Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, And Ing Instructions 634R S280751

User Manual: 634R

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Reclosers
Service Information

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation,
Operation, and Testing Instructions

S280-75-1

Applicable to Form 3A Controls above Serial Number 50070

Figure 1.
Kyle® Form 3A Type ME Electronic Recloser Control.

911068KMA-F

Contents
Safety Information........................................................ 2
Product Information..................................................... 3
Introduction............................................................... 3
Acceptance and Initial Inspection............................. 3
Handling and Storage............................................... 3
Control Battery Storage and Charging .................... 3
Description of Control............................................... 4
Description of Control Operation .............................. 5
Control Battery ......................................................... 7
Temperature-Regulated Battery Charger................. 9
Programming and Operating the Control ................ 10
To Remove the Control from Service ..................... 10
To Return the Control to Service............................ 10
Number of Operations Selectors ............................ 10
Reclosing Interval Timing Delay Selectors............. 11
Minimum-Trip Resistor Cartridges.......................... 11
Ground- and Phase Trip Timing Plugs ................... 12
Reset Delay Selector.............................................. 12
Reset Timed from First Trip Operation................... 13

August 2002 • Supersedes 5/94
Printed in USA

Operating Switches and Indicators......................... 13
Installation Procedure ............................................... 15
Mounting the Control .............................................. 15
Grounding the Control ............................................ 16
Control Cable ......................................................... 17
Shielding and Surge Protection of Remote Cables 17
Customer Connections Terminal Strip ................... 17
Control/Recloser Interchangeability ....................... 18
Accessories ............................................................ 20
Verification Procedure Prior to Placing
Control and Recloser into Service.......................... 20
Testing Procedures.................................................... 21
Testing with Type MET Tester ............................... 21
Testing an Installed Control.................................... 21
Closing the Recloser .............................................. 22
Soldering-Gun Test ................................................ 24
Testing with Simulated Current .............................. 25
Testing with Low-Voltage Current .......................... 28
Maintenance Information........................................... 31

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

SAFETY FOR LIFE

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

Cooper Power Systems products meet or exceed all applicable industry standards relating to product safety. We actively
promote safe practices in the use and maintenance of our products through our service literature, instructional training
programs, and the continuous efforts of all Cooper Power Systems employees involved in product design, manufacture,
marketing, and service.
We strongly urge that you always follow all locally approved safety procedures and safety instructions when working
around high voltage lines and equipment and support our “Safety For Life” mission.

SAFETY INFORMATION
The instructions in this manual are not intended as a substitute for proper training or adequate experience in the
safe operation of the equipment described. Only competent technicians who are familiar with this equipment
should install, operate, and service it.
A competent technician has these qualifications:

Safety Instructions
Following are general caution and warning statements
that apply to this equipment. Additional statements,
related to specific tasks and procedures, are located
throughout the manual.

• Is thoroughly familiar with these instructions.
• Is trained in industry-accepted high- and low-voltage
safe operating practices and procedures.
• Is trained and authorized to energize, de-energize,
clear, and ground power distribution equipment.

DANGER: Hazardous voltage. Contact with hazardous voltage will cause death or severe personal injury. Follow all locally approved safety
procedures when working around high and low voltage
lines and equipment.
G103.3

• Is trained in the care and use of protective equipment
such as flash clothing, safety glasses, face shield,
hard hat, rubber gloves, hotstick, etc.
Following is important safety information. For safe installation and operation of this equipment, be sure to read
and understand all cautions and warnings.

Hazard Statement Definitions
This manual may contain four types of hazard statements:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Before installing, operating, maintaining, or testing this equipment, carefully read
and understand the contents of this manual. Improper
operation, handling or maintenance can result in death,
severe personal injury, and equipment damage. G101.0

WARNING: This equipment is not intended to
protect human life. Follow all locally approved procedures and safety practices when installing or operating this equipment. Failure to comply can result in death,
severe personal injury and equipment damage.

G102.1

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: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in equipment damage only.

WARNING: Power distribution equipment must
be properly selected for the intended application. It
must be installed and serviced by competent personnel
who have been trained and understand proper safety
procedures. These instructions are written for such personnel and are not a substitute for adequate training and
experience in safety procedures. Failure to properly
select, install, or maintain power distribution equipment
can result in death, severe personal injury, and equipment damage.
G122.2

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Introduction
Service Information S280-75-1 provides installation
instructions, operation information, and testing procedures for the Kyle® Form 3A Type ME electronic recloser
control.
This control is used in conjunction with a Kyle electronically controlled recloser. If used with a Type VWE,
VWVE27, VWVE38, WE, or WVE recloser, refer to Service Information S280-40-2. If used with a VSA12,
VSA16, or VSA20 recloser, refer to Service Information
S280-45-1. If used with a VSO12, VSO16, or VSO20
recloser, refer to Service Information S280-57-1.
The information contained in this manual is organized into
the following major categories: Safety Information, Product Information, Programming and Operating the Control,
Installation Procedure, Testing, and Maintenance Information. Refer to the table of contents for page numbers.
Read and understand the contents of this manual and follow all locally approved procedures and safety practices
before installing or operating this equipment.

Additional Information
These instructions do not claim to cover all details or variations in the equipment, procedures, or process described
nor to provide directions for meeting every possible contingency during installation, operation, or maintenance.
When additional information is desired to satisfy a problem
not covered sufficiently for the user's purpose, please contact your Cooper Power Systems sales engineer.

Acceptance and Initial
Inspection
Each control (Figure 1) is completely assembled, tested,
and inspected at the factory. It is carefully calibrated,
adjusted, and in good condition when accepted by the
carrier for shipment.
Upon receipt, inspect the control thoroughly for damage
and loss of parts incurred during shipment. If damage or
loss is discovered, file a claim with the carrier immediately.

Control Battery Storage and
Charging
The nickel-cadmium control battery is fully charged prior
to shipment and is ready for use. The battery should only
be stored in a fully charged state. Permanent irreversible
damage will result if a battery is stored in a deeply discharged state. The battery should be kept on a maintenance charge of 15 mA until the control is put into service.
After three months of storage, check the open circuit voltage. The battery will require recharging if it is at or below
24 volts at 25˚C (77˚F). Never store batteries at temperatures exceeding 47˚C (117˚F), as permanent damage can
result in one month. Storage at or below room temperature is recommended to prolong storage time and maintain capacity over time.
IMPORTANT: The battery must be disconnected prior
to shipping or storing the control.
IMPORTANT: Connect the control battery when AC
power is connected to the control’s AC supply Input
Terminal Block.
To maintain the battery charge, energize the control’s
built-in charger with AC power applied to the input terminal block. If it is not possible to charge the battery with the
control’s built-in charger, a portable dual rate bench type
charger, catalog no. KA1142ME3, is available. The
charger provides a selectable output of either 15 mA for
maintaining a charged battery or 50 mA for charging a discharged or partially discharged battery. Unless it the battery is known to be fully charged, it should be charged at
50 mA for 48 hours (CHARGE switch position) and then
maintained at 15 mA (MAINTAIN switch position) until the
battery is installed in the control and put into service.

Battery Connections
When the battery is shipped from the factory, the battery
source is disconnected and its output plug is taped to the
cabinet. Connect the battery plug into the mating connector to complete the battery circuit.

