dielectric) test. Procedures
for these tests are described in the
Maintenance section of this instruction
manual pages 40-52.
Automatic spring-charging check
Refer to the specific wiring information
and rating label for your circuit breaker to
determine the voltage required and where
the control-voltage signal should be
applied. Usually, spring-charging power is
connected to secondary-disconnect fingers
SD16 and SD15, closing control power to
SD13 and SD15 and tripping power to SD1
and SD2.
When control power is connected to the
type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker, the
closing springs should automatically
charge, if the racking crank is not engaged.
12

functional tests
Note: Secondary-disconnect terminals are
numbered 1-16, from right to left.
Final mechanical inspections without

control power
The automatic spring-charging features of

the circuit breaker must be checked.
Control power is required for automatic
spring-charging to take place.
1. M
ake a final mechanical inspection of
the circuit breaker. Verify the contacts
are in the OPEN position, and the
closing springs are DISCHARGED.
1. O
pen control-power circuit by opening
the control-power disconnect device.
2. C
heck the upper- and lower-primary
studs and contact fingers shown in
Figure 7: Circuit breaker primary
disconnect. Verify mechanical
condition of finger springs and the
disconnect studs, check for loose
hardware, damaged or missing
primary-disconnect contact fingers and
damaged disconnect studs.
2. Install the circuit-breaker end of the

split-plug jumper (if furnished) to the
circuit breaker as shown in Figure 5:
Split-plug jumper connected to circuit
breaker. The split-plug jumper is
secured over the circuit-breaker
secondary contacts with thumb screws.
3. Install the switchgear end of the splitplug jumper to the secondarydisconnect block inside the switchgear
cubicle as shown in Figure 6: Split-plug
jumper connected to switchgear. The
jumper slides into place and
interconnects all control power and
signal leads (for example, electrical trip
and close contacts) between the
switchgear and the circuit breaker.
4. E
nergize (close) the control-power
circuit disconnect.
5. U
se the close and trip controls (refer to
circuit breaker front panel controls on
page 8) to first close and then open
the circuit-breaker contacts. Verify the
contact positions visually by observing
the OPEN/CLOSED indicator on the
circuit breaker.
Figure 5: Split-plug jumper

connected to circuit breaker
3. C
oat movable primary-contact fingers
(refer to Figure 7: Circuit breaker
primary disconnect) and the
secondary-disconnect contacts (refer
to Figure 23: Construction of
secondary shunt release (shown
charged) on page 30) with a light film
of Siemens contact lubricant number
15-172-791-233.
4. T
he type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit
breaker is ready for installation into its
assigned cubicle of the metal-clad
switchgear. Refer to removal
procedures and install the circuit
breaker into the switchgear.
5. R
efer to the switchgear instruction
manual for functional tests of an
installed circuit breaker.
Figure 6: Split-plug jumper

connected to switchgear
6. D
e-energize control power by
repeating Step 1. Disconnect the splitplug jumper from the switchgear
before disconnecting the circuitbreaker end.
7. P
erform the spring discharge check
again. Verify the closing springs are
DISCHARGED and the primary contacts
of the type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit
breaker are OPEN.
Figure 7: Circuit breaker

primary disconnects
13
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Figure 8: Front view of type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker with front panel removed
Gearbox
Opening spring
Secondary disconnect
Push-to-close
Closing spring
Spring-charging
motor behind
limit switches
Auxiliary
switch
CHARGED/
DISCHARGED
indicator
Close coil
Trip coil
Push-to-trip
OPEN/CLOSED
indicator
Mechanismoperated cell
(MOC) switch
operator
Operations
counter
Capacitor trip
(optional)
Jack shaft
14
Closed circuitbreaker interlock
Trip-free interlock
Ground disconnect
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Introduction
The type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker
is of drawout construction designed for
use in medium-voltage, metal-clad
switchgear. The 38-3AH3 circuit breaker
conforms to the requirements of ANSI and
IEEE standards, including C37.20.2,
C37.04, C37.06, C37.09 and C37.010.
A type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker
consists of three vacuum interrupters, a
stored-energy operating mechanism,
necessary electrical controls and interlock
devices, disconnect devices to connect the
circuit breaker to both primary and control
power and an operator housing. Insulating
barriers are located along the outer sides
and between phases as shown in
breaker with inter-phase and outer-phase
barriers installed on page 17.
This section describes the operation of
each major sub-assembly as an aid in the
operation, installation, maintenance and
repair of the type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit
breaker.
Vacuum interrupters
The operating principle of the vacuum
interrupter is simple. Figure 9: Vacuum
interrupter cutaway view is a cutaway view
of a typical vacuum interrupter. The entire
assembly is sealed after a vacuum is
established. The vacuum-interrupter
stationary contact is connected to the
upper-disconnect stud of the circuit
breaker. The vacuum-interrupter movable
contact is connected to the lowerdisconnect stud and driving mechanism of
the circuit breaker. The metal bellows
provides a secure seal around the movable
contact, preventing loss of vacuum while
permitting vertical motion of the movable
contact.
Fixed contact-current connection

Ceramic insulator
Arc shield
Fixed contact
Moving contact
Ceramic insulator
Metal bellows
Guide
Moving contact-current connection
Figure 9: Vacuum interrupter cutaway view
When the two contacts separate, an arc is

initiated that continues conduction up to
the following current zero. At current zero,
the arc extinguishes and any conductive
metal vapor that has been created by and
supported by the arc condenses on the
contacts and on the surrounding arc
shield. Contact materials and configuration
are optimized to achieve arc motion, resist
welding and to minimize switching
disturbances.
15
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
There are three insulating push rods. Each
push rod connects the movable contact of
one of the vacuum interrupters to the jack
shaft driven by the closing and tripping
mechanism. Flexible connectors provide
secure electrical connections between the
movable contacts of each vacuum
interrupter and its bottom-primary
disconnect.
Phase barriers
breaker with inter-phase and outer-phase
barriers installed on page 17 is a rear view
of a type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker
that shows the outer- (phase-to-ground)
and interphase-insulating barriers. These
glass-polyester insulating barriers are
attached to the circuit-breaker frame and
provide suitable electrical insulation
between the vacuum-interrupter primary
circuits and the housing.
Stored-energy operating mechanism
Figure 10: Upper and lower primary disconnects (outer-phase barrier removed)
Primary disconnects
Figure 10: Upper and lower primary
disconnects (outer-phase barrier removed)
is a side view of the circuit breaker with
the outer-insulating phase barrier removed
to show details of the primary disconnects.
Each circuit breaker has three upper- and
three lower-primary disconnects. Upperprimary disconnects are connected to the
stationary contacts of the vacuum
interrupters, and the lower-primary
disconnects are connected to the movable
contacts. Each disconnect arm has a set of
multiple spring-loaded fingers that mate
with bus bars in the metal-clad switchgear.
The number of fingers in the disconnect
assembly varies with the continuous and/
or interrupting rating of the circuit breaker.
16
The stored-energy operating mechanism

of the type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit
breaker is an integrated arrangement of
springs, solenoids and mechanical devices
designed to provide a number of critical
functions. The energy necessary to close
and open (trip) the contacts of the vacuum
interrupters is stored in powerful tripping
and closing springs. The closing springs
are normally charged automatically, but
there are provisions for manual charging.
The operating mechanism that controls
charging, closing and tripping functions is
fully trip-free. Trip-free requires that the
tripping function prevail over the closing
function as specified in ANSI/IEEE
C37.04-1999, clause 6.9. The operation of
the stored-energy mechanism will be
discussed later in this section.
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
The vacuum circuit breaker consists of two
sub-assemblies. The "interrupter/operator"
module is a unitized assembly of the three
vacuum interrupters, primary insulators
and operating mechanism. The second
module, the "vehicle", is the supporting
drawout-structure module for the
operating mechanism. The vehicle
provides primary-stud extensions, closed
circuit-breaker racking interlocks, closing
spring discharge feature and other
requirements needed to ensure safe and
reliable use during racking and during
operation. These two sub-assemblies will
be separately described.
Interrupter/operator module
The interrupter/operator module consists
of the three poles, each with its vacuum
interrupter and primary insulators,
mounted on the common motor or handcharged spring-stored energy-operatingmechanism housing. This module is shown
in Figure 12: Interrupting/operating
mechanism module (shown with outerphase barrier removed).
Construction
Refer to Figure 12: Interrupting/operating
mechanism module (shown with outerphase barrier removed) on page 17, Figure
13: Operating mechanism controls and
indicators on page 18, Figure 14: Type 383AH3 vacuum circuit breaker pole section
on page 19 and Figure 15: Stored-energy
operating mechanism on page 20.
Figure 11: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker with inter-phase and outer-phase barriers
installed
16.0
20.0
60.0
Each of the circuit breaker poles is fixed to

the rear of the operating-mechanism
housing (60.0) by two cast-resin insulators
(16.0).
30.0
The insulators also connect to the upper

(20.0) and lower (40.0) pole-supports that
in turn support the ends of the vacuum
interrupter (30.0). Primary stud-extensions
are attached directly to the upper polesupport (20.0) and lower terminal (29.0).
29.0
The energy-storing mechanism and all the

control and actuating devices are installed
in the mechanism housing (60.0).
The mechanism is of the spring storedenergy type and is mechanically and
electrically trip-free.
40.0
16.0 - Insulator
30.0 - Vacuum interrupter
20.0 - Pole head
40.0 - Pole bottom
29.0 - Lower connection terminal
60.0 - Operator housing
Figure 12: Interrupter/operating mechanism module (shown with outer-phase barrier removed)
17
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Current-path assembly
53.0
54.0
55.0
58.0
59.0
Vacuum interrupter
Refer to Figure 9: Vacuum interrupter
cutaway view on page 15. The movingcontact (36.0) motion is aligned and
stabilized by guide bushing (35.0). The
metal bellows (34.0) follows the travel of
contact (36.0) and seals the vacuum
interrupter against the surrounding
atmosphere.
53.0 - Manual close button

54.0 - Manual open (trip) button
55.0 - CHARGED/DISCHARGED indicator
58.0 - OPEN/CLOSED indicator
59.0 - Operations counter
Figure 13: Operating mechanism controls and indicators
The OPEN/CLOSED indicator (58.0),

CHARGED/DISCHARGED indicator (55.0)
and the operations counter (59.0) are
located on the front of the mechanism
housing (60.0).
Circuit-breaker pole
Refer to Figure 14: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum
circuit breaker pole section on page 19.
The vacuum interrupter (30.0) is rigidly
connected to the upper terminal and pole
support (20.0) by its terminal bolt (31.2).
The lower part of the vacuum interrupter is
stabilized against lateral forces by a
centering ring (28.1) on the pole-support
(40.0). The external forces due to
switching operations and the contact
pressure are absorbed by the struts (28.0).
18

The current-path assembly consists of the
upper terminal and pole support (20.0),
the stationary contact (31.0) and the
moving contact (36.0), that is connected
with the lower terminal (29.0) by terminal
clamp (29.2) and a flexible shunt (29.1).
Switching operation
When a closing command is initiated, the
closing spring, that was previously charged
by hand or by the motor, actuates the
moving contact (36.0) through jack shaft
(63.0), lever (63.7), insulated coupler
(48.0) and lever (48.6).
The motion of the insulated coupler is
converted into the vertical movement of
the moving contact.
The moving-contact motion is controlled
by the guide link (48.9), that pivots on
support (40.0) and the eye bolt (36.3).
During closing, the tripping spring and the
contact-pressure springs (49.0) are
charged and latched by the pawl (64.1).
The closing spring is recharged
immediately after closing.
In the CLOSED state, the necessary contact
pressure is maintained by the contactpressure spring and the atmospheric
pressure. The contact-pressure spring
automatically compensates for contact
erosion, which is very small.
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Figure 14: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker pole section
20.0
16.0
60.0
16.0 - Insulator
20.0 - Pole head
27.0 - Upper-connection terminal
28.0 - Strut
28.1 - Centering ring
27.0
31.2
29.0 - Lower-connection terminal

29.1 - Flexible connector
29.2 - Terminal clamp
31.0 - Stationary contact
31.2 - Upper-terminal bolt
30.0
34.0 - Bellows (not shown)
31.0
36.0
28.0
35.0 - Guide bushing (not shown)

36.0 - Moving contact
36.3 - Eye bolt
40.0 - Pole bottom
48.0 - Insulating coupler
63.0
63.7
28.1
48.6 - Angled lever

