Aluminum Vertical Break

Disconnect Switch
Type AVB 7.5kV. to 345kV.
1200 to 4000 Amp
Bulletin T2050-1

FEATURES APPLICATION

√ Aluminum current carrying parts The vertical break switch is one of the most versatile
√ Silver-to-silver, high pressure, self wiping switches with a wide variety of applications. The AVB
contacts switch has been widely used in substations for isolating,
by-passing or sectionalizing. It may also be used on lines as
√ Meets or exceeds ANSI requirements
a sectionalizer or as a tap-off switch.
√ High momentary ratings
√ Substantial overload capacity The switch poles may be mounted in any of four ways:
√ Good ice breaking ability horizontal upright, vertical, inverted, semi-inverted,
√ Grey station post insulators except switches above 750kV BIL must be mounted in the
horizontal upright position only. Because the blade travels
√ Weatherproof, corrosion resistant bearings
in a plane at right angles to the base, greater overhead
√ Low operating effort clearances are required than for horizontal break switches.
√ Extra rigid base However, the phase spacing of the AVB switch can be less
√ Can be fitted with arcing horns, arc restrictors or to maintain adequate metal-to-metal spacing.
load break device
√ Easily erected CONTACTS
√ Easily adjusted
Silver-to-silver, high pressure, reverse loop, female
contacts provide maximum dependability under normal
DESCRIPTION and short circuit conditions. The contacts at both the jaw
and hinge ends employ the reverse loop configuration,
The Pursley 2000 AVB is a single, vertical break switch, exploiting the magnetic effect of increasing current to
with three insulator stacks, one of which rotates to operate increase the contact pressure during short circuit
the switch. The travel of the blade is in a plane conditions. Normal contact pressure is maintained by
perpendicular to the plane of the base mounting.
 Aluminum Vertical Break
Disconnect Switch
Type AVB 7.5kV. to 345kV.
1200 to 4000 Amp
Bulletin T2050-2

insulated, stainless steel, compression springs, located Counterbalancing the blade for horizontal mounting or
inside the loop formed by the female contacts. The female vertical mounting can be accomplished simply by changing
contacts are of high conductivity, hard drawn copper and the the point of spring attachment to the frame. The springs are
contact support is a high conductivity, aluminum alloy enclosed in an aluminum housing which completely
casting. 1200 amp and 2000 amp switches employ flexible protects them from the weather. A small drain hole is
braid current transfer at the hinge end while 3000 amp and provided in a protected location at the bottom to allow for
4000 amp switches use reverse loop contact type assembly the drainage of any condensation. The stainless steel
for current transfer at the hinge end. connecting rod inside the springs slides in an oil
impregnated bronze bearing pressed into the end of the
The male contact is a silvered, high conductivity copper spring housing. All pins, nuts and bolts in the operating
bar that is secured to the blade contact seat. The aluminum mechanism are corrosion resistant.
welded construction, tubular blade uses the MIG process to
provide a positive, rugged current transfer. Due to the shape TERMINALPADS
of the contact surfaces, with the blade closed, the contact
pressure remains unchanged with normal variations in Terminal pads have holes spaced in accordance with the
alignment or adjustment. Bothe the male and Female “NEMA” standards. To assure a low resistance current
contacts are easily replaceable. transfer at the terminal pad, the contact faces have been
machined flat. For details see Bulletin T2050-10.
BLADE AND OPERATING
MECHANISM INSULATORS

Rotation of the end insulator stack causes the blade to The Pursley 2000 “AVB” has been designed for station
raise, lower and rotate. The switch mechanism is designed post type insulators. Others can be accommodated on
to provide a high mechanical advantage for closing into, or request.
opening out of, the contacts. The blade velocity, on closing,
is initially high, reducing to a low velocity as it reaches the BEARINGS
insulated stop. The blade contacts enter the jaw edgewise,
then the blade rotates to make contact, thus assuring positive The bearing assembly has two stainless steel ball
entrance of the blade even when the contacts are heavily bearings in a weather sealed aluminum alloy housing. A
iced. This feature, coupled with the high mechanical low temperature Microgel grease is used with a corrosion
advantage, accounts, in part, for the low operating effort of inhibitor.
the AVB switch.
BASES
The rotation of the switch blade is controlled by a
stainless steel spring located inside the blade at the hinge A rigid base is essential to good switch operation. When
end. This spring assures positive rotation into and out of the rigidity is lacking, difficulty can be experienced keeping the
jaws. The hinge pin is stainless steel and rotates inside oil switch properly adjusted. For these reasons, Pursley 2000
impregnated bronze bearings pressed into the switch frame. Inc. switch bases are built with exceptional rigidity.
The bearings for the operating crank is a corrosion resistant,
high strength, thermally stable nylon composition Switch bases are of three types depending on the size of
impregnated with molybdenum disulphide. This produces a the switch. On switches of ratings up to 69kV, switch bases
low friction, permanently lubricated, maintenance free are fabricated by forming 1/4" or 6mm steel plate into a
bearing. Where necessary, the blade is counterbalanced by rigid “top hat” shape. Switches 115kV to 161kV are also
steel compression springs which apply a force to the blade in fabricated by forming 1/4" or 6mm steel plate into a rigid
such a manner that the spring force exerted on the blade box section base with ample cross gussets. Switch bases for
follows a sine curve exactly matching the blade moment. switches rated at 230kV are fabricated from structural steel
channels of 8" or 204mm widths, welded to form a very
strong box channel type base.
 Aluminum Vertical Break
Disconnect Switch
Type AVB 7.5kV. to 345kV.
1200 to 4000 Amp
Bulletin T2050-3