Handling and Storage
Take care during handling and storage to minimize the
possibility of damage. If the control is to be stored for any
length of time before installation, provide a clean, dry storage area. If storage is in a humid atmosphere, make provisions to keep the cabinet heater energized.
Note:

To energize the cabinet heater, apply to 120 Vac to Terminals 5 and 6 of the input terminal strip mounted vertically on the back panel of the control cabinet. Refer to
Figure 4.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

Minimum-Trip
Resistors

Ground-Trip Selector

Programs the number of fast
ground-trip operations as
Establish the minimum- defined by the timing plug in
trip current levels for Socket 1; the remaining
ground and each (slower) operations to lockphase; cartridges are out are defined by the plug in
marked in primary ground-trip Socket 2.
amps and clamped in
place.

Lockout Selector
Programs the total number
of operations to lockout.

Phase-Trip
Selector
Programs the number of fast
phase-trip operations as
defined by the timing plug in
Socket 1; the remaining
(slower) operations to lockout are defined by the plug in
Phase-trip Socket 2.

Reclosing Interval
Plugs
Determines the delay interval for each closing operation. The delay value is
determined by the position
of the plug in the socket
adapter. An instantaneous
plug is available for the first
reclose interval only.

Ground-Trip Timing
Plugs

Operation
Counter

Provide a variety of currentintegrated timing curves on
individual plugs for coordinating the ground-trip operation with backup and
downline protective devices.

Records the cumulative
trip operations of the
control.

Sequence Relay
Steps the control through
its operating sequence.

Phase-Trip Timing
Plugs

Ground-Trip
Operation Switch

Provide a variety of currentintegrated timing curves on
individual plugs for coordinating the phase-trip operation with backup and
downline protective devices.

Blocks all ground tripping in the
BLOCK position: Prevents unintentional tripping during single-phase
switching operations.

Reset-Delay Plug
Determines the delay interval before the control
resets after a successful
reclosure during an operation sequence. The delay
value is determined by
position of the plug in the
socket adapter.

Manual Control
Switch
In the TRIP position, it
locks out the control,
advances the sequence
relay to lockout, and disconnects the battery
from the control circuits.
In the CLOSE position, it
moves the sequence
relay to the home position, reconnects the battery, and closes recloser.
If held in the CLOSE
position, it will override
cold-load inrush; however, the control will lock
out for permanent faults.

Battery Test
Terminals
Control Fuse
Protects the closing solenoid
coil (on reclosers that employ
solenoid closing) if closing
voltage is too low. Connected
in series with the closing contactor in the recloser on motoroperated units; connected in
series with the contactor
rotary solenoid on reclosers
that employ solenoid closing.

Non-Reclosing
Switch

Lamp Test Lockout
Switch

Sets the control for one- Enables testing the signal
trip to lockout without dis- lamp and checking for
turbing the lockout setting control lockout.
of the operations selector.

Enable checking battery
voltage, charging rate, and
quiescent battery current
drain.

Lockout-Indicating
Signal Lamp
Provides visual indication
of control lockout.

911068KMA-E

Figure 2.
Front Panel of Form 3A Control.

Description of Control

Control Panel

The Kyle Type ME Form 3A electronic recloser control is
comprised of a number of programmable, solid-state electronic circuits that perform the command functions
involved in automatic recloser operation.

A swing-out front panel contains the programming and
operating elements of the control (Figure 2). The upper,
black portion of the front panel contains the plug-in components and setting knobs for programming automatic
recloser operation. The switches and indicators used for
manual operation and service are grouped on the bottom,
light portion of the panel.

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

Tie Board
The front panel is backed by a printed-circuit tie board
which supports and interfaces the plug-in circuit boards
with other related circuit components (Figure 3). Programaltering, remote-control, indicating, and general convenience accessories can be added to further expand and
enhance the application capabilities of the control.

and reclosing operations. If the fault is temporary, the
control ceases to command recloser operations after the
successful reclosing, and the control resets to the start of
its operating sequence after a preset time delay. If the
fault is permanent, the control performs its complete programmed sequence of recloser commands and locks out
with the recloser open. Once locked-out, the control must
be manually reset to the start of its operating sequence,
which simultaneously closes the recloser.
Factory-calibrated timing plugs establish the time–current
characteristics for both phase and ground tripping. A set
of two individual timing curves provides dual timing for
both phase and ground.
A functional block diagram of the control operation is
shown in Figure 5. Line current conditions are monitored
continuously by three bushing-type current transformers
in the recloser, one on each phase. Output of these transformers is fed to the trip network in the control, which
includes the minimum-trip resistors, isolation transformers, and rectifier circuits.
When current above the selected minimum-trip level is
detected in one or more phases, the following chain of
events will occur for an operating sequence of two fast
and two delayed operations:

Figure 3.
Tie Board on Back of Front Panel Mounts the
Individual Printed Circuit Boards.

911069KMA-F

Phase- and Ground-Trip Protective Feature
The phase- and ground-trip protective feature extends the
maximum fault-current capability of the ME control to the
maximum interrupting rating of the recloser.
The phase- and ground-trip protection feature consists of
four Zener diodes bracket-mounted to the back panel
alongside the tie board (shown in Figure 3).

Back Panel
The control battery, cabinet heater, surge module for
auxiliary power supply, customer connections terminal
strip, and accessory boards are located inside the control
cabinet and on the back panel of the control as shown in
Figure 4.

Description of Control Operation
Line current flowing through the recloser is sensed
by three internally mounted bushing-current transformers
in the recloser, one on each phase. When the phase current or the zero-sequence (ground) current exceeds its
programmed minimum-trip value, the electronic control
initiates the programmed sequence of recloser tripping

The overcurrent signal is integrated with time on the characteristic curve of the timing plug in Socket 1 to produce
the signal which energizes the trip circuit. Energizing the
trip circuit connects the battery to the trip solenoid to trip
open the recloser. Simultaneously, the sequence relay
advances to energize the first reclosing interval-delay
plug. Upon expiration of this reclosing interval delay, a
closing signal from the control closes the recloser, and the
sequence relay sets up the circuitry for the second fast trip
operation.
If current remains above the minimum-trip level, the tripping—reclosing sequence of fast and delayed operations
is repeated, as programmed, to lockout.
If the overcurrent is cleared before the operating
sequence reaches lockout, the reset-delay circuit starts
timing when the recloser closes into the un-faulted line.
When the reset-delay plug times out, the sequence relay
is reset to the start or home position and the control is
ready for another two-fast, two-delayed trips operating
sequence. However, should the fault recur before the
reset plug times out, the control will continue its operating
sequence where it left, and the reset delay timing will be
erased.
Ground-fault sensing and tripping operations occur
exactly the same as phase sensing and tripping, except
that zero-sequence (ground) current is sensed instead of
phase current. The ground-fault circuitry includes its own
minimum-trip resistor, fast and delayed trip timing plugs,
and number of fast operations setting. Reclose and reset
intervals and operations to lockout are common for both
phase-trip and ground-trip modes of operation.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

Charger Ballast-Surge Protection
Circuit Board

Battery Charger
Fuse Block Switch

Customer Connections
Terminal Strip

Control
Battery

120 Vac
Input Terminals
Battery
Plug

Accessory
Mounting
Locations

Control Cable
Receptacle Card
911070KMA-F

Figure 4.
Inside Back Panel of Form 3A Control.

RECLOSER
MECHANISM
PHASE
SENSING
NETWORK

LEVEL
DETECTION
AND
TIMING

TRIP

SEQUENCE
RELAY

BCTs
RESET
GROUND
SENSING
NETWORK

LEVEL
DETECTION
AND
TIMING

Figure 5.
Functional Block Diagram of Form 3A Control.