48.9 - Guide link
29.2
29.1
49.0 - Contact-pressure spring
36.3
29.0
40.0
63.0 - Jack shaft
60.0 - Operator housing
63.7 - Lever
64.1 - Pawl (not shown)
64.2 - Pawl
48.6 48.9
48.0
16.0
49.0
64.2
19
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Figure 15: Stored-energy operating mechanism
55.2
50.3 50.3.1 62.3 62.6 62.5 62.5.2
62.2
50.2
50.1
55.1
62.0
68.0
53.0
53.1
54.1
50.4.1
55.0
54.0
64.2
50.4
68.1
58.0
63.7
59.0
63.1
60.0
64.0 63.5 62.8 64.3 64.3.1
63.0
50.1
- Manual-spring charging port
55.0
- Spring-charge indicator
62.6
- Driver lever
50.2
- Charging-mechanism gear box
55.1
- Linkage
62.8
- Trip-free coupling rod
50.3
- Charging flange
55.2
- Control lever
63.0
- Jack shaft
50.3.1 - Driver
58.0
- CLOSED/OPEN indicator
63.1
- Phase C lever
50.4
59.0
- Operation counter
63.5
- Phase B lever
60.0
- Operator housing
63.7
- Phase A lever
61.8
- Shock absorber
64.0
- Opening spring
62.0
- Closing spring
64.2
- Pawl
62.2
- Crank
64.3
- Lever
62.3
- Cam disc
64.3.1 - Pawl roller
62.5
- Lever
68.0
- Auxiliary switch
68.1
- Linkage
- Spring-charging motor (behind limit

switches)
50.4.1 - Limit switches
20
61.8
53.0
- Close button
53.1
- Close coil
54.0
- Open button
54.1
- Trip coil
54.2
- Undervoltage release (not shown)
62.5.2 - Close-latch pawl
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
When a tripping command is given, the
energy stored in the tripping- and contactpressure springs is released by pawl (64.2).
The opening sequence is similar to the
closing sequence. The residual force of the
tripping spring arrests the moving contact
(36.0) in the OPEN (TRIPPED) position.
Operating mechanism
The operating mechanism is comprised of
the mechanical and electrical components
required to:
If a make contact is used, the coil is

shorted out, and a resistor must be used to
limit the current. The undervoltage-release
option mounts to the immediate right of
the trip coil (54.1).
Motor-operating mechanism
The spring-charging motor (50.4) is bolted
to the charging-mechanism (50.2) gear
box installed in the mechanism housing.
Neither the gear-box mechanism nor the
motor require any normal maintenance.
1. C
harge the closing springs with
sufficient potential energy to close the
circuit breaker and to store opening
energy in the tripping- and contactpressure springs.
Auxiliary switch
2. M
eans to initiate closing and tripping
actions.
The operating mechanism is of the storedenergy trip-free type. In other words, the
charging of the closing spring is not
automatically followed by the contacts
changing position, and the tripping
function prevails over the closing function
in accordance with ANSI/IEEE C37.041999, clause 6.9.
3. M
eans of transmitting force and
motion to each of three poles.
4. O
perate all of these functions
automatically through electricalcharging motor, cutout switches, antipump relay, release (close and trip)
solenoids and auxiliary switches.
5. P
rovide indication of the circuit breaker
status (OPEN/CLOSED), spring
condition (CHARGED/DISCHARGED) and
number of operations.
Construction
The essential parts of the operating
mechanism are shown in Figure 15:
Stored-energy operating mechanism on
page 20. The control and sequence of
operation of the mechanism is described in
the Operating mechanism section
diagrams in Figure 17-21 on pages 24
through 28.
Indirect releases (tripping coils)
The shunt releases (54.1) convert the
electrical-tripping pulse into mechanical
energy to release the trip latch and open
the circuit breaker.
The undervoltage release (optional) (54.2)
may be electrically actuated by a make or a
break contact.
The auxiliary switch (68.0) is actuated by

the jack shaft (63.0) and link (68.1).
Mode of operation
When the stored-energy mechanism has

been charged, the circuit breaker can be
closed manually or electrically at any
desired time. The mechanical energy for
carrying out an "open-close-open"
sequence for auto-reclosing duty is stored
in the closing and tripping springs.
Charging
The details of the closing-spring charging
mechanism are shown in Figure 15:
Stored-energy operating mechanism on
page 20. The charging shaft is supported
in the charging mechanism (50.2), but is
not coupled mechanically with the
charging mechanism.
Fitted to it are the crank (62.2) at one end,
and the cam (62.3), together with lever
(62.5) at the other.
When the charging mechanism is actuated
by hand with a hand crank or by a motor
(50.4), the flange (50.3) turns until the
driver (50.3.1) locates in the cutaway part
of the cam disc (62.3), thus causing the
charging shaft to follow. The crank (62.2)
charges the closing spring (62.0).
21
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Closing
50.1
53.0
50.0
55.0
54.0
50.0 - Hand crank

50.1 - Manual-spring charging port
53.0 - Manual close button
54.0 - Manual open (trip) button
55.0 - CHARGED/DISCHARGED indicator
Figure 16: Use of manual-spring operation crank
When the closing spring has been fully

charged, the crank actuates the linkage
(55.1) via control lever (55.2) for the
closing-spring CHARGED indicator (55.0),
and actuates the limit switches (50.4.1) for
interrupting the motor supply.
At the same time, the lever (62.5) at the
other end of the charging shaft is securely
locked by the close-latch pawl (62.5.2).
When the closing spring is being charged,
cam disc (62.3) follows along, and it is
brought into position for closing when the
closing spring is fully charged.
Refer to Figure 15: Stored-energy

operating mechanism on page 20, Figure
16: Use of manual-spring operating crank
on page 22, Figure 17: Operating
mechanism section diagram (drawout tripfree linkage shown) mechanism OPEN,
closing spring DISCHARGED on page 24,
Figure 18: Operating mechanism section
diagram (drawout trip-free linkage shown)
mechanism OPEN, closing spring
DISCHARGED on page 25, Figure 19:
Operating mechanism section diagram
(drawout trip-free linkage shown)
mechanism CLOSED, closing spring
DISCHARGED on page 26 and Figure 20:
CHARGED on page 27.
If the circuit breaker is to be closed locally,
the closing spring is released by pressing
the close button (53.0). In the case of
electrical control, the spring-release coil
52SRC (53.1) unlatches the closing spring.
As the closing spring discharges, the
charging shaft is turned by crank (62.2).
The cam disc (62.3) at the other end of the
charging shaft actuates the drive lever
(62.6), with the result that the jack shaft
(63.0) is turned by lever (63.5) via the
coupling rod (62.8).
At the same time, the levers (63.1), (63.5)
and (63.7) fixed on the jack shaft operate
the three-insulated couplers for the circuitbreaker poles.
Lever (63.7) changes the OPEN/CLOSED
indicator (58.0) to CLOSED. Lever (63.5)
charges the tripping spring (64.0) during
closing, and the circuit breaker is latched
in the CLOSED position by lever (64.3) with
pawl roller (64.3.1) and by pawl (64.2).
Lever (63.1) actuates the auxiliary switch
through the linkage (68.1).
The crank (62.2) on the charging shaft
moves the linkage (55.1) by acting on the
control lever (55.2). The closing-spring
CHARGED indication (55.0) is thus
canceled and, the limit switches (50.4.1)
switch in the control supply to cause the
closing spring to recharge immediately.
22
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Trip-free functionality
Opening
Refer to Figure 15: Stored-energy

operating mechanism on page 20, Figure
17: Operating mechanism section diagram
DISCHARGED on page 26 and Figure 20:
CHARGED on page 27.
If the circuit breaker is to be tripped locally,

the tripping spring (64.0) is released by
pressing the trip button (54.0). In the case
of an electrical command being given, the
shunt-trip coil 52T (54.1) unlatches the
tripping (opening) spring (64.0). The
tripping spring turns the jack shaft (63.0)
via lever (63.5); the sequence being similar
to that for closing.
The trip-free coupling rod (62.8) permits

the immediate de-coupling of the drive
lever (62.6) and the jack shaft (63.0) to
override the closing action by trip
command or by means of the racking
interlocks.
The trip-free coupling rod (62.8) forms a
link between the drive lever (62.6) and the
jack shaft (63.0). The rigidity of this link
depends upon a spring-return latch carried
within the coupling rod.
The latch pivots within the coupling rod
and is normally positioned to maintain the
rigidity of the coupling rod.
Trip-free coupling link (62.8.2) and tripfree coupling lever (62.8.3) cause the
spring-return latch position to be
dependent upon the normal tripping
components and the racking interlock.
Thus, whenever a trip command is applied
or the circuit breaker is not in the fully
CONNECT or TEST position, the trip-free
coupling rod is no longer rigid, effectively
de-coupling the drive lever and jack shaft.
Under these conditions the vacuum
interrupter contacts cannot be closed.
Rapid auto-reclosing
Since the closing spring is automatically
recharged by the motor-operating
mechanism when the circuit breaker has
closed, the operating mechanism is
capable of an "open-close-open" duty cycle
as required for rapid auto-reclosing.
The circuit breaker is suitable for use in
applications with a rated reclosing-time
interval of 0.3 seconds, per ANSI/IEEE
C37.06-2009.
Manual operation
Electrically-operated vacuum circuit
breakers can be operated manually if the
control supply should fail.
Manually charging the closing spring
Refer to Figure 16: Use of manual-spring
operation crank on page 22. Insert the
hand crank (50.0) in hole (50.1) and turn
it clockwise (about 48 revolutions) until
the indicator (55.0) shows CHARGED. The
hand crank is coupled with the charging
mechanism via an over-running coupling;
thus the operator is not exposed to any risk
should the control supply be restored
during charging.
Manual closing
To close the circuit breaker, press the close
button (53.0). The OPEN/CLOSED indicator
(55.0) will then display CLOSED and the
closing-spring condition indicator (58.0)
will now read DISCHARGED.
Manual opening
The tripping spring is charged during
closing. To open the circuit breaker, press
the trip button (54.0) and OPEN will be
displayed by indicator (55).
23
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Figure 17: Operating mechanism section diagram (drawout trip-free linkage shown) mechanism OPEN, closing spring DISCHARGED
62.5.1
62.5
62.1
62.3
50.3
62.2
50.3.1
62.5.2
53.0
64.5*
62.6
62.2.2
53.1
64.2.2
64.0*
62.8.1
64.2.1
54.0
62.8.3
62.8.2
62.8*
64.2*
* Items moved from position shown in Figure
63.5*
64.3.1*
62.8.5
64.5
63.0*
48.0* 63.5*
63.7
63.5
63.1
62.8.8
24

50.3 - Charging flange
50.3.1 - Driver
53.0 - Close pushbutton
53.1 - Close coil 52SRC
54.0 - Open pushbutton
54.1 - Trip coil 52T
62.1 - Charging shaft
62.2 - Crank
62.2.2 - Closing-spring mounting
62.3 - Cam disc
62.5 - Lever
62.5.2 - Close latch-pawl
62.6 - Drive lever
62.8 - Trip-free coupling rod
62.8.1 - Spring-return latch
62.8.2 - Trip-free coupling link (draw bar)
62.8.3 - Trip-free coupling lever
62.8.5 - Push rod and cam assembly
62.8.6 - Interlock lever push rod
62.8.7 - Interlock lever actuator
62.8.8 - Trip-free actuator
63.0 - Jack shaft
63.1 - Lever - phase C
63.5 - Lever - phase B
63.7 - Lever - phase A
64.0 - Opening spring
64.2 - Trip-latch pawl
64.2.1 - Trip-latch pin
64.2.2 - Latching pawl-release lever
64.3 - Lever
64.3.1 - Jack-shaft pawl
64.5 - Opening-spring shaft
62.8.7
62.8.6
19: Operating mechanism section diagram

DISCHARGED on page 26 on trip operation.
Underlined items moved from position
shown in Figure 18: Operating mechanism
section diagram (drawout trip-free linkage
shown) mechanism OPEN, closing spring
DISCHARGED on page 25 on closed spring
discharge operation.
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Figure 18: Operating mechanism section diagram (drawout trip-free linkage shown) mechanism OPEN, closing spring DISCHARGED
.

50.3 - Charging flange
50.3.1 - Driver
53.0 - Close pushbutton
53.1 - Close coil 52SRC
54.0 - Open pushbutton
54.1 - Trip coil 52T
62.1 - Charging shaft
62.2 - Crank
62.2.2 - Closing-spring mounting
62.3 - Cam disc
62.5 - Lever
62.5.2 - Close-latch pawl
62.6 - Drive lever
62.8 - Trip-free coupling rod
62.8.1 - Spring return-latch
63.0 - Jack shaft
64.2 - Trip-latch pawl
64.3 - Lever
64.5 - Opening-spring shaft
* Items moved from position shown in
Figure 20: Operating mechanism section
diagram (drawout trip-free linkage shown)
CHARGED on page 27 on trip operation.
Underlined items moved from position
DISCHARGED on page 24 on closed spring
discharge operation.
62.2
50.3
50.3.1
62.1
62.3
62.5
62.5.1
62.2.2
64.5*
54.1*
62.8*
64.2*
64.3*
63.5*
63.0*
64.5*
48.0* 63.5*
63.7*
63.5*
63.1*
25
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Figure 19: Operating mechanism section diagram (drawout trip-free linkage shown) mechanism CLOSED, closing spring DISCHARGED
62.5.1
62.5
62.1
62.2
62.5.2
62.3
53.0
62.5.2 - Close latch-pawl

62.8.1 - Spring-return latch
64.3 - Lever
64.5 - Opening spring-shaft
** Numbered items moved from position

64.5
53.1
64.5
63.5
62.8
63.7
63.5
63.1
48.0
63.0
63.5
26
62.6
62.2.2

DISCHARGED on page 25.
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Figure 20: Operating mechanism section diagram (drawout trip-free linkage shown) mechanism CLOSED, closing spring CHARGED
62.5.2 - Close latch pawl

62.8.1 - Spring return latch
64.2.2 - Latching pawl release lever
64.3 - Lever
64.3.1 - Jack shaft pawl
64.5 - Opening spring shaft
62.2
50.3.1
62.1
62.5 50.3
62.5.1
62.3
62.2.2
** Numbered items moved from position

shown) mechanism CLOSED, closing spring
DISCHARGED.
27
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Figure 21: Operator sequential operation diagram
Closing
Closed
voltage applied.
Undervoltage device
27 picks up.
Anti-pumping feature (52Y) assures a continuously applied closing command does not
cause the circuit breaker to reclose automatically after it has tripped out on a fault.
Spring-charge motor
(88.0) energized.
Continuous
closing command.
Closing spring is fully

charged.
LS21 and LS22
operate to deenergize springcharging motor.
L3 opens in series
with anti-pump relay
(52Y).
LS4 closes to signal

closing spring is
charged.
LS9 closes close

circuit only when
closing spring is fully
charged.
circuit
circuit
breaker is
breaker is
No action! Open 52b
Close coil is actuated
open.
closed.
in series with close
through the closed
Closing
coil (52SRC) blocks
52b contacts and the
command
closing springtwo normally closed
when
release.
contacts of the antipump relay (52Y).
closing
spring is not
charged.
52a contacts in
series with the trip
coil (52T) close to
enable a trip
opertion.
No action! Antipump relay (52Y)

picks up through the
closed LS3 contact
and opens.
The closing spring is

unlatched.
Circuit breaker
auxiliary contacts
52a and 52b change
state.
The circuit breaker

closes.
The opening spring

is charged.
LS21 and LS22 close

to energize motor
(88). LS3 closes and
LS4 opens to cancel
closing spring signal.
Rapid auto-reclosing. The closing spring is automatically recharged as described above.