OPERATINGEFFORT.
These features make the Pursley 2000 AVB an
To achieve the lowest possible operating effort in a outstanding performer under iced conditions.
switch, requires close attention to detail in both the design
and manufacture. Pursley 2000 achieves this in the AVB in OPERATINGCONTROLS
the following ways.
Controls are normally arranged to allow positive over-
n Application of contact pressure is through a switch centre toggle, locking in both the open and the closed
mechanism and a control system, both designed to positions. The AVB may be operated either manually or by
give maximum mechanical advantage at the point a motor operator. (Refer to bulletin T2450 of this catalog
of closing and opening. for further information on motor operators).

n Knuckle clevis joint on the switch operating crank. GROUND SWITCH

n Permanently lubricated bushings on moving live
parts. A three pole ground switch may be fitted to either end
of an AVB switch. This switch features high momentary,
n Low friction switch bearing.
high pressure contacts and an aluminum blade. The
n Careful fitting of components during assembly. ground switch can be positively interlocked with the main
AVB switch to prevent inadvertent grounding of the
ICE BREAKING circuit. (See Section T2250 of this catalog for further
information)
The AVB has excellent ice breaking ability. Ice is very
strong when stressed in compression, but is quite weak FIELDADJUSTMENTS
when stressed in either tension or shear. To achieve good
ice breaking ability a switch must be designed so that the ice To the user the cost of a switch includes erection and
will not be stressed in compression. adjustments. Pursley 2000 Inc. has done everything
possible to make this work simple and time saving. Each
The rotation of the blade permits the contacts to enter single pole has easily adjustable bearing stops. All switches
edgewise into heavily iced jaws. Then when the blade rated at 69kV and above have insulator jacking bolts to
rotates, the ice is stressed in tension or shear. Maximum align the insulator stacks. The controls also, have been
mechanical advantage occurs where needed most, i.e. when designed to simplify and speed up the installation process.
breaking into or out of iced jaws. The rounded contours of
the switch parts and generous spacing facilitate clearing of
the fractured ice.

PURSLEY 2000 Inc

A world class Canadian company serving the domestic and international electrical industry. The Pursley 2000 Inc.
Power Apparatus Division offers a full range of utility and industrial products that includes: • AIR and LOAD BREAK
SWITCHES • MOTOR OPERATORS • GROUNDING SWITCHES • HOOKSTICK SWITCHES • POWERFUSES
• IN-LINE SWITCHES AND CUTOUTS • CUSTOM SWITCH DESIGNS FROM 15kV. TO 765kV.

In addition, Pursley 2000 Inc. offers an array of products that also includes: • H.I.D. LIGHTING • CONDUFLOR
DUCT SYSTEMS • WIRE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS and ENCLOSURES.
 Aluminum Vertical Break
Disconnect Switch
Type AVB 7.5kV. to 69kV.
2000 to 4000 Amp
Bulletin T2050-4