RECLOSE

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

Control Battery
Power to operate the tripping and reclosing solenoids in
the recloser is provided by a 24 volt, nickel-cadmium battery located in the back, upper right corner of the control
cabinet. A temperature-regulated 120 Vac potential battery charger, built into the control circuitry, provides a temperature compensated charging current to the battery. All
Form 3A controls require a 120 Vac input to the control to energize the battery charger.
If 120 Vac cannot be provided to the control, the recloser
must be equipped with a factory-installed battery charger
accessory.
A. In solenoid-operated reclosers (RVE, RXE, VWE,
VWVE27, VWVE38, WE, and VWE) a BCT accessory
must be added to the recloser to obtain charging
power from the line.
Note: Line current flow through the recloser must be a
minimum of 40 amps for at least 12 hours per day to
provide sufficient charging power.

B. In motor-operated reclosers (CXE, VSA12, VSA16,
VSA20, VSO12,VSO16, and VSML), a potential-type
battery charger accessory must be added to obtain
charging power from the 240 Vac auxiliary power
source of the recloser.

Battery Check Procedures
Follow the check battery procedures to check the battery
voltage, quiescent drain, and charging rate. The values in
the test procedure is based on testing at 25˚ C (77˚ F).
Note: The control does not need to be connected to a recloser
for the battery check tests.

CAUTION: Recloser misoperation. The control
must be removed from service before disconnecting the control battery. Disconnecting the control battery
from an in-service control may cause recloser misoperation (unintentional operation). Failure to comply can
result in equipment damage and personal injury.
T213.4

CAUTION: Equipment damage. Shorting battery
positive to battery negative at the battery test terminals on the control panel will cause damage to the
control. The control will be inoperative and possible
misoperation (unintentional operation of the recloser)
can result.
T214.1

IMPORTANT: Battery voltage and charge current
measurements can be made while the control is in service, from the test terminals provided on the face of the
control panel. The control must be taken out of service
for all other battery maintenance, battery replacement,
or battery drain tests.

Figure 6.
Battery Test Terminals.

86847KMA-D

Check Battery Voltage Procedure
1. Remove the control from service. Refer to the To
Remove Control from Service section in this manual.
2. Disable the control battery charger by opening the
fused switch or removing the AC power from the control. Wait 3 to 5 minutes to allow the battery voltage to
stabilize prior to testing the open circuit battery voltage.
3. Three battery test terminals in the lower right corner of
the front panel are used to check the battery voltage,
quiescent drain, and charging rate (Figure 6). The left
hand pair of terminals (V) are connected directly
across the battery to check battery voltage. The red
terminal (far left) is battery positive (+).
4. The battery in the control will experience a steady
drain of approximately 1.5–2.5 mA (may be as high as
4.5 mA with certain accessories).
5. Measure the battery voltage from the battery test terminals on the control front panel. If battery voltage is
below 24 volts, the battery is either low on charge or
failing. The battery should be removed for recharging
and retested before returning to service.
6. If battery voltage is above 24 volts, perform the following load test. While measuring battery voltage,
connect a 10Ω, 10 watt resistor across the battery test
terminals for approximately 2–3 seconds. For ambient
temperatures above -6˚C (20˚F), battery voltage
should drop by no more than 3 volts from the open circuit voltage.
Note:

Either a KA638ME voltmeter accessory or a KMET
Tester can be used for the load test. Both devices
have a built in 10Ω load resistor.

7. If the temperature is below -6˚C (20˚F), the battery
voltage/temperature should follow the lower curve in
Service Information S280-75-2 Figure 53. If the voltage falls below the lower curve, the battery should be
removed for bench testing.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

Check Battery Quiescent Drain and Charging
Rate Procedure

Table 1
Quiescent Battery Drain Above Normal

The righthand pair of terminals (-I-) are connected in
series with the negative battery lead to check quiescent
drain and charging rate. Proceed as follows:

DRAIN
(mA)

DESCRIPTION

0.8

1. Remove the control from service. Refer to the To
Remove the Control from Service procedure in the
Programming and Operating the Control section of
this manual.

6
1.9

2. Set the control to the home (reset) position by moving
manual operator to CLOSE.

2.3
0.8

3-second reset plug
10-second reset plug
Sequence coordination accessory
(when control is in home position)
Remote minimum-trip doubler
(supervisory contacts closed)
Targets

3. Plug a dc milliammeter into the current test terminals.
Loosen both terminals slightly and disconnect the
shorting link from between terminals.

TEMPERATUREREGULATED
CHARGER

40
30
20
10

-40

-20

100

INTERNAL CONTROL TEMPERATURE (°F)

Figure 7.
Comparison of Charging Rates.

120

0
140

CHARGING RATE (MA)

4. With the battery charger de-energized, current will
flow opposite to the direction shown by CHG. Under
normal conditions, quiescent drain will be 1-1⁄2 to 2 mA.
However, the shorter time reset plugs and certain
accessories can, as shown in Table 1, increase the
quiescent drain above nominal value.
Note:

5. With the battery charger energized, current will flow in
the direction shown by CHG. The charging circuit
used in the control is temperature regulated. The
charging rate will vary depending on the internal control temperature, see Figure 7.
6. Replace and tighten the shorting link between the current terminals before removing the ammeter.
Note:

To verify the charge/discharge polarity of the test
meter, momentarily actuate the LAMP TEST/LOCKOUT TEST toggle switch to LAMP TEST. The discharge current is measured.

Bypass diodes in the battery circuit prevent the control
from being disabled if the link is inadvertently left
open.

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

IMPORTANT
Beginning with control serial number 53381, the key
slot position of the battery charging board socket has
been changed. The key slot on the temperature-regulated charging board (MEA1172, 120/240 Vac) has
been moved to match the socket arrangement. The
new charging board can be identified by the revision 6
or above marking adjacent to the part number. A blue
label affixed to the accessory list location guide label,
inside the control door, identifies the new temperatureregulated battery charging board.
KEY SLOT C

OLD STYLE MEA 1172 REV. 5 AND BELOW

Temperature-Regulated Battery
Charger
All Form 3A Type ME controls, serial number 50070 and
above, are equipped with a temperature-regulated battery
charger as standard equipment.

Description
The temperature-regulated battery charger provides protection against battery drain and premature battery failure
at high ambient temperatures. As the temperature
increases, the self discharge rate of the control battery
increases. The temperature-regulated battery charger
compensates for this self-discharge by providing higher
charging rates at higher temperatures.

Operation

MEA 1172
BATT. CHARGER

REV.
5
MEA 1172
BATT. CHARGER

NEW STYLE MEA 1172 REV. 6 AND ABOVE

MEA 1172
BATT. CHARGER

KEY SLOT H

REV.
5
MEA 1172
BATT. CHARGER

Note:

REV.
5

The temperature-regulated battery charger consists of a
charger ballast-surge protection card and a plug-in battery
charger circuit board. It provides an increased charging
rate proportional to the temperature inside the control cabinet (see Figure 7).