Therefore, when the circuit breaker is closed both of its springs are charged. The closing spring
charges the opening spring during closing. As a result, the circuit breaker is capable of an
O-0.3s-CO-3 min-CO operating cycle. The dashed line shows the operating sequence initiated by
the closing command.
Tripping
Trip coil (52T) can

only be activated
when in series
connected 52a
contact is closed.
Trip coil (52T)

unlatches the
opening spring.
Motor cutoff
switches LS21, LS22
and LS3 are closed
because the closing
spring is discharged.
Before the springcharge motor has
recharged the
closing spring and
opened LS3, antipump relay (52Y)
picks up and seals in.
The anti-pump relay
(52Y) opens two
contacts in series
with the close coil
(52SRC).
The close coil
(52SRC) is now
blocked and cannot
be activated until
springs are fullycharged and close
command is
removed.
Footnote:
1
Optional items.
Trip
command.
Undervoltage device (27) is
activated by opening a NC
contact in series with 27 or by
loss or reduction of tripping
voltage.1
Undervoltage device (27) is activated

by closing NO contact, shorting the
27 coil. The NO contact is only
effective with the circuit breaker
closed. Resistor required.1
Undervoltage device
27 unlatches the
opening spring.1
Circuit breaker trips.
28
Close coil (52SRC)

unlatches the closing
spring and the circuit
breaker closes.
Secondary shuntrelease (dual-trip)

function activated by
remote trip
command contact
NO.1
Secondary release
unlatches the
opening spring.1
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Figure 22: Typical elementary diagram
(+)
01
T
01
C
SD16
SD13
21
41
42
SD3
Motor
13
DC supply
22
88
21
LS41
14
31
32
21
LS22
22
MI1
21
TB
1
2
3
4
5
6
SD15
52b
21
52Y
22
52Y
31
52Y
A1
22 A2
MI2
13
21
14
SD1
SD4
14
LS3
13
32
24
52b
23
52a
A1
A1
52SRC
22
LS21
22
52T
52Y
A2
SD14
A2
34
LS9
33
52a
SD2
(-)
SD11
54
55
SD9
64
52a
63
SD7
91
52a
92
SD12
101
52b
102
52b
SD5
74
73
84
52a
83
SD8
SD10
88.0
- Spring-charging motor
MI1, MI2 - Mechanical interlock
52a
- Auxiliary switch is open when circuit

breaker is open
OI/C
- Control switch (close)
OI/T
- Control switch (trip)
52b
- Auxiliary switch is closed when circuit

breaker is closed
- Red indicating light (closed)
- White indicating light (springcharged).
52SRC - Spring-release coil (close)
111
52a
112
121
52b
52b
122
SD6
52T
- Shunt trip coil
Standard:
52Y
- Closing relay (anti-pump)
- Green indicating light (trip)
Fuses in close circuit. Slugs in trip circuit (fuses

optional).
LS
- Spring-charged switch
Shown with springs DISCHARGED, trip-latch

reset, circuit breaker OPEN, CONNECT or
WITHDRAWN position.
29
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
21.0
Indirect releases (dual-trip or

undervoltage) (optional)
25.0 27.0
33.0
31.0
23.0
11.0
7.0
1.0
13.0
9.0
15.0
5.0
3.0
1.0 - Magnet core
15.0 - Tripping pin
3.0 - Housing
21.0 - Locking pin
6.0 - Mounting holes
23.0 - Striker pin
7.0 - Magnet coil
25.0 - Latch
9.0 - Magnet armature
27.0 - Spring
11.0 - Tension spring
31.0 - Striker-pin spring
13.0 - Adjusting (factory-set) screw

for 11.0
33.0 - Terminal block
Figure 23: Construction of secondary shunt release (shown charged)
23.0
25.0
Locked/unlocked selection screw

(undervoltage release only)
29.0
The indirect release provides for the

conversion of modest-control signals into
powerful mechanical-energy impulses. It is
primarily used to trip medium-voltage
circuit breakers while functioning as a
secondary (dual-trip) release or
undervoltage-release device.
These releases are mechanical-energy
storage devices. Their internal springs are
charged as a consequence of the circuitbreaker mechanism operation. This energy
is released upon application or removal (as
appropriate) of applicable control voltages
(refer to Figure 23: Construction of
secondary shunt release (shown charged)
and Figure 24: Latch details (shown
charged) on page 30 and Figure 25:
Undervoltage lock/operate selection on
page 31).
Secondary shunt release (optional)
(54.2)
A secondary shunt release (second trip
coil) is used for electrical tripping of the
circuit breaker by protective relays or
manual-control devices when more than
one trip coil is required. The second trip
coil is generally connected to a separate
auxiliary supply (dc or ac) from the control
supply used for the normal trip coil.
Undervoltage release (optional) (54.2)
The undervoltage release is used for
continuous monitoring of the trippingsupply voltage. If this supply voltage falls
excessively, the undervoltage release will
provide for automatic tripping of the circuit
breaker.
21.0
21.0 - Locking pin
23.0 - Striker pin
25.0 - Latch
27.0 - Spring
29.0 - Lower connection terminal
Figure 24: Latch details (shown charged)

30
27.0
The undervoltage device may be used for

manual or relay tripping by employing a
contact in series with an undervoltagedevice holding-coil.
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Relay tripping may also be achieved by
employing a normally open contact in
parallel with the holding coil. If this
scheme is used, a resistor must be
provided to limit current when the
normally open contact is closed.
Position A: locked
Secondary and undervoltage releases are

available for all standard ANSI/IEEE control
voltages.
Construction and mode of operation of
secondary release and undervoltage
release
Refer to Figure 23: Construction of
secondary shunt release (shown charged)
and Figure 24: Latch details (shown
charged) on page 30 and Figure 25:
page 31.
The release consists of a spring powerstoring mechanism, a latching device and
an electromagnet. These elements are
accommodated side-by-side in a housing
(3.0), with a detachable cover and three
through-holes (5.0) for fastening screws.
The supply leads for the trip coil are
connected to a terminal block (33.0).
The energy-storing mechanism consists of
the striker pin (23.0) and its operating
spring (31.0), which is mostly located
inside the striker pin (23.0). When the
spring is compressed, the striker pin is held
by a latch (25.0), whose sloping face is
forced against the appropriately shaped
striker pin (23.0) by spring (27.0). The
other end of the latch (25.0) is supported
by a partly-milled locking pin (21.0) (refer
to Figure 24: Latch details (shown
CHARGED) on page 30), that pivots in the
cover sheets of the magnet armature (9.0).
The armature (9.0) pivots in front of the
poles of the U-shaped magnet core, (1.0)
and is pulled away from it by the tension
spring (11.0).
If the magnet coil (7.0) of the shunt
release 3AX1101 is energized by a trip
signal, or if the tripping pin (15.0) is
mechanically actuated, magnet armature
(9.0) is swung against the pole faces.
23.0
29.0
Position B: unlocked (operating position)
23.0
29.0
Cancel the lock for the undervoltage release by shifting the locking screw (29) from
A to B.
23.0 - Striker pin
29.0 - Screw
Figure 25: Undervoltage lock/operate selection
01
T
SD5
24
23
120 or 240 Vac
supply
52o
Capacitor
A1
(+)
52T
A2
34
33
52o
(-)
Resistor
2
(+)
Rectifier
(-)
Capacitor trip
Figure 26: Capacitor-trip device

31
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
When this happens, the latch (25.0) loses
its support and releases the striker pin
(23.0), that is forced out by the spring
(31.0).
On the undervoltage release 3AX1103, the
latch (25.0) is held by the locking pin
(21.0) as long as the armature (9.0) is
attracted (energized) (refer to Figure 21:
Operator sequential operation diagram on
page 28). If the circuit of the magnet coil
(7.0) is interrupted, the armature (9.0)
drops off, thus causing the latch (25) to
lose its support and release the striker pin
(23).
Figure 27: Secondary disconnect on
the circuit breaker
Following every tripping operation, the

striker pin (23.0) must be reset to its
normal position by loading the spring (31).
This takes place automatically via the
operating mechanism of the circuit
breaker.
Since the striker pin of the undervoltage
release 3AX1103 is latched only when the
armature is attracted, this trip is provided
with a screw (29.0) (refer to Figure 25:
page 31).
Figure 28: Secondary disconnect

inside the switchgear
This screw is provided to allow locking the

striker pin (23.0) in the normal position for
adjusting purposes or for carrying out trial
operations during circuit breaker servicing.
Position A (locked) disables the
undervoltage release. Position B is the
normal (operating) position.
Capacitor-trip device
The capacitor-trip device is an auxiliary
tripping option providing a short-term
means of storing adequate electrical
energy to ensure circuit breaker tripping.
Figure 29: Auxiliary switch
32
This device is applied in circuit breaker

installations lacking independent auxiliarycontrol power or a station battery. In such
installations, control power is usually
derived from the primary source. In the
event of a primary-source fault, or
disturbance with resulting reduction of the
primary-source voltage, the capacitor-trip
device will provide short-term tripping
energy for circuit breaker opening due to
the protective relay operation.
The capacitor trip includes a rectifier to

convert the 120 or 240 Vac control voltage
to a dc voltage that is used to charge a
large capacitor to the peak of the
converted-voltage wave (refer to Figure
26: Capacitor trip device on page 31).
Shock absorber
A type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker is
equipped with a sealed, oil-filled, viscous
damper or shock absorber (61.8) (refer to
Figure 15: Stored-energy operating
mechanism on page 20). The purpose of
this shock absorber is to limit overtravel
and rebound of the vacuum interrupter
movable-contacts during the conclusion of
an opening operation. The shock-absorber
action affects only the end of an opening
operation.
Secondary disconnect
Signal and control power is delivered to
the internal circuits of the circuit breaker
by an arrangement of movable-contact
fingers (refer to Figure 27: Secondary
disconnect on the circuit breaker) mounted
on the top of the circuit breaker.
When the circuit breaker is racked into the
TEST or CONNECT position in the metalclad switchgear, these disconnect fingers
engage a mating-disconnect block on the
inside of the switchgear (refer to Figure
28: Secondary disconnect inside the
switchgear). These electrical connections
automatically disengage when the circuit
breaker is racked from the TEST to the
DISCONNECT position.
All of the control power necessary to
operate the circuit breaker is connected to
this disconnect block inside the
switchgear. The external trip- and closecircuits and associated circuits are also
connected to the same disconnect block.
Auxiliary switch
Figure 29: Auxiliary switch shows the
circuit breaker mounted auxiliary switch.
This switch provides auxiliary contacts for
control of circuit breaker closing and
tripping functions. Contacts are available
for use in relaying and external logic
circuits. This switch is driven by linkages
connected to the jack shaft.
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
1. Ground disconnect
4. CLOSED circuit-breaker racking interlock
2. Spring-dump interlock
5. Circuit-breaker frame
3. Trip-free interlock
6. Rating interlock
Figure 32: Circuit-breaker interlocks and ground disconnect
The auxiliary switch contains both "b"