Ratings Dimensions & Weights

Single Pole
kV. Amperes Insulator Dim. A Dim. B Dim. C Dim. D
Weight
T.R. No.
Nom. Max. BIL. Cont. MOM(kA) Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Lbs kg.
2000 100 18 457 16.81 427 46.81 1189 317 144
7.5 8.25 95 3000 222 10 254 52.88 1343 467 212
120 23 584 17.38 441
4000 59.19 1503 497 226
2000 100 18 457 18.81 478 48.81 1240 356 162
15 15.5 110 3000 225 12 305 54.88 1394 506 230
120 23 584 19.38 492
4000 61.19 1554 536 243
2000 100 21 533 21.81 554 54.81 1392 393 178
23 25.8 150 3000 227 15 381 57.88 1470 543 247
120 23 584 22.38 568
4000 64.19 1630 573 260
2000 100 27 686 26.81 681 65.81 1672 445 202
34.5 38 200 3000 231 20 508 68.88 1750 592 269
120 29 737 27.38 695
4000 75.19 1910 625 284
2000 100 30.81 783 75.81 1925 496 225
46 48.3 250 3000 267 33 838 24 610 76.88 1952 658 298
120 31.38 797
4000 83.19 2113 688 312
2000 100 39.56 1005 93.81 2383 696 316
69 72.5 350 3000 278 45 1143 30 762 94.88 2410 863 392
120 40.13 1019
4000 101.88 2570 893 405
 Aluminum Vertical Break
Disconnect Switch
Type AVB 115kV. to 161kV.
1200 to 2000 Amp
Bulletin T2050-5

Ratings Dimensions & Weights

Single Pole
kV. Amperes Insulator Dim. A Dim. B Dim. C Dim. D
Weight
T.R. No.
Nom. Max. BIL. Cont. MOM(kA) Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Lbs kg.
1200 70 57.43 1459 124.63 3166 1051 477
115 121 550 286 60 1524 45 1143
2000 100 58 1473 129.63 3292 1126 511
1200 70 66.43 1687 145.63 3700 1178 534
138 142 650 288 72 1529 54 1372
2000 100 67 1702 150.63 3827 1249 567
1200 70 74.43 1890 165.63 4207 1278 580
161 169 750 291 84 2134 62 1575
2000 100 75 1905 170.63 4334 1348 611
 Aluminum Vertical Break
Disconnect Switch
Type AVB 115kV. to 161kV.
3000 to 4000 Amp
Bulletin T2050-6

Ratings Dimensions & Weights

Single Pole
kV. Amperes Insulator Dim. A Dim. B Dim. C Dim. D
Weight
T.R. No.
Nom. Max. BIL. Cont. MOM(kA) Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Lbs kg.
3000 130.38 3312 1161 527
115 121 550 120 286 60 1524 45 1143 58 1473
4000 136.75 3473 1288 584
3000 151.38 3845 1292 586
138 142 650 120 288 72 1529 54 1372 67 1702
4000 157.75 4007 1419 644
3000 171.38 4353 1402 636
161 169 750 120 291 84 2134 62 1575 75 1905
4000 177.75 4515 1545 701
 Aluminum Vertical Break
Disconnect Switch
Type AVB 230kV.
1200 to 2000 Amp
Bulletin T2050-7

Ratings Dimensions & Weights

Single Pole
kV. Amperes Insulator Dim. A Dim. B Dim. C Dim. D
Weight
T.R. No.
Nom. Max. BIL. Cont. MOM(kA) Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Lbs kg.
1200 92.43 2348 197.75 5023 1825 828
900 70 304 96 2438 80 2032
2000 93 2362 204.5 5194 1836 833
230 242
1200 104.43 2653 227.75 5785 2094 950
1050 100 312 114 2896 92 2337
2000 105 2667 234.5 5956 2113 958
 Aluminum Vertical Break
Disconnect Switch
Type AVB 230kV.
3000 to 4000 Amp
Bulletin T2050-8

Ratings Dimensions & Weights

Single Pole
kV. Amperes Insulator Dim. A Dim. B Dim. C Dim. D
Weight
T.R. No.
Nom. Max. BIL. Cont. MOM(kA) Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Lbs kg.
3000 210.5 5347 1890 857
900 120 304 96 2438 80 2032 93 2362
4000 216.75 5505 1975 896
230 242
3000 240.5 6109 2166 982
1050 120 312 114 2896 92 2337 105 2667
4000 246.75 6267 2261 1026
 Aluminum Vertical Break
Disconnect Switch
Type AVB 345kV.
2000 to 4000 Amp
Bulletin T2050-9

Notes:
• Switch comes complete with a
tubular steel support stand
• At 345kV. terminal pad heights
(dim. C) will be supplied to suit
customer's requirements
Ratings Dimensions & Weights
Single Pole
kV. Amperes Insulator Dim. A Dim. B Dim. C Dim. D
Weight
T.R. No.
Nom. Max. BIL. Cont. MOM(kA) Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Inches mm. Lbs kg.
2000 100 417.5 10605 3640 1655
345 362 1300 3000 324 132 3353 106 2692 270 6858 423.5 10757 3730 1695
120
4000 429.75 10916 3820 1736
 Aluminum Vertical Break
Disconnect Switch
Type AVB 7.5kV. to 345kV.
1200 to 4000 Amp
Bulletin T2050-10

Terminal Pad Details