REV.
5

Controls equipped with CT or potential charger in the
recloser are unaffected by this change. They will
continue to use the MEA 388-1 charging board, with
the key in the original position.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

PROGRAMMING AND OPERATING THE CONTROL
The Form 3A control is preset at the factory for an automatic sequence of operations as specified on the order
and should not be disturbed by unauthorized personnel.
Changes in the control operating parameters should be
made only by a qualified technician or engineer. The control must be removed from service prior to making any
changes to programmed settings.
CAUTION: Equipment misoperation. Do not connect this control to an energized recloser until all
control settings have been properly programmed and
verified. Refer to the programming information for this
control. Failure to comply can result in control and
recloser misoperation, equipment damage, and personal injury.
G110.3

CAUTION: Equipment damage. Never operate
the control without a full set of proper circuit boards
and time-current curve plugs in the no. 2 trip-timing
sockets for both phase and ground. Failure to comply
will result in misoperation of the control and recloser.

T215.1

The plug-in components and selector switches for programming the control are located on the black, upper portion of the control panel.

To Remove the Control
from Service
Prior to changing plug-in components, performing control
maintainence, making programming changes, or replacing the battery on an in-service control, the following
steps must be taken to prevent possible recloser misoperation.
1. Switch Ground Trip Block switch to BLOCK.
2. Disconnect control cable from control.

To Return the Control to Service
After required work is completed, return the control to service with the following steps:
1. Check that all plug-ins are properly installed and control settings are correct.
2. Connect control battery.
3. Close the battery charger fuse block switch to energize the potential battery charger.
4. Move Manual Control switch to CLOSE, to ensure that
control is reset to the home position.
5. Reconnect the control cable to the control.
6. Switch Ground Trip Block switch to NORMAL.
IMPORTANT: Battery voltage and charge current
measurements can be made while the control is in service from the test terminals provided on the face of the
control panel. The control must be taken out of service
for all other battery maintenance, battery replacement,
or battery drain tests.

Number of Operations Selectors
The three selector knobs in the upper left corner of the
panel (Figure 8) establish the operating sequence of the
control. From one to four total operations to lockout can
be selected on the center LOCKOUT knob. GROUND
TRIP SOCKET 1 selector knob to the left establishes the
number of ground trip operations (0 to 4) according to the
time–current characteristic curve of the timing plug in
GROUND TRIP SOCKET 1 . The balance of the groundtrip operations to lockout are then performed according to
the characteristic curve of the timing plug in GROUND
TRIP TIMING SOCKET 2 .
PHASE TRIP SOCKET 1 selector knob to the right performs the same function for phase-trip sequence selection.

3. De-energize potential battery charger, by opening the
battery charger fuse block switch (shown in Figure 4).
4. Operate the Manual Control switch to OPEN.
5. Unplug the control battery.

911068KMA-A
Figure 8.
Ground-Trip, Lockout, and Phase-Trip Operation
Selectors.

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

Reclosing Interval Timing Delay
Selectors
Depending upon the number of operations to lockout,
one, two, or three reclosing intervals (each individually
timed) can be programmed. The reclosing intervals are
established by the solid-state timing plugs in the upper
right corner of the panel (Figure 9). Times of 1, 2, 5, 7, 10,
15, 30, and 45 seconds are available on a multiple-setting
plug (Figure 9). The small white arrow at the top of the
plug indicates the value selected. Selection is determined
by the position of the plug in the socket adapter (Figure
10). INST (instantaneous) and 60 second, single-value
plugs are also available. Single value plugs do not use the
socket adapter.

S280-75-1
RVE, RXE, VWE, VWVE27, VWVE38, WE,
WVE reclosers .................................................... .67 sec.
VSA12, VSA16, VSA20, reclosers ...................... .50 sec.
The INST reclosing interval plug must not be used with
the Type VSO recloser. No reclosing interval shorter
than 1⁄2 second should be programmed into the Type ME
control when it is used with the Type VSO recloser. A 1⁄2
second reclose plug is available (ordered by KA1177ME1). If an instantaneous (INST) plug is used for the first
reclosing interval, it will result in a 12 cycle reclosing time,
which may be too short to permit arc deionization at the
fault location.

Minimum-Trip Resistor
Cartridges
The recloser minimum-trip current ratings are established
with the plug-in resistor cartridges in the center of the control panel. The cartridges, labeled with their minimum-tripcurrent values, are identified for GROUND TRIP (one
required), or PHASE TRIP (three required). All three
phase-trip cartridges should have the same current rating.

86837KMA-B
Figure 9.
Reclosing Interval Plugs with Multiple Delay Settings.

All Kyle electronic reclosers, except VSA20, VS020, and
discontinued Types ME and VSMT, use a yellow label
minimum-trip resistor cartridge. Blue label cartridges are
used with 2000:1 sensing CTs in the higher current rated
VSA20 and VS020 reclosers and are not interchangeable
with yellow label resistors.

The INST reclosing interval plug may be used only in the
first reclosing interval socket. The instantaneous reclosing interval time will vary depending upon the recloser on
which the control is used; the approximate values are:
CXE recloser ....................................................... .67 sec.
ME recloser ......................................................... .63 sec.

82288KMA-F
Figure 10.
Time is Determined by Position of Plug in Socket
Adapter.

911068KMA-D
Figure 11.
Ground-and Phase-Trip Time-Current Curve Plugs.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

Yellow label minimum-trip resistor cartridges are available
in the following minimum-trip-current ratings:
Ground: 25, 35, 50, 70, 100, 120, 140, 170, 200, 240,
280, 340, 400, 480, and 560 amps;
Phase: 100, 120, 140, 170, 200, 240, 280, 300, 340,
400, 480, 560, 600, 800, 960, and 1120 amps.
Blue label cartridges are available in the following minimum-trip-current ratings:
Ground: 100, 140, 200, 240, 280, 340, 400, 480, 680,
800, 960, and 1120 amps;
Phase: 200, 240, 280, 340, 400, 480, 560, 600, 680,
800, 960, 1120, 1200, 1360, 1600, 1920,and 2240
amps.

Ground- and Phase-Trip Timing
Plugs
Time-current curves for both phase and ground tripping
are established by the four plugs along the right edge of
the control panel (Figure 11). Individual plugs for 20
phase-trip timing curves and 16 ground-trip timing curves
are available. (See Reference Data TCC Index R280-91
for time-current curves).
CAUTION: Recloser misoperation. Ground- and
Phase-trip timing plugs are not interchangeable.
They must only be installed in the corresponding sockets. Failure to comply will cause misoperation of the
control.
T217.1

911069KMA-B
Figure 13.
Control Operation can be changed from “reset-timedfrom-successful-reclose” (standard) to “reset-timedfrom-first-trip-operation.”

When dual-timing operation is programmed, the timing
characteristic curve in Socket 1 always precedes the
curve in Socket 2. When single-timing operation is programmed, the timing plug is installed in Socket 2 and the
number of fast operations selector knob is set on zero.

CAUTION: Recloser misoperation. Socket 2
must always be provided with a timing plug; otherwise phase tripping is blocked and ground tripping may
be instantaneous.
T218.1

Reset Delay Selector
For temporary faults that are cleared before lockout
occurs, reset timing starts after a successful reclosure
(current is below minimum trip). The reset time is established by a timing plug similar to, but not interchangeable
with, the reclosing interval plug. The reset delay plug (Figure 12) is located on the lower right hand portion of the
control panel. Times of 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and
180 seconds are available on a multiple setting plug and
are determined by the position of the plug in the socket
adapter (Figure 10). A 20 second, single-value plug is
also available.
Note:

Figure 12.
Reset Delay Selector.

86847KMA-B

The selected reset delay time must be longer than the
longest reclosing interval of any load- or source-side protective device with which the recloser is to coordinate.

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

9110068KMA-CD

Figure 14.
Lower Portion of Front Panel of Control.