(normally closed) and "a" (normally open)
contacts. When the circuit breaker is OPEN,
the "b" switches are closed and the "a"
switches are open.
Mechanism-operated cell (MOC) switch
(optional)
Figure 30: MOC switch operating arm on a
circuit breaker and Figure 31: MOC
(bottom) and TOC (top) switches and
associated terminal blocks show the
principal components that provide
optional-control flexibility when operating
the circuit breaker in the TEST (optional)
and CONNECT (standard) positions.
Figure 30: MOC switch operating arm on a
circuit breaker shows the MOC-switch
operating arm that projects from the right
side of the circuit breaker, above the
bottom rail structure. The MOC-switch
operating arm is part of the jack-shaft
assembly and directly reflects the OPEN or
CLOSED position of the circuit breaker
primary contacts.
As the circuit breaker is racked into the
appropriate position inside the switchgear,
the MOC-switch operating arm engages
the pantograph linkage (refer to Figure 33:
Circuit-breaker compartment (MOC/TOC
switch cover removed for photo) on page
34). Operation of the circuit breaker
causes the pantograph linkage to transfer
motion to the MOC switches located above
the pantograph.
Figure 30: MOC switch operating

arm on a circuit breaker
The "a" and "b" contacts can be used in

relaying and control-logic schemes.
All circuit breakers contain the MOC-switch
operating arm. However, MOC switches
are provided in the switchgear only when
specified.
The circuit breaker engages the MOC
switch only in the CONNECT (operating)
position unless an optional TEST position
pickup is specified in the contract. If a TEST
position pickup is included, the circuit
breaker will engage the auxiliary switch in
both positions. Up to 24-stages may be
provided.
Truck-operated cell (TOC) switch
Figure 31: MOC (bottom) and TOC (top)
switches and associated terminal blocks
shows the optional TOC switch. This switch
is operated by the circuit breaker as it is
racked into the CONNECT position.
Figure 31: MOC (bottom) and TOC

(top) switches and associated
terminal blocks
Various combinations of "a" and "b"

contacts may be optionally specified.
These switches provide control and logic
indication that a circuit breaker in the cell
has achieved the CONNECT (ready-tooperate) position.
33
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Figure 33: Circuit-breaker compartment (MOC/TOC switch cover removed for photo)
13
10
2, 4, 6
1. Shutter-operating linkage
7. Secondary disconnect
2. Shutters
8. Trip-free padlock provisions
3. R
acking mechanism padlock
provisions
9. Current-transformer barrier
4. Primary disconnects
(behind shutters)
12
34
2, 4, 6
10
11
10. Racking mechanism

11. Ground bar
5. MOC switch (optional)
12. Rating interlocks
6. C
urrent transformers
(behind barrier)
13. MOC operating pantograph
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Trip-free interlock
Circuit-breaker frame
Figure 32: Circuit-breaker interlocks and

ground disconnect on page 33 shows the
devices providing the trip-free interlock
function. The purpose of the trip-free
interlock is to hold the circuit breaker
operating-mechanism mechanically and
electrically trip-free. The circuit breaker is
held trip-free during racking and whenever
the circuit breaker is between the TEST and
CONNECT positions within the switchgear
enclosure.
The frame of the type 38-3AH3 vacuum

circuit breaker contains several important
devices and features deserving of special
attention. These are the ground
disconnect, the four racking wheels and
the four handling wheels.
This interlock functions so that the circuit

breaker primary contacts can only be
closed when in the CONNECT position, in
the TEST position or out of the switchgear
cell.
Rating interlock
rating-interlock interference plates
mounted on the circuit- breaker frame. The
circuit-breaker interference plates are
complemented by matching plates located
in the cubicle.
The interference plates (rating interlocks)
test the circuit-breaker voltage, continuous
current and interrupting and momentary
ratings and will not allow circuit breaker
insertion unless the circuit-breaker ratings
match or exceed the cell rating.
Ground disconnect
ground disconnect contact mounted at the
bottom of the circuit breaker. The springloaded fingers of the disconnect contact
engage the ground bar (refer to Figure 33:
Circuit-breaker compartment (MOC/TOC
switch cover removed for photo) on page
34) at the bottom of the switchgear
assembly. The ground bar is to the right of
the racking mechanism, shown at the
bottom center of the switchgear.
Circuit-breaker handling wheels
is designed for easy movement into and
out of the metal-clad switchgear assembly.
A section of indoor or Shelter-Clad
switchgear does not require a transfer
truck or lifting truck for handling of the
circuit breaker when all circuit breakers are
located at floor level. Once the circuit
breaker is racked out of the switchgear, the
unit can be pulled using the handles on
the front of the circuit breaker. The circuit
breaker will roll on its bottom four wheels.

Do not by-pass interlocks or otherwise make interlocks
inoperative. Interlocks must be in operation at all times.
Read this instruction manual. Know and understand correct
interlock function. Check interlock function prior to inserting a
circuit breaker into a switchgear cubicle.
35
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
When circuit breakers are located above
floor level, handling of the circuit breakers
requires the use of a lifting device or a
crane with a lift sling.
Racking mechanism
Figure 33: Circuit-breaker compartment
(MOC/TOC switch cover removed for
photo) on page 34 shows the racking
mechanism in the switchgear used to
move the circuit breaker among the
DISCONNECT, TEST and CONNECT
positions. This mechanism contains a
circuit-breaker racking-block that mates
with the bottom of the circuit-breaker
housing, and locks the circuit breaker to
the racking mechanism during in and out
movement.
A racking crank (refer to Figure 2: Type 383AH3 vacuum circuit breaker racking on
page 11) mates to the threaded squareshaft of the racking mechanism. Clockwise
rotation of the crank moves the circuit
breaker into the switchgear, and
counterclockwise rotation removes it.
The racking and trip-free interlocks provide
several essential functions.
1. T
hey prevent racking a CLOSED circuit
breaker into or out of the switchgear
assembly.
2. T
hey discharge the closing springs
whenever the circuit breaker is inserted
into or withdrawn from the switchgear.
3. T
hey prevent closing of the circuit
breaker unless it is in either the TEST or
CONNECT positions, and the racking
crank is not engaged.
The rating interlock prevents insertion of a
lower-rated circuit breaker into a cubicle
intended for a circuit breaker of higher
ratings.
36
Vehicle function and operational

interlocks
A type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker is
comprised mainly of the vacuum
interrupter/operator module fitted to a
vehicle. This vacuum interrupter/operator
module is an integral arrangement of
operating mechanism, dielectric system,
vacuum interrupters and means of
connecting the primary circuit. The vehicle
supports the vaccum interrupter/operator
module, providing mobility and fully
coordinated application in Siemens type
GM38 switchgear.
Successful coordinated application of the
fully assembled type 38-3AH3 vacuum
circuit breaker is achieved through precise
alignment in fixtures during manufacture,
and important functional interlocking.
Alignment
All aspects of the circuit breaker structure
impacting alignment and
interchangeability are checked using
master fixtures at the factory. Field
adjustment will not normally be required.
Interlocks
Circuit breaker racking-interlocks
The vacuum interrupter/operator module,
the vehicle portion of the circuit breaker
and the racking mechanism in the
switchgear all cooperate to provide
important operational interlocking
functions.
1. Rating interlock
he rating interlock consisting of a
T
coded-interference plate is mounted on
the vehicle (refer to Figure 32: Circuitbreaker interlocks and ground
disconnect on page 33). A matinginterference blocking plate is mounted
in the drawout compartment (refer to
Figure 33: Circuit-breaker compartment
(MOC/TOC switch cover removed for
photo on page 34).
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
he two plates are mounted in
T
alignment and must pass through each
other in order for the circuit-breaker
vehicle to enter the drawout
compartment. The interlock is coded to
test rated voltage, as well as
interrupting and continuous current
ratings. The circuit breaker must equal
or exceed all of the cubicle ratings in
order to enter the compartment.
2. Racking interlocks
A. CLOSED circuit breaker interlock
igure 32: Circuit-breaker interlocks
F
and ground disconnect on page 33
shows the location of the CLOSED
circuit-breaker interlock-plunger on
the circuit-breaker frame.
he purpose of this interlock is to
T
positively block circuit-breaker
racking-operations whenever the
circuit breaker is CLOSED. The
plunger is coupled to the jack shaft
as seen in Figure 15: Stored-energy
operating mechanism, item 63 on
page 20. When the jack shaft rotates
to close, the interlock plunger is
driven straight downward beneath
the frame of the circuit breaker. The
downward projecting plunger blocks
racking operation when the circuit
breaker is CLOSED.
Figure 33: Circuit-breaker
compartment (MOC/TOC switch
cover plate removed for photo) on
page 34 shows the racking
mechanism located on the floor in
the center of the circuit breaker
compartment. Note the two "winglike" elements that project from the
left side of the racking mechanism.
The CLOSED circuit breaker interlock
plunger, when down (circuit breaker
CLOSED), falls behind the front wing
in the TEST position and behind the
rear wing in the CONNECT position.
Trip-free
mechanicalinterlock switch
Trip-free
interlock
Spring-dump
interlock
Spring-dump
tube
Figure 34: Interlock mechanisms on the type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker
he wings are coupled to the

T
element of the racking mechanism
that shrouds the racking screw. This
shroud must be moved rearward to
insert the racking-crank socket in
order to engage the racking shaft.
With the plunger down (circuit
breaker CLOSED), the wings and
shroud cannot be moved and thus
racking is blocked.
B. Trip-free interlock
igure 32: Circuit-breaker interlocks
F
and ground disconnect on page 33
shows the trip-free interlock. This
interlock is a plunger with a roller on
the lower end. The plunger roller
tracks the shape of the cam profiles
on the racking mechanism in the
switchgear (refer to Figure 33:
Circuit-breaker compartment (MOC/
TOC switch cover plate removed for
photo) on page 34).
37
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
Close-latch lever
Closing-spring release cam
Normal operating position
Trip-pushrod cam
Trip-latch lever
Enclosure rear
Trip-free pushrod
Retaining rings
Trip-pushrod cam
Interlock levers
Spring-dump tube
Figure 35: CLOSED circuit-breaker interlock mechanism in stored-energy mechanism
he racking-cam profile on the

T
racking mechanism allows the tripfree racking-interlock to be in the
lowest position (reset) only when
the circuit breaker is in the TEST or
the CONNECT position. Thus, during
racking, the trip-free interlock is held
in an elevated condition except
when the circuit breaker reaches the
TEST or the CONNECT position. The
circuit breaker can be closed only
when the interlock plunger is down,
and will trip if the plunger is moved
up.
he operation of the trip-free
T
racking-interlock may be seen in
Figure 34: Interlock mechanisms on
the type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit
breaker on page 37. As the interlock
(6.0) rises, it moves a series of
linkages, that cause a guided tube
(4.0) to rise, and enter the
operating-mechanism enclosure.
38
igure 35: CLOSED circuit breaker

F
interlock mechanism in storedenergy mechanism shows the
operating mechanism detail
components that establish a tripfree condition as the tube (4.0)
rises. The rising tube raises a lever
attached to the base of the
This lever raises the trip-free
pushrod.
he rising trip-free pushrod elevates
T
the trip-free pushrod cam, that
pushes the trip-free coupling lever
(62.8.3) (refer to Figure 15: Storedenergy operating mechanism on
page 20) toward the rear of the
enclosure.
he movement of the trip-free
T
coupling lever toward the rear of the
enclosure is transmitted through the
trip-free coupling link (62.8.2) to the
spring-return latch (62.8.1). With the
latch displaced from a normal reset
position, the trip-free coupling rod
(62.8) cannot apply closing effort to
the jack shaft (63.0). Thus, upon
release, the closing-spring energy
will not be transmitted to the jack
shaft.
C. Automatic closing-spring energy
release
he automatic closing-spring
T
energy-release (spring-dump) (refer
to Figure 32: Circuit-breaker
interlocks and ground disconnect on
page 33) is a plunger with a roller on
the lower end. The spring dump has
a return spring that returns the
spring dump to the reset or lowered
position.
he plunger roller tracks the shape
T
of the spring discharge cam on the
racking mechanism in the
switchgear (refer to Figure 33:
Circuit-breaker compartment (MOC/
TOC switch cover removed for
photo) on page 34).
Vacuum interrupter/
operator
he spring-dump cam raises the
T
spring-dump interlock upon
insertion of the circuit breaker into
the compartment, or upon
withdrawal from the compartment.
The interlock is raised at about the
time the front wheels pass over the
cubicle sill.
It allows the spring-dump interlock
to be in the reset (lowest) position at
all other times.
he operation of the spring-dump
T
interlock may be seen in Figure 34:
Interlock mechanisms on the type
38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker on
page 37. As the interlock rises (5.0),
it causes the guided tube (4.0) to
rise and enter the operatingmechanism enclosure.
igure 35: CLOSED circuit-breaker
F
interlock mechanism in storedenergy mechanism shows the
operating mechanism detail
components that establish a springdump condition as the tube rises.
The rising tube raises a lever
attached to the base of the
This lever raises the trip-free
pushrod, that elevates the closingspring release cam. The closingspring release cam moves the
closing-spring latch, that causes the
closing springs to discharge.
D. Trip-free interlock position mechanical interlock

In order to prevent the motorcharging circuit from "making and
breaking" as the circuit breaker and
cubicle secondary disconnects make
or break physical contact, an
electrical switch is provided. This
switch is mounted in the line of
action taken by the trip-free
interlock plunger that follows the
racking-mechanism cam and is
elevated at all times while the circuit
breaker is in the drawout
compartment except when in the
TEST or CONNECT positions.
striker plate, integral with the tripA
free interlock plunger, engages and
operates (opens) the switch when
the plunger is in an elevated position
blocking spring-charging motor
operation. The switch is closed when
the circuit breaker occupies the TEST
or CONNECT position, allowing the
charging motor to operate
automatically.
owever, the trip-free interlock is

H
raised, so that the operating
mechanism is held trip-free (refer to
"Trip-free interlock" on page 33).
Thus, the energy in the closing
springs is released (spring-dump),
without movement of the jack shaft
or the vacuum-interrupter contacts.
39
Maintenance

Do not by-pass interlocks or otherwise make interlocks
inoperative. Interlocks must be in operation at all times.
Introduction and maintenance intervals

Periodic inspections and maintenance are
essential to safe and reliable operation of
the type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker.
When the type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit
breaker is operated under "usual service
conditions," maintenance and lubrication
is recommended at ten-year intervals or at
the number of operations indicated in
Table 2.
"Usual" and "unusual" service conditions
for medium-voltage metal-clad switchgear
are defined in ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2, section
8.1 and C37.04, section 4 together with
C37.010, section 4. Generally, "usual
service conditions" are defined as an
environment where the equipment is not
exposed to excessive dust, acid fumes,
damaging chemicals, salt air, rapid or
frequent changes in temperature,
vibration, high humidity and extreme
temperatures.
The definition of "usual service conditions"
is subject to a variety of interpretations.
Because of this, you are best served by
adjusting maintenance and lubrication
intervals based on your experience with
the equipment in the actual service
environment.
40
Regardless of the length of the

maintenance and lubrication interval,
Siemens recommends the circuit breaker
should be inspected and exercised
annually.
For the safety of maintenance personnel as
well as others who might be exposed to
hazards associated with maintenance
activities, the safety-related work practices
of NFPA 70E (especially chapters 1 and 2)
should always be followed when working
on electrical equipment.
Maintenance personnel should be trained
in the safety practices, procedures and
requirements that pertain to their
respective job assignments.
This instruction manual should be
reviewed and retained in a location readily
accessible for reference during
maintenance of this equipment.
The user must establish a periodic
maintenance program to ensure troublefree and safe operation.
The frequency of inspection, periodic
cleaning and preventive-maintenance
schedule will depend upon the operation
conditions. NFPA Publication 70B,
"Electrical Equipment Maintenance" may
be used as a guide to establish such a
program.
Maintenance
The use of unauthorized parts in the repair of the equipment, or tampering by unqualified
personnel can result in hazardous conditions, that can result in death, serious injury or
property damage.
Follow all safety instructions contained herein.
Note: A preventive maintenance program

is not intended to cover reconditioning or
major repair, but should be designed to
reveal, if possible, the need for such
actions in time to prevent malfunctions
during operation.
Recommended hand tools
uses both standard SAE (U.S. customary)
and metric fasteners. Metric fasteners are
used for the vacuum interrupters and in
the vacuum interrupter/operator module.
SAE (U.S. customary) fasteners are used in
most other locations. This list of hand tools
describes those normally used in
disassembly and re-assembly procedures.
Metric:
S
ockets and open-end wrenches:
7, 8, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 24 mm
Hex keys: 2, 5, 6, 8 and 10 mm
Deep sockets: 19 and 24 mm
T
orque wrench: 0 - 150 Nm
(0 - 100 ft-lbs).
SAE (U.S. customary):
S
ocket and open-end wrenches:
5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 11/16, 3/4
and 7/8 inches
Hex keys: 3/16 and 1/4 inches
S
crewdrivers: 0.032 x 1/4 inches wide
and 0.055 x 7/16 inches wide
Pliers
Light hammer
Dental mirror
Flashlight
Drift pins: 1/8, 3/16 and 1/4 inches
R
etaining-ring pliers (external type, tip
diameter 0.038 inches).
41
Maintenance
Failure to maintain the equipment can result in death, serious injury, property damage or
product failure, and can prevent successful functioning of connected apparatus.
The instructions contained herein should be carefully reviewed, understood and followed.
The maintenance tasks in Table 1 must be performed regularly.
Inspection items and tests
Recommended maintenance and

lubrication
Primary-power path checks
Periodic maintenance and lubrication

should include all the tasks shown in
Table 1.
Cleanliness check
Inspection of primary disconnects
Stored-energy operator-mechanism checks
Recommended procedures for each of the

listed tasks are provided in this section of
the instruction manual.
Maintenance and lubrication

Fastener check
The list of tasks in Table 1 does not

represent an exhaustive survey of
maintenance steps necessary to ensure
safe operation of the equipment.
Manual-spring charging check

Contact-erosion check
Electrical-control checks
Particular applications may require further

procedures. Should further information be
desired or should particular problems arise
not covered sufficiently for the Purchaser's
purposes, the matter should be referred to
Siemens at +1 (800) 347-6659 or
+1 (919) 365-2200 outside the U.S.
Wiring and terminals checks

Secondary-disconnect check
Electrical close and trip check
Vacuum-integrity check
High-potential test
Insulation test
Contact-resistance test
Inspection and cleaning of circuit-breaker insulation
Functional tests
Table 1: Maintenance tasks
42
Maintenance
Removal from switchgear
Checks of the primary power path
Prior to performing any inspection or

maintenance checks or tests, the circuit
breaker must be removed from the
switchgear. The "Installation checks and
initial functional tests" section (refer to
page 8) describes the removal procedure
in detail. The principal steps are repeated
here for information and guidance, but
without the details of the preceding
section.
The primary power path consists of three

vacuum interrupters and three upper- and
three lower-primary disconnects. These
components are checked for cleanliness
and condition. The vacuum interrupters
are also checked for vacuum integrity.
1. T
he first step is to de-energize the
circuit breaker. Figure 36: Trip-control
pushbutton (lower button) illustrates
the location of the trip control on the
circuit-breaker operator panel.
Depressing the trip pushbutton opens
the circuit breaker prior to removal
from the switchgear.
2. T
he second step in the removal
procedure is to de-energize control
power to the circuit breaker. Open the
control-power disconnect device.
3. R
ack the circuit breaker to the
DISCONNECT position.
4. P
erform the spring discharge check.
This is done by first depressing the red
trip pushbutton. Second, depress the
black close pushbutton. Third, depress
the red trip pushbutton again, and
observe the spring condition indicator.
It should read DISCHARGED.
5. R
emove the circuit breaker from the
switchgear. Refer to page 10 of
"Installation checks and initial
functional tests" section of this
instruction manual for special
instructions and precautions regarding
removal of a circuit breaker not at floor
level.
6. T
he circuit breaker can be located
either on the floor or on a pallet. Each
circuit breaker has four wheels and
handles to allow one person to
maneuver the unit on a level surface
without assistance.
Some test engineers prefer to perform the

contact-erosion check during the manualspring charging check of the operator,
since charging of the springs is necessary
to place the contacts in the CLOSED
position.
Also, the vacuum-integrity check is usually
performed in conjunction with the highpotential test.
Figure 36: Trip-control pushbutton

(lower button)
These instructions follow the

recommendation these tests (contacterosion/manual-spring charging check and
vacuum integrity/high-potential tests)
should be combined as described.
Cleanliness check
breaker showing vacuum interrupters and
primary disconnects (outer phase barrier
removed) is a side view of the type 383AH3 vacuum circuit breaker with the
outer-insulating barriers removed to show
the vacuum interrupter and the upper- and
lower-primary disconnects.
All of these components must be cleaned
and free of dirt or any foreign objects. Use
a dry lint-free cloth. For stubborn dirt, use
a clean cloth saturated with isopropyl
alcohol (except on a vacuum interrupter).

circuit breaker showing vacuum
interrupters and primary
disconnects (outer-phase barrier
removed)
For stubborn dirt on a vacuum interrupter,

use a cloth and warm water and a small
amount of mild liquid-household detergent
as a cleaning agent. Dry thoroughly using
a dry lint-free cloth.
43
Maintenance
Inspection of primary disconnects
Maintenance and lubrication
Figure 38: Primary disconnect in mated

position shows the primary-disconnect
contact-fingers engaged. When the
contacts are mated with the switchgear
primary-stud assembly, there is forceful
contact distributed over a wide area. This
maintains low-current flow per individual
contact finger.
Table 2 gives the recommended

maintenance intervals for circuit breakers.
These intervals assume the circuit breaker
is operated under usual service
conditions as discussed in ANSI/IEEE
C37.20.2, section 8.1, and C37.04, section
4, together with C37.010, section 4. The
maintenance and lubrication interval is the
lesser of the number of closing operations
or the time interval since last
maintenance.
Inspect the contact fingers for any

evidence of burning or pitting that would
indicate weakness of the contact-finger
springs.
Figure 38: Primary disconnect in
mated position
Circuit
Number of
breaker type years/closing
operations
(whichever
comes first)
38-3AH3
10 years/
10,000
operations
Table 2: Maintenance and

lubrication schedule
Inspect the primary-disconnect arms for

physical integrity and absence of
mechanical damage.
Inspect the flexible connectors that
connect the bottom movable-contacts of
the vacuum interrupters to the lower
primary-disconnect arms for tightness and
absence of mechanical damage, burning
or pitting.
Using a clean cloth saturated with
isopropyl alcohol, clean old lubricant from
primary disconnects, and apply a very thin
layer of Siemens contact lubricant
(reference 15-172-791-233).
Checks of the stored-energy operator
mechanism
The stored-energy operator checks are
divided into mechanical and electrical
checks for simplicity and better
organization. This first series of checks
determine if the basic mechanism is clean,
lubricated and operates smoothly without
control power. The contact-erosion check
of the vacuum interrupter is also
performed during these tasks.
The vacuum-interrupter operator

mechanism is shown in Figure 39:
Operator mechanism lubrication on page
45, with the front cover and the operatorcontrol panel removed to show
construction details.
Both the tripping spring and the closing
spring are shown. The movable end of the
closing spring is connected to a crank arm.
The movable end of the opening spring is
connected to the jack shaft by a pull rod.
Clean the entire stored-energy operator
mechanism with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Check all components for evidence of
excessive wear.
Place special attention on the closing
spring-crank and the various pushrods and
linkages.
Lubricate all non-electrical moving or
sliding surfaces with a light coat of
synthetic grease or oil.
Lubricants composed of ester oils and
lithium thickeners will generally be
compatible.
F
or all lubrication (except electrical
moving or sliding surfaces), use one of
the following:

lber Isoflex Topas L32

K
(part 3AX11333H)

Klber
Isoflex Topas L32N (spray)
(part 15-172-879-201).
Source:
K
lber Isoflex Topas L32 or L32N:
Klber Lubrication North America L.P.
www.klueber.com
44
Maintenance
Figure 39: Operator mechanism lubrication
Klber L32 or Klber L32N
Typical for all three-phases
45
Maintenance
Primary-disconnect contacts (multifingered clusters) and secondarydisconnect contacts (strips and fingers) are
to be wiped clean, and a film of Siemens
contact lubricant (15-172-791-233)
applied. Avoid getting contact lubricant on
any insulating materials.
Fastener check
Inspect all fasteners for tightness. Both
locknuts and retaining rings are used.
Replace any fasteners that appear to have
been frequently removed and replaced.
Figure 40: Contact-erosion check
mark dot circled in orange (shown
with circuit breaker OPEN)
Manual-spring charging and contacterosion checks

Perform the manual-spring charging check
contained on page 12 in the section
"Installation check and initial functional
tests." The key steps of this procedure are
repeated here.
1. Insert the hand-charging crank into the
manual-charge socket at the front of
the operator control-panel. Turn the
crank clockwise (about 48 revolutions)
to charge the closing spring. Continue
cranking until the CHARGED flag
appears in the window of the springindicator.
2. P
ress the close (black) pushbutton. The
contact-position indicator on the
operator-control panel should indicate
the circuit-breaker contacts are
CLOSED.
3. P
erform the contact-erosion check.
Contact erosion occurs when high-fault
currents are interrupted or when the
vacuum interrupter is nearing the limit
of its contact life. Determination of
acceptable contact condition is
checked by the visibility of the whiteerosion mark (refer to Figure 40:
Contact-erosion check mark dot circled
in orange (shown with circuit breaker
OPEN)). The white-erosion mark is
located in the keyway (or slot) on the
movable stem of the vacuum
interrupter, near the plastic-guide
bushing.
The contact-erosion check procedure is:
A. B
e sure the circuit-breaker primary
contacts are CLOSED.
B. O
bserve the white-erosion mark of
each pole (refer to Figure 36: Tripcontrol pushbutton (lower button)
on page 43). When this mark is
visible, contact wear is within
acceptable limits.
4. P
ress the red trip pushbutton after
completing the contact-erosion check.
Visually verify the DISCHARGED
condition of the closing springs and
the circuit-breaker contacts are OPEN.
5. P
ress the black close pushbutton.
Nothing should happen. The manualspring check should demonstrate
smooth operation of the operating
mechanism.
High-speed moving parts.