Reset Timed from First
Trip Operation
The Form 3A control can be converted to reset-timedfrom-first-trip operation, if so desired, by removing a
jumper on the tie board and moving a lead from the pushon tab labeled RECLOSE to an adjacent tab labeled
HOME (Figure 13). However, under this reset mode, the
time selected must exceed the longest possible tripping
and reclosing sequence that can be experienced. Minimum-fault currents (which provide the longest tripping
times) must be considered.

Operating Switches and
Indicators
The switches and indicators for manual operation and
service are grouped on the lower, light colored portion of
the control panel (Figure 14).

Manual Control Switch
Located in the center of the lower panel, the manual control switch enables manual closing and tripping of the
recloser. Moving the switch to TRIP opens the recloser,
locks out the control, and disconnects the battery from the
control circuits. Moving the switch to CLOSE reconnects
the battery, resets the control to home, and closes the
recloser.

Ground-Trip Operation Switch
The ground-trip operation of the control is disabled when
this switch is set to BLOCK. Blocking ground-trip operations is useful during known periods of three-phase load
unbalance and while performing single-phase testing or
switching.

Non-Reclosing/Normal Reclosing
Switch
WARNING: This equipment is not intended to
protect human life. Follow all locally approved procedures and safety practices when installing or operating this equipment. Failure to comply can result in death,
severe personal injury and equipment damage.

G102.1

To meet specific local safety requirements during startup
or service restoration, the control can be set to block
reclosing after an automatic trip (one-shot-to-lockoutoperation) by setting the operating mode switch to NONRECLOSING. Returning this switch to NORMAL
RECLOSING after a successful reclose will ready the
control for its full programmed operating sequence.

A cold-load pickup feature is built into this switch. Holding
the switch in CLOSE will disconnect the no. 1 timing plug
for both phase and ground trip and set the control to operate on the slower no. 2 plugs. While the switch is held in
this position, the control is still free to trip and lock out if
closed into a fault. However, all operations to lockout will
occur on the no. 2 trip-timing plugs.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

Lockout Indicator
Verification of control lockout consists of an indicator lamp
and a momentary double-throw toggle switch. In the
LOCKOUT TEST position, the lamp will light if the control
is locked out; the LAMP TEST position verifies the condition of the lamp.
IMPORTANT: The lockout indicator will only accurately reflect the state of the control. It does not monitor
the recloser mechanism and may not accurately reflect
the position of the recloser contacts.
Proper verification of the recloser status must include
examination of both the control lockout indicator and a
visual check of the position of the mechanical contact
position indicator on the recloser.

Battery Terminals
These terminals provide a means for checking the condition of the battery. Refer to the Battery Check Procedures in the Control Battery section in this manual.

Closing Coil Control Fuse
On solenoid-operated reclosers, the fuse will open the
closing circuit to protect the potential closing coil in the
recloser if closing cannot be accomplished due to low
closing voltage. On motor-operated reclosers, the fuse is
connected in series with the closing circuit contactor in the
recloser.

A Buss Type MDQ-3/8 amp, 250 volt fuse, manufactured
by Bussman Manufacturing is used and a box of five
spare fuses is supplied with each control. Fuses of similar
ratings by other manufacturers have slightly different
characteristics and should not be used for replacement.
IMPORTANT: Use only Buss Type MDQ-3/8 amp
fuses. Until 1988, all Form 3A and most earlier controls
were supplied with Buss Type MDL-3/8 amp fuses.
Buss has redesigned and changed the characteristics
of that fuse and it is no longer suitable for use on any
Form 3 or Form 3A control. Failure to use proper closing coil control fuse will result in unnecessary fuse operation and prevent the recloser from closing.
Note:

In 1988, Buss redesigned the MDL-2.5 amp fuse that is
used on controls shipped with reclosers having "quickclose" mechanisms such as Type VSO reclosers. The
characteristics of the new single element MDL-2.5 fuse
do not affect the application in the control. Buss will also
continue to manufacture the original dual element version of the fuse under the new designation of MDQ-2.5.
The MDQ-2.5 amp fuse will be supplied with controls for
this application. Both the MDL-2.5 amp fuse and the
MDQ-2.5 amp fuse are acceptable for this application.

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
This control is used in conjunction with a Kyle electronically controlled recloser. Installation instructions for the
recloser are packed with the recloser. Refer to the appropriate recloser installation manual when installing the control and recloser.

Limits on control cable length determine the maximum
distance between the control and recloser: up to 125 feet
for solenoid-operated reclosers RVE, RXE, VWVE27,
VWVE38, WE, WVE; up to 35 feet for motor-operated
reclosers CXE, VSA12, VSA16, VSA20, and VSML.

Mounting the Control

Outline, mounting, and knockout dimensions are shown in
Figure 15 for the standard control cabinet and Figure 16
for the double-size control cabinet.

The Form 3A Type ME electronic recloser control can be
mounted at any convenient, accessible location near, or
remote from, the recloser.
1. For pole-mounted installations, this is normally near
the base of the pole.

MTG HOLES FOR
5
8" MAX BOLT DIA

2. For substation installations, brackets are available as
a mounting frame accessory for mounting the control
to the substation frame.

16"

12 316"

MTG HOLES FOR
5
8" MAX BOLT DIA
11 2 "

5
8 " DIAMETER
HOLE PROVIDED
FOR CUSTOMER
LOCK

22 532"

37 "

39 132"

1316"
11"
13 1 2"

NO. 14 TO NO. 4
STRANDED

MALE RECEPTACLE
FOR CONTROL CABLE

NO. 14 TO NO. 4
STRANDED

MALE RECEPTACLE
FOR CONTROL CABLE

VENT
70 LBS.

12 316"

2 "

4 " 212 "

1
2

3 34 "

CONTROL WEIGHT

11"
13 1 2"

212 " 4 "
2 " 4
1
2

3 34 "
VENT

4-ELECTRICAL
KNOCKOUTS
( 1516" DIA)

Figure 15.
Standard Cabinet Mounting Dimensions.

VENT

34 34 "

GROUNDING
TERMINAL
LUG

1316"

5
8 " DIAMETER
HOLE PROVIDED
FOR CUSTOMER
LOCK

4-ELECTRICAL
KNOCKOUTS
( 1516" DIA)

12 316"

16"
8"

20 18 "

12 "

17 78 "

3
16

11 2 "

VENT

Figure 16.
Double-size Cabinet Mounting Dimensions.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

Grounding the Control

The installation must meet the following requirements:
1. The recloser and transformer are protected with lightning arresters.

The control cabinet must be grounded. A grounding connector on the underside of the cabinet will accommodate
no. 14 solid through no. 4 stranded conductors. (Figures
15 and 16). Be sure to follow all locally approved grounding procedures when installing the control. Suggested
methods for grounding the control are shown in Figures
17 and 18.

2. The transformer tank is grounded.
3. The recloser head is grounded.
4. Secondary cables must be shielded or Triplex cables.
Note:

If the control is mounted on a recloser frame which
itself is grounded, a separate lead from the cabinet
to earth ground is not required but may be added.