Can result in serious injury.
Tripping spring is charged. If trip latch is moved, the storedenergy springs will discharge rapidly.
Stay clear of circuit breaker components subject to sudden, highspeed movement.
46
Maintenance

Electrical-control checks
Primary tasks of this check are:
The electrical controls of the type 38-3AH3

vacuum circuit breaker should be checked
during inspection to verify absence of any
mechanical damage, and proper operation
of the automatic-spring charging and close
and trip circuits.
1. The circuit breaker is energized with

control power for this check.
Unless otherwise noted, all of these tests

are performed without any control power
applied to the circuit breaker.
Wiring and terminals check
1. P
hysically check all of the circuitbreaker wiring for evidence of
abrasion, cuts, burning or mechanical
damage.
2. C
heck all terminals to be certain they
are solidly attached to their respective
device.
Secondary-disconnect check
In addition to checking the terminals of the
secondary disconnect, the secondary
contact fingers need to be free to move
without binding. Depress each finger,
confirm presence of spring force (contact
pressure) and verify freedom-of-motion.
(control power required)
Repeat the automatic spring-charging
check described in "Installation checks and
initial functional tests" (refer to pages
12-13).
2. De-energize the source of control

power.
3. Install the circuit-breaker end of the
split-plug jumper over the secondary
disconnect of the circuit breaker. The
split-plug jumper has one male and
one female connector and cannot be
installed incorrectly (refer to Figure 5:
Split-plug jumper connected to circuit
breaker on page 13).
4. Install the switchgear end of the splitplug jumper over the secondarydisconnect block inside the switchgear
(refer to Figure 6: Split-plug jumper
connected to switchgear on page 13).
5. Energize the control-power source.
6. When control power is connected to
the circuit breaker, the closing springs
should automatically charge. Visually
verify the closing springs are CHARGED.
Note: A temporary source of control power
and test leads may be required if the
control-power source has not been
connected to the switchgear. When control
power is connected to the type 38-3AH3
vacuum circuit breaker, the closing springs
should automatically charge.
47
Maintenance
Figure 41: Typical vacuum interrupter contact curve
Note: Right-hand vertical segment of curve is located at the maximum symmetrical

interrupting current rating of the circuit breaker as shown in Table 11: Circuit breaker
operating times (type 3AH3 operator) on page 63 or Table 12: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum
circuit breaker ratings (new "constant kA" ratings basis) on page 64.
Permissible operating-cycles
100,000
50,000
20,000
10,000
5,000
2,000
1,000
500
200
100
50
15 (21 kA)
18 (31.5 kA)
19 (40 kA)
20
100
50
40
31.5
20
21
25
10
10
Breaking current
symmetrical value
Vacuum interrupters, types VS-30030 and VS-30041
48
Maintenance
Electrical close and trip check
(control power required)
A check of the circuit-breaker control
circuits is performed while the unit is still
connected to the switchgear by the splitplug jumper. This check is made with the
circuit breaker energized by control power
from the switchgear.
1. O
nce the circuit-breaker springs are
CHARGED, move the switchgearmounted close/trip switch to the CLOSE
position. There should be both the
sound of the circuit breaker closing and
indication the circuit-breaker contacts
are CLOSED by the main contact status
indicator.
2. A
s soon as the circuit breaker has
closed, the automatic spring-charging
process is repeated.
3. A
fter a satisfactory close operation is
verified, move the switchgear-mounted
close/trip switch to the TRIP position, or
send a trip command from a protective
relay. Verify by both sound and contact
position that the contacts are OPEN.
Completion of these checks
demonstrates satisfactory operation of
auxiliary switches, internal protective
relays and solenoids.
Spring-charging motor checks
No additional checks of the springcharging motor are necessary.
Vacuum interrupter
The life expectancy of a vacuum
interrupter is a function of the number of
interruptions and magnitude of current
interrupted.
A vacuum interrupter must also be
replaced at 10,000 mechanical operations
or when the contacts have been eroded
beyond allowed limits.
Vacuum interrupter replacement
procedures are detailed in the following
maintenance instructions.
The curve shown in Figure 41: Typical
vacuum interrupter contact curve on page
48 is offered as a guide to life expectancy.
Vacuum-interrupter mechanical check

Refer to Figure 42: Lower pole support
with insulated coupler, Figure 43: Primary
contact CLOSED and insulated coupler
DISCONNECTED and Figure 44: CLOSED
primary contact forced OPEN by manual
pressure on page 49, Figure 45: Contactresistance test of the primary contacts on
page 52 and Figure 46: Vacuum interrupter
replacement illustration on page 56.
Before putting the circuit breaker into
service, or if a vacuum interrupter is
suspected of leaking as a result of
mechanical damage, perform a vacuumintegrity check either mechanically as
described in this section, or alternatively,
electrically using a high-potential test set
as described in the next section.
48.6
48.0
Figure 42: Lower pole support with

insulated coupler
Open and isolate the circuit breaker and

detach the insulated coupler (48.0) from
lever (48.6) (refer to Figure 42: Lower pole
support with insulated coupler).
The atmospheric pressure will force the
moving contact of a hermetically-sealed
interrupter into the CLOSED position,
causing lever (48.6) to move into the
position shown in Figure 43: Primary
contact CLOSED and insulated coupler
DISCONNECTED.
A vacuum interrupter may be assumed to
be intact if it shows the following
characteristics:
48.6
48.0
Figure 43: Primary contact CLOSED and
insulated coupler DISCONNECTED
1. A
n appreciable closing force has to be
overcome when lever (48.6) is moved
to the OPEN position by hand (refer to
Figure 44: CLOSED primary contact
forced OPEN by manual pressure).
2. W
hen the lever is released, it must
automatically return to the CLOSED
position with an audible sound as the
contacts touch.
After vacuum-integrity check, reconnect
the lever (48.6) to the insulated coupler
(48.0).
Figure 44: CLOSED primary contact
forced OPEN by manual pressure
49
Maintenance
High-potential tests employ hazardous voltages.

Will cause death and serious injury.
Follow safe procedures, exclude unnecessary personnel and use
safety barriers. Keep away from the circuit breaker during
application of test voltages. Disconnect the split plug jumper
from between the circuit breaker and switchgear before
conducting high-potential tests.
Vacuum interrupters may emit X-ray radiation.

Can result in serious injury.
Keep personnel more than six feet away from a circuit breaker
under test.
X-rays can be produced when a high-voltage is placed across two
circuit elements in a vacuum.
High-potential tests
High-potential test voltages
The next series of tests (vacuum integrity

and insulation) involve use of high-voltage
test equipment. The circuit breaker under
test should be inside a suitable test barrier
equipped with warning lights.
The voltages for high-potential tests are

shown in Table 3: High-potential test
voltages on page 51.
Vacuum-integrity check (using dielectric

test)
A high-potential test is used to verify the
vacuum integrity of the circuit breaker. The
test is conducted on the circuit breaker
with its primary contacts in the OPEN
position.
50
Note: Do not use dc high-potential testers

incorporating half-wave rectification.
These devices produce high-peak voltages.
High-peak voltages will produce X-ray
radiation. DC testers producing excessive
peak-voltages also show erroneous
readings of leakage current when testing
vacuum circuit breakers.
Maintenance
Table 3: High-potential test voltages
Rated maximumvoltage
Rated powerfrequency withstand
kV (rms)
kV (rms)
kV (rms)
kV dc
38.0
80
60
85
Vacuum-integrity test procedure

1. O
bserve safety precautions listed in the
DANGER and WARNING advisories.
Construct the proper barrier and
warning light system.
2. G
round the frame of the circuit
breaker, and ground each pole not
under test.
3. A
pply test voltage across each pole for
one minute (circuit breaker OPEN).
4. If the pole sustains the test voltage for
that period, its vacuum integrity has
been verified.
Note: This test includes not only the
vacuum interrupter, but also the other
insulation components in parallel with the
vacuum interrupter. These include the
standoff insulators and the insulated drivelinks, as well as the insulating (tension)
struts between the upper and lower
vacuum-interrupter supports. If these
insulation components are contaminated
or defective, the test voltage will not be
sustained. If so, clean or replace the
affected components, and retest.
Field-test voltage
*Megger is a registered
trademark of Megger
Group, Ltd.
Insulation and contact-resistance test

equipment
In addition to the high-potential test
equipment capable of test voltages as
listed in Table 3, the following equipment
is required:
A
C high-potential tester with test
voltage of 1,500 volts, 60 Hz
T
est equipment for contact-resistance
tests.
Insulation and contact-resistance test
procedure
1. O
bserve safety precaution listed in the
DANGER and WARNING advisories for
the vacuum-integrity check tests.
2. C
lose the circuit breaker. Ground the
frame of the circuit breaker, and
ground each pole not under test. Use
manual charging, closing and tripping
procedures.
3. A
pply the proper ac or dc highpotential test voltage as shown in Table
3 between a primary conductor of the
pole and ground for one minute.
As-found insulation and contactresistance tests
4. If no disruptive discharge occurs, the

insulation system is satisfactory.
As-found tests verify the integrity of the

circuit-breaker insulation system. Megger*
or insulation-resistance tests conducted on
equipment prior to installation provide a
basis of future comparison to detect
changes in the protection afforded by the
insulation system. A permanent record of
periodic as-found tests enables the
maintenance organization to determine
when corrective actions are required by
watching for significant deterioration in
insulation resistance, or increases in
contact resistance.
5. A
fter test, ground both ends and the
center metal section of each vacuum
interrupter to dissipate any static
charge.
6. D
isconnect the leads to the springcharging motor.
51
Maintenance
7. C
onnect all points of the secondary
disconnect with a shorting wire.
Connect the shorting wire to the highpotential lead of the high-voltage
tester and ground the circuit-breaker
housing. Starting with zero volts,
gradually increase the test voltage to
1,500 volts rms, 60 Hz. Maintain test
voltage for one minute.
8. If no disruptive discharge occurs, the
secondary-control insulation level is
satisfactory.
Figure 45: Contact-resistance test of

the primary contacts
Continuous
current
rating (A)
Contact
resistance
(micro-ohms)
1,200
35
2,000
30
3,000
30
Table 4: Maximum contact

resistance
9. D
isconnect the shorting wire and reattach the leads to the spring-charging
motor.
10. Perform contact-resistance tests of the
primary contacts (refer to Figure 45:
Contact-resistance test of the primary
contacts). Contact resistance should
not exceed the values listed in Table 4:
Maximum contact resistance.
Inspection and cleaning of circuitbreaker insulation
1. P
erform the spring discharge check on
the circuit breaker after all control
power is removed. The spring
discharge check consists of:
A. D
epressing the red trip pushbutton
B. D
epressing the black close
pushbutton, and
C. D
epressing again the red trip
pushbutton.
ll of these controls are on the circuit
A
breaker front panel. Visually verify the
DISCHARGE condition of the springs.
2. R
emove phase barriers as shown in
Figure 7: Circuit breaker primary
disconnects on page 13.
3. C
lean barriers and post insulators using
a clean cloth dipped in isopropyl
alcohol.
4. R
eplace all barriers. Check all visible
fasteners again for condition and
tightness.
52
Note: Do not use any cleaning compounds

containing chlorinated hydrocarbons such
as trichlorethylene, perchlorethylene or
carbon tetrachloride. These compounds
will damage the phenylene ether
copolymer material used in the barriers
and other insulation on the circuit breaker.
Functional tests
Refer to the "Installation checks and
functional tests" section of this instruction
manual on pages 8 to 13. Functional tests
consist of performing at least three manual
spring-charging checks and three
automatic spring-charging checks. After
these tests are complete, and the springs
fully discharged, all fasteners and
connections are checked again for
tightness and condition before re-installing
the circuit breaker into the metal-clad
switchgear.
Overhaul
High-potential tests employ hazardous voltages.

Read instruction manual. All work must be performed with the
circuit breaker completely de-energized and the springs
discharged. Limit work to qualified personnel.
Introduction
Replacement at overhaul
The following procedures along with the

troubleshooting charts at the end of this
section, provide maintenance personnel
with a guide to identifying and correcting
possible malfunctions of the type 38-3AH3
vacuum circuit breaker.
The following components are replaced

during an overhaul of the circuit breaker,
when required:
Circuit-breaker overhaul
Spring-release coil, 52SRC
Table 5 gives the recommended overhaul

schedule for a type 38-3AH3 vacuum
circuit breaker. These intervals assume that
the circuit breaker is operated under "usual
service conditions" as discussed in ANSI/
IEEE C37.20.2, section 8.1 and ANSI/IEEE
C37.04, section 4, and elaborated in ANSI/
IEEE C37.010, section 4.
When actual operating conditions are
more severe, overhaul periods should
occur more frequently. The counter on the
front panel of the circuit breaker records
the number of operations.
Circuit breaker
type
Number of
closings
38-3AH3
10,000
Table 5: Overhaul schedule
V
acuum interrupters as determined by
vacuum-integrity test, contact erosion
or after 10,000 operations
Shunt-trip coil, 52T