SUPPLY
VOLTAGE
ME CONTROL

TRANSFORMER

TO NEUTRAL
OR GROUND TIE
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
LIGHTNING
ARRESTER
TRANSFORMER
LIGHTNING
ARRESTER

RECLOSER
HEAD
GROUND

LIGHTNING
ARRESTER
TRANSFORMER
LIGHTNING
ARRESTER

ARRESTER
GROUND
SECONDARY
NEUTRAL

SUPPLY
VOLTAGE

ARRESTER
GROUND

COMMON
GROUND
TIE POINT

RECLOSER

* GROUND TIE
(#4 CONDUCTOR
OR LARGER)

COMMON
GROUND
TIE POINT

RECLOSER

** NEUTRAL WIRE
POLE
POLE

POLE
GROUND

FORM 3A
CONTROL

SUPPLY
VOLTAGE

FORM 3A
CONTROL

POLE
GROUND

POLE
CONTROL
GROUND

*3 WIRE UNIGROUNDED SYSTEM
** 4 WIRE SYSTEM

Figure 17.
Recommended Grounding Method for Form 3A
Control with Local Supply Voltage Transformer.

Figure 18.
Recommended Grounding Method for Form 3A
Control with Remote Supply Voltage Transformer.

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

REMOTE
CABINET

FORM 3A CONTROL

SHIELD

REMOTE
CONTACT

MOV's

Figure 19.
Shielding and Surge Protection of Remote Cables.

Control Cable
A 7 ft. cable is furnished as standard with the controlrecloser package. This length is sufficient for most substation mounting frame installations. For other
installations, cable lengths as specified on the order are
provided.
The cable is fabricated with connectors which mate with
the female receptacle of the recloser on one end and the
male receptacle of the control on the other.
Note:

The control cable must be supported along its length to
prevent repeated movement due to wind or other outside forces which can damage the cable.

Shielding and Surge Protection
of Remote Cables
All remote operation and control monitor leads should be
protected within shielded cables. This is particularly
important if the remote cables are routed near other
cables or devices that emit strong magnetic fields. The
cable shield must be grounded at the Form 3A control
only, see Figure 19.
Note:

In order to protect a remote device(s) from high-voltage
surges, all remote operation and monitor leads must be
protected with metal oxide varistors (MOV's), see Figure 19.
Use Harris V320LA40B varistors, (320 Vac, 160 J), or
equivalent.

Customer Connections Terminal
Strip
WARNING: Hazardous Voltage. The ac supply
common lead must be connected to the terminal
labeled COMMON AC GND. If supply connections are
reversed, the control cabinet will be at ac supply potential. Improper connection of the control supply could
result in contact with high voltage, which will cause
death or severe personal injury.
T219.2

All Form 3A controls require 120 Vac auxiliary power to
operate the battery charger and energize the control cabinet heater; both are standard features of the control.
Auxiliary power connections and connections for remote
operation of certain accessories are made on a 14 point
terminal strip mounted vertically on the back panel of the
control. Figure 20 shows two partial detail views of the terminal strip to indicate the customary connection terminals
for the various accessories. However, deviations may
occur to accomodate certain combinations of accessories. All terminals for required connections are clearly
marked.
The minus side of the 24 Vdc control circuit is grounded to
the cabinet at the input cable receptacle card in the bottom of the cabinet by a white jumper lead connected
between tabs GND and BATT-. When an external dc
power source accessory is used instead of the battery,
remove the jumper to make sure there is no interaction
between station ground and earth ground.
Note:

A 27 ohm resistor on the receptacle card, in series with
the grounding jumper lead, will limit the short-circuit current to nondestructive levels in case of momentary accidental grounding of the plus side of the circuit. A
sustained short will cause the resistor to overheat and
eventually burn out. This condition, however, will not
affect control operation.

N.O.
CONTACT

REMOTE CLOSE
KA316ME

N.O. or N.C.
CONTACT

REMOTE TRIP
DOUBLER-KA1002ME

120 VAC
COMMON
AC GND
N.O.
CONTACT

AUXILIARY POWER
INPUT
REMOTE TRIP
KA1004ME or
REMOTE LOCKOUT
KA639ME

9 10 11

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

AUX SW IN
RECLOSER
b

120 VAC
SIGNAL
COMMON
AC GND

REMOTE BLOCK OF
RECLOSE ACCY
KA333ME

CONTACT POSITION
INDICATING LAMPS
KA617ME

Figure 20.
Typical Accessory Locations on Customer Connections Terminal Strip.

Control / Recloser
Interchangeability
Since a temperature-regulated, 120 Vac, potential-type
battery charger is a standard feature of the Form 3A electronic control, the battery charger is not included as a
standard feature of the companion electronically controlled reclosers. It is, however, available as a factory
installed accessory for these reclosers. Care must be
exercised when interchanging "new-style" controls (Form
3A) and "old style" controls (Form 3) with "new style"
reclosers (without battery recharger) and "old style"
reclosers (with battery charger as standard) to make sure
that each combination has an operational battery charger.
The Form 3A control, or the Form 3 control equipped with
a battery charger accessory, is compatible with all oldand new-style reclosers provided 120 Vac power is available at the control.
If 120 Vac is not available at the control, the Form 3A control can be made compatible with any old-style recloser by
changing the connections on the input receptacle card as
shown in Figure 21 to connect the battery charger in the
recloser to the control.

911071KMA-F
Figure 21.
To use Charger in Recloser, Jumpers on Control
Cable Receptacle Card must be changed.

If 120 Vac is not available at the control, the new-style
recloser must be equipped with its battery charger accessory to be compatible with the Form 3A control. The combination of a Form 3 control, without the battery charger
accessory, and a new-style recloser does not have an
operational battery charger. To make this combination
compatible, either the control or the recloser must be
equipped with its battery charger accessory (depending
on whether 120 Vac is or is not available at the control).
Tables 2 and 3 summarize the various recloser/control
combinations.

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

Table 2
120 Vac Available At Control
Control

Form 3A
(Above Serial
No. 26000)
Form 3
With Battery
Charger Accessory (Below Serial
No. 26000)
Form 3
Without Battery
Charger Accessory (Below Serial
No. 26000)

Recloser

Compatible?

New Style
(No Battery Charger)

Yes

Old Style
(Battery Charger Std)

Yes

New Style
(No Battery Charger)

Yes

Old Style
(Battery Charger Std)

Yes

New Style
(No Battery Charger)

Old Style
(Battery Charger Std)

Yes

Remarks

Add battery charger accessory to control.

Table 3
120 Vac Not Available At Control
Control

All
Form 3A

Form 3
With Battery
Charger Accessory (Below Serial
No. 26000)
Form 3
Without Battery
Charger Accessory (Below Serial
No. 26000)

Recloser

Compatible?

Remarks

New Style
(No Battery Charger)

Use recloser equipped with battery charger accessory; reconnect
input receptacle card in control for recloser charging.

Old Style
(Battery Charger Std)

Reconnect input receptacle card in control for recloser charging.

New Style
(No Battery Charger)

Use recloser equipped with battery charger accessory; disconnect
battery charger accessory in control; reconnect control for recloser
charging.

Old Style
(Battery Charger Std)

New Style
(No Battery Charger)

Old Style
(Battery Charger Std)

Yes

For identification, Table 4 lists the serial number breaks
between old-style and new-style reclosers. Below this
serial number, the recloser is equipped with a battery
charger as standard; above this serial number, there is no
battery charger in the recloser.

Disconnect battery charger accessory in control; reconnect control
for recloser charging.
Use recloser equipped with battery charger accessory.

New-style reclosers without battery chargers are identified
with the following instruction label prominently displayed
on the sleet hood or the front of the operator cabinet:

NO BATTERY CHARGER

Table 4
Serial Number Break for New Style Reclosers Without
Battery Chargers

IN THIS RECLOSER.
USE WITH FORM 3A
OR CONTROL CONTAINING
POTENTIAL BATTERY CHARGER.