Auxiliary switch
Trip-free drive-bar mechanism.
When these parts are changed, locking
devices must also be removed and
replaced. These include lock washers,
retaining rings, retaining clips, spring pins,
cotter pins, etc.
1. R
eplace vacuum interrupters,
instructions follow (refer to page 49).
2. S
pring-release coil (52SRC) or shunttrip coil (52T).
A. R
emove two "push on" terminal
connections
B. R
emove two M4 hex-head screws
and dismount solenoid.
C. Install replacement solenoids with
two M4 hex-head screws and new
lock washers.
53
Overhaul
D. S
olenoid mounting screws must be
installed using thread locking
adhesive (Loctite #222, Siemens
part 15-133-281-007) and primer
(Loctite primer T, Siemens part 15133-281-005).
E. C
onnect wires to coils with new
"push on" wire terminals (Siemens
part 15-171-600-002).
3. L ubricate operating mechanism in
accordance with instructions that
follow.
4. W
hen work is finished, operate circuit
breaker, close/open several times, and
check that all screw connections are
tight.
It is recommended that vacuum
interrupters be replaced only by a qualified
Siemens representative. The information in
the following sections is provided to aid in
understanding the replacement
procedures.
Replacement vacuum interrupters are
furnished as a complete assembly, and
have been completely tested and
mechanically conditioned.
It is recommended one vacuum interrupter
be removed and replaced completely
rather than removing two or more vacuum
interrupters at a time.
The following procedure describes the
procedure for removing and replacing a
vacuum interrupter. Components may be
identified by referencing Figure 46:
illustration on page 56 and Figure 47:
Illustration showing required technique for
fastening terminal-clamp hardware on
page 57.
Note: Special care needs to be exercised in

removal or installation of hardware around
the bottom, or movable contact end, of
the vacuum interrupter.
The movable contact uses a metal bellows
to maintain the vacuum seal while still
permitting up and down motion of the
contact. This metal bellows is rugged and
reliable, and is designed to withstand years
of vertical movement. However, care
should be exercised to avoid subjecting the
metal bellows to excessive torque during
removal and replacement. Twisting the
metal bellows through careless bolt
removal or tightening may damage the
vacuum interrupter.
1.0 Removing the vacuum interrupter
1.1 B
efore starting work, the circuit
breaker should be isolated from all
primary- and control-power sources
and all stored energy discharged by
tripping, closing and tripping the
circuit breaker by hand. Discharge any
static charge by grounding both ends
and the center metal section of the
vacuum interrupter. Carefully remove
outer-phase and inter-phase barriers.
1.2 L oosen the lateral bolt(s) on terminal
clamp (29.2). Refer to Figure 47:
Illustration showing required
technique for fastening terminalclamp hardware on page 57 and
employ the illustrated procedure to
loosen clamp hardware (6 or 8 mm
hex-key and 13 or 16 mm socket).
1.3 W
ithdraw pin (48.5) from insulating
coupler (48.0) and levers (48.6).
1.4 R
emove coupling pin from the eye
bolt (36.3).
1.5 F
ree struts (28.0) from the upper
pole-support (20.0). Loosen the strut
hardware on the lower support (40.0)
and swing the struts forward and
downward (16 mm open-end wrench
and 16 mm socket).
1.6 L oosen screws that secure the
centering ring (28.1) (10 mm openend wrench).
54
Overhaul
1.7 R
emove bolt (31.2), lock washer and
large washer at stationary contact of
the vacuum interrupter (24 mm
socket with extension). Carefully note
location of the conductive spacer
between vacuum interrupter and pole
support. This spacer has a concave
surface that must be handled with
care to avoid damage.
2.3 Install the conductive spacer between

the fixed (upper) terminal of the
vacuum interrupter (30.0) and the
upper pole-support (20.0), with the
concave side of the spacer facing the
vacuum interrupter. Align vacuum
interrupter and fasten finger-tight
using heavy flat-washer, lock washer
and nut (31.2).
1.8 U
sing a deep 24 mm socket with an
extension, loosen and remove the
hex-cap screw fastening the upper
pole-support to the post insulator.
Completely remove the upper polesupport and set aside.
2.4 F
asten the upper pole-support to the
post insulator using finger pressure
only using hex-head (M16) bolt, lock
washer and flat washer.
1.9 G
rasp the vacuum interrupter (30.0)
and withdraw vertically upward.
Assistance may be required to spread
the clamp and work the terminal
clamp off the movable stem of the
vacuum interrupter. FORCIBLE
TWISTING EFFORT IS NOT ALLOWED.
If the terminal clamp cannot be easily
removed, STOP!, check to be certain
hardware is loose and the clamp is
not binding.
2.0 Installing a vacuum interrupter
Note: Replacement vacuum interrupter
(30.0) will be received from the factory
with an eye bolt (36.3) in place, adjusted
and torqued to specific requirements. DO
NOT ALTER THE ADAPTER (eye-bolt)
SETTING.
2.1 Inspect all silver-plated connection
surfaces for cleanliness. Clean only
with a cloth and solvent. Do not
abrade, as this will damage the silver
plating.
2.2 Insert vacuum interrupter (30.0) in
the lower pole-support (40.0) with
the vacuum-interrupter label facing
away from the mechanism housing.
Slip terminal clamp (29.2) into
position on the movable stem.
2.5 A
ttach struts (28.0) to the upper polesupport (20) and replace hardware
(M10), but do not tighten at this
time.
2.6 C
ouple levers (48.6) and drive link
(48.9) to the eye bolt (36.3), using
the pin supplied. Apply retention
clips. Appropriate pin is modestly
chamfered, not to be confused with
pin for the insulated coupler.
2.7 R
aise terminal clamp (29.2) against
the spacer (29.3) on the movable
terminal of the vacuum interrupter
(36.1) and position the vacuum
interrupter (30.0) so that its groove
faces the connecting surface of
flexible strap (29.1). Refer to Figure
47: Illustration showing required
technique for fastening terminalclamp hardware on page 57 and
employ the technique illustrated to
fasten the terminal clamp. Note
opposing wrenches. Tighten the
bolt(s) of the terminal clamp to a
torque of 40 Nm (30 ft-lb), taking
care to see that the terminal of the
vacuum interrupter is not subjected to
excessive bending movement.
Note: Excessive bending movement
exerted while fastening the terminal clamp
will damage the vacuum interrupter.
2.8 A
lign pole support (20.0) correctly
and tighten bolt fastening it to the
post insulator. Fasten securely all
bolts associated with struts (28.0).
55
Overhaul
Figure 46: Vacuum interrupter replacement illustration
20.0 - Upper pole-support (pole-head)

28.0 - Strut
28.1 - Centering ring
29.1 - Flexible connector
20.0
29.2 - Terminal clamp
31.2
29.3 - Spacer (or shoulder)

31.2 - Upper terminal-bolt
36.1 - Moving terminal
36.3 - Eye bolt (or adapter)
40.0 - Lower pole-support (pole-bottom)
48.5 - Pin
28.0
48.6 - Angled lever

48.9 - Drive link
30.0
36.1
28.1
29.3
29.2
29.1
36.3
40.0
48.6
48.5
48.0
48.9
56
Overhaul
Figure 47: Illustration showing required technique for fastening terminal-clamp hardware
Position of torque wrench to avoid undue stressing of moving contact (36.1)
Vacuum interrupter
Moving contact (36.1)

Holding wrench
Spacer (shoulder) (29.3)
Terminal clamp (29.2)
Torque wrench
Direction of force (P)
57
Overhaul
2.9 T
ighten upper fastening bolt (31.2)
on the upper pole-support (20.0)
holding the vacuum interrupter firmly
by its upper insulator and operate
levers (48.6) by hand to see whether
the movable contact moves freely. If
any binding or lack of freedom is
noted, loosen bolt (31.2) and adjust
the vacuum interrupter in pole
support by turning the vacuum
interrupter and moving it slightly.
Torque M16 bolt to 91-101 ft-lb (123137 Nm).
2.10 The centering ring (28.1) has been
loose and floating during installation
of the vacuum interrupter. Check that
the movable contact is free to move
vertically without binding, and then
tighten the hardware that secures the
centering ring. Re-check that the
movable contact is free to move
vertically without binding.
2.11 Attach insulating coupler (48.0) and
lever (48.6) together, using pin
(48.5). Apply retaining clips. Correct
pin has ends that have been
generously chamfered.
2.12 Open and close circuit breaker several
times and then check to see that all
bolted joints and devices are tight.
3.0 Checking the contact stroke
3.1 Open the circuit breaker.
3.2 F
ree insulating coupler (48.0) by
removing pin (48.5). The vacuum
interrupter contacts must now close
automatically as a consequence of
atmospheric pressure.
3.3 O
bserve the terminal clamp (29.2)
through the openings on each side of
the lower pole support (40.0).
sing vernier calipers measure the
U
distance from the bottom surface of
the terminal clamp to the bottom
edge of the cutout opening. Measure
carefully and record your result.
3.4 C
onnect the insulating coupler (48.0)
using pin (48.5) and the retaining
clips provided.
58
3.5 R
epeat the measurement described in
step 3.3 again with care to maximize
accuracy. Record your result.
3.6 D
etermine difference between the
measurements made under steps 3.3
and 3.5. Your result should be 18 mm
to 22 mm (0.709" to 0.866 ").
3.7 If you fail to achieve the listed results,
carefully repeat the entire procedure
making certain of your
measurements.
3.8 L oosen locking nut on eye bolt on
insulated coupler (48.0), and retain
position of the eye. Make adjustments
in one-half turn increments. After
adjustment is completed, tighten eyebolt locking nut to 26-34 ft-lb
(35 to 45 Nm).
4.0 A
fter eye bolt is tightened to proper
torque, repeat all measurement
procedures, making certain they are in
agreement with values indicated in
step 3.6.
5.0 C
omplete all other maintenance
procedures. Completely reassembled
circuit breaker should pass highpotential test before it is ready for
service.
Hydraulic shock absorber
The type 38-3AH3 mechanism is equipped
with hydraulic shock-absorber and a stop
bar that functions when the circuit breaker
opens (refer to Figure 15: Stored-energy
operating mechanism on page 20). The
shock absorber (61.8) should require no
adjustment. However, at maintenance
checks, the shock absorber should be
examined for evidence of leaking. If
evidence of fluid leakage is found, the
shock absorber must be replaced to
prevent damage to the vacuum-interrupter
bellows.
Maintenance and
troubleshooting
Table 6: Periodic maintenance and lubrication tasks
Sub-assembly
Item
Inspect for
Primary power path
Vacuum interrupter
1. Cleanliness.
2. C
ontact erosion. Note: Perform with
manual-spring checks.
3. V
acuum integrity. Note: Perform with
high-potential tests.
Primary disconnects
1. Burnt or damaged fingers.

2. Lubrication of contact surfaces.
Vacuum interrupter operator mechanism
Vacuum interrupter contact resistance
1. R
ecord contact resistance with contacts
CLOSED and check at each maintenance
interval to monitor condition.
Cleanliness
1. Dirt or foreign material.
Fasteners
1. T
ightness of nuts and other locking
devices.
Manual-spring check
1. S
mooth operation of manual charging,
manual closing and manual tripping.
Lubrication
1. Evidence of excessive wear.
Wiring
1. Mechanical damage or abrasion.
Terminals and connectors
1. T
ightness and absence of mechanical
damage.
Close and trip solenoids, anti-pump relay,

auxiliary switches and secondary
disconnect
1. Automatic charging.
Primary circuit-to-ground and between

primary disconnects
1. 6
0-second withstand 60 kV, 60 Hz
(85 kV dc).
Control circuit-to-ground
1. 60-second withstand 1.5 kV, 60 Hz.
Barrier and all insulating components
1. Cleanliness.
2. Lubricaion of wear points.

Electrical controls
High-potential test
Insulation
2. Close and trip with control power.
2. C
racking, crazing, tracking or other sign
of deterioration.
59
Maintenance and
troubleshooting
Table 7: Troubleshooting
Problem
Symptoms
Possible causes and remedies
Circuit breaker fails to close.
Closing spring will not automatically charge.
1. S
econdary control circuit is de-energized or
control circuit fuses are blown. Check and
energize or replace if necessary.
2. S
econdary disconnect contacts 15 or 16 are
not engaging. Check and replace if required.
3. D
amage to wiring, terminals or connectors.
Check and repair as necessary.
4. F
ailure of charging motor (88.0). Replace if
required.
5. M
otor cut-off switch LS21 or LS22 fails to
operate. Replace if necessary.
6. M
echanical failure of operating mechanism.
Check and contact regional service centers,
the factory or telephone Siemens field
service at +1 (800) 347-6659 or +1 (919)
365-2200 outside the U.S.
Closing springs
charge, but circuit
breaker does not close.
Closing coil or solenoid

(52SRC) fails to
energize. No sound of
circuit breaker closing.
1. S
econdary control circuit de-energized or
control circuit fuses blown. Correct as
indicated.
2. N
o closing signal to secondary disconnect
pin 13. Check for continuity and correct
protective relay logic.
3. S
econdary disconnect contacts 13 or 15 are
not engaging. Check and correct as
required.
4. F
ailure of anti-pump relay (52Y) contacts 21
to 22, 31 to 32 or 13 to 14. Check and
replace as required.
5. F
ailure of close coil (solenoid) (52SRC).
Check and replace as required.
6. A
uxiliary switch NC contacts 41 to 42 are
open when circuit breaker contacts are
open. Check linkage and switch. Replace or
adjust as necessary.
7. S
pring-charged switch LS9 NO contacts
remain open after springs are charged.
Check and replace as required.
Closing coil energizes.