Recloser

Serial No.

Recloser

CXE
ME
MLE
MVE
RVE
RXE
VSA
VSO

1100
650
470
375
2500
900
2925
100

VSAT
VSML
VSMT
VSR
VWE
VWVE
WE
WVE

Serial No.
300
325
150
350
2100
1500
6800
1200

If a new-style recloser is equipped with a battery charger,
the following label is used:

THIS RECLOSER
EQUIPPED WITH
BATTERY CHARGER
19

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

Accessories
A number of accessories are available to further extend
the operating flexibility of the Form 3A electronic control
and broaden its application capabilities. The Accessory
List Location Guide label attached to the inside of the cabinet door (Figure 22) lists the accessories included in the
control, shows their approximate physical location, and
identifies each accessory with a number corresponding to
the index number on the label.

2. Recloser installed according to all locally approved
utility practices.
3. Control and recloser properly grounded in accordance
with guidelines in this manual.
4. 120 Vac connected to control.
5. Control battery connected and tested for proper operation.
6. All control plug-in components properly installed and
programming verified by appropriate personnel.
7. Customer connections for remote and supervisory
operation checked and completed in accordance with
shielding and surge protection instructions in this
manual.
8. Control cable properly connected and supported.
Table 5
Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Accessory
Manuals
Accessory
Catalog No.

Accessory
Description

Service
Information
Number

KA333ME

Reclose-Blocking

S280-75-36

KA418ME7

Sequence Coordination

S280-75-37

KA531ME

Fuse Elimination

S280-75-44

KA542ME

Thermostatically Controlled
Heater

S280-75-39

KA1002ME

Minimum-Trip Doubler

S280-75-21

KA1036ME

Instantaneous Lockout

S280-75-33

Table 5 lists Form 3A control accessories, catalog numbers and Service Information bulletin numbers.

KA1037ME

Instantaneous Trip

S280-75-25

KA1119ME

Capacitor Backup Trip

S280-75-48

IMPORTANT: Although it may be desirable under
certain conditions to operate control accessories in parallel from a single remote contact, this is generally not
possible. Cooper Power Systems does not advise interconnection between controls because of possible control interaction.

KA1137ME

Target Annunciator

S280-75-41

KA1163ME

Minimum Response Time

S280-75-42

KA2003ME

Remote Close with Cold Load
Pickup

S280-75-49

Remote Non-Reclose and
Ground Trip Block
Maintained Contact

S280-75-52

KA2039ME

Recloser Status

S280-75-51

KA2047ME

Remote Battery Test and
Voltage Monitor

S280-75-57

KA2070ME

Remote Close with Cold-Load
Pickup, Remote Lockout, and
Recloser Status

S280-75-55

Remote Non-Reclose and
Ground Trip Block
Momentary Contact

S280-75-53

911072KMA-F
Figure 22.
Accessory Location Guide Label Mounted inside
Cabinet Door Identifies and Locates all Control
Accessories.

Separate Service Information bulletins provide the installation, operating, testing, troubleshooting instructions for
the accessories furnished with each control.

CAUTION: Equipment damage. Each remote
operation accessory installed in the control requires
two wires for operation. For example, if both remote
close and remote lockout are installed, they require four
wires. Using three wires will cause misoperation and/or
control damage.
T220.0

Verification Procedure Prior to
Placing Control and Recloser
into Service
Prior to placing the control and its recloser into service,
make sure that all the following installation procedures
have been properly completed and verified.
1. Control properly mounted for the installation.

KA2035ME2

KA2071ME

KA2072ME

Remote Battery Test and
Voltage Monitor Analog Output S280-75-56

KA2075ME

Closing Coil Control Fuse

S280-75-62

KA2272ME

Analog Current Metering

S280-75-63

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

TESTING PROCEDURES
Testing with Type MET Tester
The Kyle Type MET Electronic Recloser Control Tester
(Figure 23) has been designed specifically for testing
Form 3A controls. The MET Tester is completely self-contained, includes all necessary metering and interconnecting cables, and is capable of performing all required
checks and tests from a simple verification of operation to
a complete verification of operation of all operating
parameters. Operating instructions for the Type MET
Tester are contained in Service Information S280-76-1.

• To verify minimum trip, timing, and operating
sequence, an equivalent test current which simulates
the output of the sensing CTs can be introduced
directly into the control. Refer to the Testing with
Simulated Current section of this manual.
• To verify the control settings and check the sensing
CTs, a variable, low-voltage test current simulating
fault conditions can be passed through one phase of
the recloser. Refer to the Testing with Low-Voltage Current section of this manual.

Testing an Installed Control
A recloser control can be taken out of service for testing
and placed back in service without deenergizing its
recloser and interrupting the system. However, during the
time the control is out of service, system fault protection
is lost.
CAUTION: Recloser misoperation. The control
must be removed from service prior to performing
any maintenance, testing or programming changes.
Failure to comply can result in misoperation (unintentional operation) of the recloser.
T216.2

To Remove Control from Service

86841KMA-F
Figure 23.
Kyle Type MET Electronic Recloser Control Tester.

Prior to testing, changing plug-in components, performing
control maintenance, making program changes, or battery replacement on an in-service control, the following
steps must be taken to prevent possible recloser misoperation.
1. Switch Ground Trip Block switch to BLOCK.
2. Disconnect control cable from control.

If an MET Tester is not available, the following test procedures, ranging in complexity from a simple check of
coordinated control-recloser operation to a verification of
the various control settings, may be performed:
• For a simple check of coordinated control-recloser
operation, the output of a soldering gun (with the tip
removed) connected across a minimum-trip resistor
will provide a signal of sufficient strength to simulate a
fault current and operate the control. Refer to the Soldering-Gun Test section in this manual.

3. De-energize potential battery charger, by opening the
battery charger fuse block switch (shown in Figure 4.)
4. Operate the Manual Control switch to OPEN.
5. Unplug the control battery.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

To Return the Control to Service

Closing the Recloser

After required work is completed, return the control to service with the following steps:

Electrical Closing - RVE, RXE, VWE,
VWVE27, VWVE38, WE, and WVE
Reclosers

1. Check that all plug-ins are properly installed and control settings are correct.

For automatic operation, line voltage is required to operate the closing solenoid of RVE, RXE, VWE, VWVE27,
VWVE38, WE, and WVE reclosers (except for reclosers
equipped with the low voltage closing accessory).

2. Connect control battery.
3. Close the battery charger fuse block switch to energize the potential battery charger.
4. Move Manual Control switch to CLOSE, to ensure that
control is reset to the home position.

WARNING: Hazardous voltage. Interconnect
source leads X and Y and ground solidly to the
recloser tank. Do not connect lead Z to any other phase
or mechanical ground. Dangerous voltages to ground
exist on the phase connected to lead Z. Solidly ground
all equipment. Failure to comply can result in severe
personal injury and/or equipment damage.
T224.1

5. Reconnect control cable to control.
6. Switch Ground Trip Block switch to NORMAL.

For on-line testing, bypass the recloser, open the loadside disconnects, but keep the source-side disconnects
closed. This will remove the recloser from service, but will
keep line voltage supplied to the closing solenoid. See
Figure 24.