Sound of circuit
breaker closing is heard
but circuit breaker
contacts do not close.
60
1. M
the factory or telephone Siemens field
service at +1 (800) 347-6659 or +1 (919)
365-2200 outside the U.S.
Maintenance and
troubleshooting
Table 7: Troubleshooting (continued)
Problem
Symptoms
Possible causes and remedies
Nuisance or false close
Electrical problem
1. N
uisance or false closing signal to secondary
disconnect 13. Check protective relay logic.
Correct as required.
2. C
losing coil (52SRC) terminal A2 is shortedto-ground. Check to determine if problems
are in wiring or coil. Correct as required.
Circuit breaker will not trip
Mechanical problem
1. M
the factory or telephone Siemens field service
at +1 (800) 347-6659 or +1 (919) 365-2200
outside the U.S.
Tripping coil or solenoid (52T) does not

energize. There is no tripping sound.
1. S
econdary control power is de-energized or
control power fuses are blown. Correct as
indicated.
2. D
amage to wiring, terminals or connectors.
Check and repair as necessary.
3. N
o tripping signal to secondary disconnect
contact 1. Check for continuity and correct
protective relay logic.
4. S
econdary disconnect contacts 1 or 2 are not
engaging. Check and replace if required.
5. F
ailure of trip coil (52T). Check and replace if
necessary.
6. A
uxiliary switch NO contacts 23 to 24 or 33
to 34 are OPEN when circuit breaker is
CLOSED. Check linkage and switch. Replace
or adjust as necessary.
Tripping coil (52T) energizes. No tripping

sound is heard, and circuit breaker contacts
do not open. In other words, they remain
CLOSED.
1. F
ailure of tripping spring or its mechanical
linkage. Check and replace if required.
Tripping coil (52T) energizes. Tripping sound

is heard, but circuit breaker contacts do not
open.
1. M
at +1 (800) 347-6659 or +1 (919) 365-2200
outside the U.S.
2. O
ne or more of the vacuum interrupters are
held CLOSED. Check and replace as
necessary.
Nuisance or false trip
Electrical problem
1. T
ripping signal remains energized on
secondary-disconnect contact.
Mechanical problem
1. M
at +1 (800) 347-6659 or +1 (919) 365-2200
outside the U.S.
2. Check for improper protective relay logic.
61
Appendix
Table 8: Circuit breaker control data
Control voltages,
ANSI/IEEE C37.06
Nominal
Close
coil
Trip
coil
Spring charging motor
Range
Run
(Average)1
Inrush
(Peak)
Charging
Close
Trip
A1
A1
Seconds
48 Vdc
36 - 56
28 - 56
11.4
11.4/303
25
10
125 Vdc
100 - 140
70 - 140
2.1
4.8/7.43
18
10
250 Vdc
200 - 280
140 - 280
2.1
4.2/9.63
10
10
120 Vac
104 - 127
----4
2.0
----2, 4
----4
10
240 Vac
208 - 254
----4
2.0
----2, 4
----4
10
Footnotes:
1.
2.
3.
urrent at nominal voltage

C
apacitor trip
C
Value preceding slash (/) is the current for
the standard trip coil with standard rating
interrupting time. Value following (/) is
current for optional trip coil with three-cycle
interrupting time.
4.
---- means this selection is not available.
Table 9: Interrupting capacity auxiliary switch contacts2
Type switch
Continuous
current
Control circuit voltage
Non-inductive
120 Vac
240 Vac
48 Vdc
125 Vdc
250 Vdc
Circuit breaker
10
10
10/301
9.6
4.8
TOC
15
15
10
0.5
0.5
0.2
MOC
20
15
10
10
10
Circuit breaker
10
10
TOC
15
15
10
0.5
0.5
0.2
MOC
20
15
10
10
10
Inductive
Footnotes:
Two contacts in series
2.
All switch contacts are non-convertible.
1.
62
Appendix
Table 10: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker weight in lbs (kg)1, 2, 3
Continuous current
Circuit breaker type
38-3AH3-31
38-3AH3-40
38-3AH3-1500
1,200
800 (364)
850 (387)
800 (364)
2,000
900 (409)
950 (432)
900 (409)
3,000
1,000 (455)
1,050 (478)
1,000 (455)
Footnotes:
1.
Weight estimates are for circuit breaker only.
Add 125 lbs (57 kg) for packaging.
2.
Weight and dimensions are approximate..
3.
Approximate circuit breaker dimensions in
inches (mm) (W x D x H):
Net 44" (1,117 mm) x 46" (1,168 mm) x 51"
(1,294 mm)
Packed for shipment separate from switchgear:
48" (1,218 mm) x 48" (1,218 mm) x 60"
(1,522 mm).
Table 11: Circuit breaker operating times (type 3AH3 operator)
Spring charging time
10 s
Close time from energizing close coil at rated

control voltage to contact touch (last pole)
Opening time from energization trip coil
at rated control voltage to contact part
(last pole), not including arcing time
38 kV
70 ms
5-cycle interrupting time (83 ms)
38 kV
56 ms
3.5-cycle interrupting time (58 ms)
38 kV
43 ms
3-cycle interrupting time (50 ms)
38 kV
38 ms
63
Appendix
Table 12: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker ratings (new "constant kA" ratings basis)
Measured parameter
General
Rated
values
Rated
voltage
Insulation
levels
Rated
current
Related
required
capabilities
Current
Closing and
latching
(momentary)
Units
Nominal voltage class

Maximum design voltage (V)
Voltage range factor (K)
Withstand
voltage levels
38-3AH3-31
38-3AH3-40
kV
38.0
38.0
kV rms
38.0
38.0
----
1.0
1.0
Power-frequency
kV rms
80
80
Lightning-impulse (BIL)
kV peak
150
150
A rms
1,200, 2,000,
3,000FC
1,200, 2,000,
3,000FC
31.5
40
Continuous
Short-circuit (at rated maximum design voltage)

(I)5, 6
kA rms sym
Interrupting time7
Cycles/ms
5/83
5/83
38.0
38.0
Permissible tripping delay (Y)
Sec
Rated maximum design voltage (V) divided by K =

(V/K)
kA rms
Maximum symmetrical (sym) interrupting (K x I)
kA rms sym
31.5
40
%dc component
47
47
Short-time current (K x I) (three-seconds)
kA rms sym
31.5
40
Asymmetrical (1.55 x I)
kA rms
49
62
Peak (2.6 x I)
kA peak
82
104
These ratings are in accordance with:
Footnotes:
1
" xxxx" in type designation refers to the

continuous current rating 1,200, 2,000 or
3,000 A, as appropriate. The 3,000 A fancooled rating is achieved using fan cooling as
indicated in Footnote 4.
M
aximum design voltage the circuit breaker is
designed for and the upper limit for operation.
K
is listed for informational purposes only. For
circuit breakers rated on a "constant kA basis,"
the voltage range factor is 1.0.
ANSI/IEEE C37.09-1999 Standard Test

Procedure for AC High-Voltage Circuit
Breakers Rated on a Symmetrical
Current Basis
000FC indicates fan cooling is included in the

3
switchgear structure for this rating. 3000 A
rating is not available in outdoor equipment.
A
ll values apply to polyphase and line-to-line
faults.
ANSI/IEEE C37.010-1999 Application

Guide for AC High-Voltage Circuit
Current Basis.
S
tandard duty cycle is O - 0.3s - CO - 3 min. CO.
T
hree-cycle (50 ms) interrupting is optionally
available.
ANSI/IEEE C37.04-1999 Standard Rating

Structure for AC High-Voltage Circuit
Breakers
ANSI/IEEE C37.06-2009 AC HighVoltage Circuit Breakers Rated on a
Symmetrical Current Basis - Preferred
Ratings and Related Required
Capabilities
64
Circuit breaker type1
Appendix
Table 13: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker ratings (historic "constant MVA" ratings basis)
Measured parameter
Units
Circuit breaker type1

38-3AH3-1500
General
Nominal voltage class
kV
38.0
MVA
1500
kV rms
38.0
----
1.65
Power-frequency
kV rms
80
Lightning-impulse (BIL)
kV peak
150
A rms
1,200, 2,000, 3,000FC
kA rms sym
21
Cycles/ms
5/83
Permissible tripping delay (Y)
Sec
Rated maximum design voltage (V) divided by K = (V/K)
kA rms
23.0
Maximum symmetrical (sym) interrupting (K x I)
kA rms sym
35
Short-time current (K x I) (three-seconds)
kA rms sym
35
Asymmetrical (1.55 x I)8
kA rms
56
Peak (2.6 x I)
kA peak
95
Nominal three-phase MVA class

Rated
values
Rated
voltage
Insulation
levels
Rated
current
Maximum design voltage (V)
Current
Voltage range factor (K)3

Withstand
voltage levels
Continuous4
Short-circuit (at rated maximum design voltage) (I)5, 6, 10
Interrupting time
Related
required
capabilities
Closing and
latching
(momentary)
These ratings are in accordance with:

ANSI/IEEE C37.04-1979 Standard Rating
Structure for AC High-Voltage Circuit
Current Basis
ANSI/IEEE C37.010-1979 Application

Guide for AC High-Voltage Circuit
Current Basis.
For operating voltages below 1/K times
xxxx in type designation refers to the

continuous current rating 1,200, 2,000, or
3,000 A, as appropriate. The 3,000A fan-cooled
rating is achieved using fan cooling as
indicated in Footnote 4.
ANSI/IEEE C37.09-1979 Standard Test

Procedure for AC High-Voltage Circuit
Current Basis
Footnotes:
1
ANSI C37.06-1987 AC High-Voltage

Circuit Breakers Rated on a Symmetrical
Current Basis - Preferred Ratings and
Related Required Capabilities
11
maximum design voltage, the required

symmetrical interrupting capability of the
circuit breaker shall be equal to K times rated
short-circuit current.
6
Maximum design voltage the circuit breaker is
C37.04-1979, all values apply to polyphase and

line-to-line faults. For single phase-to-ground
faults, the specific conditions stated in clause
5.10.2.3 of ANSI/IEEE C37.04-1979.
designed for and the upper limit for operation.

3
K is the ratio of the rated maximum design

voltage to the lower limit of the range of
operating voltage in which the required
symmetrical and asymmetrical interrupting
capabilities vary in inverse proportion to the
operating voltage.
To obtain the required symmetrical

interrupting capability of a circuit breaker at an
operating voltage between 1/K times rated
maximum design voltage and rated maximum
design voltage, the following formula shall be
used: Required Symmetrical Interrupting
Capability =Rated Short-Circuit Current (I) x
[(Rated Maximum Design Voltage)/(Operating
voltage)].
Current values in this row are not to be

exceeded even for operating voltage below 1/K
times rated maximum design voltage. For
operating voltages between rated maximum
design voltage and 1/K times rated maximum
design voltage, follow Footnote 5.
3000FC indicates fan cooling is included in the

switchgear structure for this rating. 3000 A
rating is not available in outdoor equipment.
Within the limitations stated in ANSI/IEEE
Current values in this row are independent of

operating voltage up to and including rated
maximum voltage.
"Nominal three-phase MVA class" is included

for reference only. This information is not listed
in ANSI/IEEE C37.06-1987.
10
11
tandard duty cycle is CO - 15s - CO.

S
hree-cycle (50 ms) interrupting is optionally
T
available.
65
Appendix
Table 14: Remarks
66
Appendix
Table 14: Remarks (continued)
67
Published by and copyright 2010:

Siemens AG
Energy Sector
Freyeslebenstrasse 1
91058 Erlangen, Germany
Siemens Energy, Inc.
7000 Siemens Road
Wendell, North Carolina 27591 USA
For more information, contact
+1 (800) 347-6659
Order No. E50001-F710-A238-V1-4A00
Replaces No. E50001-F710-A238-X-4A00
Printed in USA
All rights reserved.
Trademarks mentioned in this document
are the property of Siemens AG, its affiliates,
or their respective owners.
Subject to change without prior notice.
The information in this document contains
general descriptions of the technical options
available, which may not apply in all cases.
The required technical options should therefore
be specified in the contract.
www.usa.siemens.com/energy

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Type 38-3AH3 38 kV

vacuum circuit breaker

Answers for energy.

Hazardous voltages and high speed moving parts.

I s trained in the proper care and use of

Receiving, handling and storage

Installation checks and functional tests

Maintenance and troubleshooting

Hazardous voltage and high-speed moving parts.

Caution (without safety alert symbol) Indicates a potentially hazardous situation

Receiving, handling and

Receiving, handling and

Note: Any determination as to whether the

Receiving, handling and

Manual close button

Figure 1: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum circuit breaker front panel controls

Installation checks and

Spring-discharge check (refer to

Installation checks and

Removal from cell in indoor switchgear

Removal from cell in outdoor non-walkin enclosures or for indoor switchgear

After performing the spring discharge

Removal of the circuit breaker from a nonwalk-in outdoor-switchgear assembly is

1. Insert the racking crank on the racking

Figure 3 shows the two extension rails

Installation checks and

Figure 2: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum

Racking crank engagement procedure

Figure 3: Use of extension rails for

Installation checks and

Note: If the socket is not aligned, the

Installation checks and

Final mechanical inspections without

The automatic spring-charging features of

2. Install the circuit-breaker end of the

Figure 5: Split-plug jumper

Figure 6: Split-plug jumper

Figure 7: Circuit breaker

Closed circuitbreaker interlock

Fixed contact-current connection

Moving contact-current connection

Figure 9: Vacuum interrupter cutaway view

When the two contacts separate, an arc is

The stored-energy operating mechanism

Each of the circuit breaker poles is fixed to

The insulators also connect to the upper

The energy-storing mechanism and all the

30.0 - Vacuum interrupter

20.0 - Pole head

40.0 - Pole bottom

29.0 - Lower connection terminal

60.0 - Operator housing

53.0 - Manual close button

Figure 13: Operating mechanism controls and indicators

The OPEN/CLOSED indicator (58.0),

Refer to Figure 14: Type 38-3AH3 vacuum

29.0 - Lower-connection terminal

34.0 - Bellows (not shown)

35.0 - Guide bushing (not shown)

I s trained in the proper care and use of

1. Insert the racking crank on the racking

2. Install the circuit-breaker end of the

* Items moved from position shown in Figure

** Numbered items moved from position

** Numbered items moved from position

- Auxiliary switch is open when circuit

- Auxiliary switch is closed when circuit

- White indicating light (springcharged).

52SRC - Spring-release coil (close)

- Closing relay (anti-pump)