BYPASS SWITCHES
CLOSED

SOURCE SIDE DISCONNECT
(SWITCHES CLOSED)

LOAD

5
SOURCE
CLOSING
COIL

SOURCE

2
LOAD SIDE
DISCONNECT
(SWITCHES)
OPEN

Figure 24.
Closing-Source Side Switches of a Bypassed, On-line Recloser will Provide Closing Solenoid Power for Automatic Operation During Testing.

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

VOLTAGE RATING OF
RECLOSER CLOSING
SOLENOID COIL

CLOSING
SOLENOID
CONTACTOR

SENSING C-T's (3)

Z
5

TO
240 OR
480 VAC
SOURCE

MAIN
CONTACTS (S)
ROTARY
SOLENOID
T3

Y
3

4
EF

TRIP
SOLENOID

CLOSING
SOLENOID
COIL
A B
X
2

TO
240 VAC
SOURCE

T2
VARIABLE
AUTOTRANSFORMER
240 VAC
20 AMPS

CONTROL
CABLE RECEPTACLE

TO
AMMETER AND RELAY TO
ELECTRONIC OPERATE CYCLE COUNTER
CONTROL
OR OTHER TIMING DEVICE
120 VAC

Figure 25.
Suggested Test Circuit for Solenoid Closing Reclosers.

WARNING: Hazardous voltage. The switchgear
and high-voltage transformer must be in a test
cage or similar protective device to prevent accidental
contact with the high-voltage parts. Solidly ground all
equipment. Failure to comply can result in death, severe
personal injury, and equipment damage.
T221.3

For shop testing, the closing solenoid voltage can be
supplied by back-feeding a transformer with a low-side
rating equal to the voltage rating of an available power
source and a high-side rating equal to the voltage rating
of the recloser. This procedure is not to be used on
reclosers equipped with the low-voltage closing accessory, see Figure 25. Make sure the solenoid coil operating
voltage is maintained at the recloser bushings during the
two-to-three cycle interval the closing coil is energized. In
general, a 75 kVA transformer of the proper voltage rating
with an impedance drop of about 3% will be satisfactory.
The source impedance must also be reasonably low. The

closing coil requirement is approximately 200 kVA during
the two-to-three cycle closing operation.

Electrical Closing - CXE, VSA, VSO,
and VSML Reclosers
CXE, ME, VSA, VSO, and VSML reclosers utilize a motoroperated closing mechanism which is energized from a
230 Vac power source; no high-voltage is required.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

Manual Closing - Solenoid-Operated
Reclosers
If high-voltage for operating the closing solenoid of RVE,
RXE, VWE, VWVE27, VWVE38, WE, and WVE reclosers
is not available, manual closing can be substituted for
electrical closing; however, not all control settings can be
checked since manual closing is not synchronized with
the closing coil control circuit in the control.
IMPORTANT: If manual closing is not performed
within the reclosing interval of the control, the closing
coil control fuse will blow. To prevent this from occuring,
remove the fuse during manual closing procedures.
To manually close the recloser:
WARNING: Explosion Hazard. Excessive Contact Arcing. Do not use the manual closing tool to
close an oil-insulated energized recloser. Closing an
energized oil-insulated recloser with a manual closing
tool can cause excessive contact arcing, rapid build-up
of gas within the equipment, and possible explosion that
can cause death, severe personal injury, and equipment damage.
T203.2

1. Remove the closing tool port cover and gasket from
the side of the recloser head casting.
CAUTION: Equipment damage. Do not turn the
manual closing tool more than one-quarter turn
clockwise. Forcing the tool beyond the mechanism stop
may shear the pin on the closing shaft of the recloser.T222.0

2. Insert the KA90R T-handled tool (available as an
accessory) into the port, engaging the pin on the closing shaft. (Figure 26).
3. Close the recloser by placing the yellow operating
handle (under the sleet hood) into the up or CLOSED
position and turning the closing tool one-quarter turn
clockwise.

82284KMA-F
Figure 26.
Using a KA90R Manual Closing Tool to Operate the
Recloser.

4. After each trip operation, about 1⁄2 second will elapse
while the closing solenoid plunger is moving upward to
reset the main toggle latch.
5. After the main toggle latch resets, the recloser can be
closed again by operating the manual closing tool.
6. Replace the gasket and port cover on the recloser
head after testing has been completed.
7. Reinstall the control closing coil fuse.

Soldering-Gun Test
The output of a soldering gun (Weller Model 550 or equivalent) will produce a signal of sufficient strength to simulate a fault and check recloser-control operation. To
solder-gun test a control:
1. Set the Non-Reclose/Normal Reclose switch on the
control to NORMAL reclosing and the Ground Trip
Block switch to NORMAL.
2. Move the manual control switch on the control panel to
TRIP, to open the recloser contacts.
3. Remove the tip from the posts of the soldering gun by
loosening the hexagonal locking nuts.
4. Connect a short clip lead to each post and connect the
soldering gun across the Phase A minimum trip resistor as shown in Figure 27.
5. Move the manual control switch on the control panel to
CLOSE. The recloser should close.
6. Energize the soldering gun by depressing and holding
the trigger until the recloser trips.
7. Immediately release the trigger to prevent instantanious trips on succeeding reclosings.
8. When the recloser recloses, again energize the soldering gun and repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the control
locks out. Count the number of fast and delayed trip
operations and compare the count with the control settings. Verify lockout with the switch on the operator
panel.
9. Repeat on Phases B and C and Ground if desired.

82290KMA-F
Figure 27.
The Output of a Soldering Gun can be used for a
Quick-Check of Control-Recloser Operation.

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

Testing with Simulated Current

Note:

The Form 3A electronic recloser control continuously
monitors line current conditions with three wye-connected 1000:1 ratio current transformers mounted internally on the source-side bushings of the recloser. These
CTs are connected directly to three wye-connected
phase minimum-trip resistors on the control panel. A
fourth resistor (ground trip) is connected in the CT neutral
to monitor zero-sequence current flow.

High voltage is required to operate the closing solenoid
of Type RVE, RXE, VWE, VWVE27, VWVE38, WE, and
WVE reclosers, unless they are equipped with the low
voltage closing accessory. A 240 Vac power source is
required to operate the motor of CXE, VSA, VSO, and
VSML Reclosers. Various closing schemes are discribed in the Closing the Recloser section.

WARNING: Hazardous voltage. Solidly ground all
equipment. Failure to comply can result in death,
severe personal injury, and equipment damage.
T223.2

The current through any one of the minimum-trip resistors
is 1/1000 of the line current. Therefore, if 1/1000 of the
line current is applied directly to the resistor, the control
will operate as if line current was flowing through the CT
primary and one milliamp of test current will be equivalent
to one amp of line current.

Test Procedure
Coordinated Operation of Control and
Recloser

Note: The above applies to all but the VSA20, VSO20 and the
discontinued Type ME and VSMT reclosers. These
higher continuous-current-rated reclosers use 2000:1
ratio sensing CTs and special blue label minimum-trip
resistors. For Type VSA20 AND VSO20 reclosers, one
milliamp of test current is equivalent to two amps of line
current. When testing controls equipped with blue label
trip resistors, double the milliamp reading to obtain the
equivalent line current.

1. Make certain that closing power is available at the
recloser.
A. On solenoid-operated reclosers, move the yellow
manual operating handle (located under the sleet
hood) to the up position.
B. On motor-operated reclosers, move the TRIPRESET lever or rod (located in the recloser operator cabinet) to RESET.

Test Equipment

2. Set the operating mode switch on the control to NORMAL reclosing and the ground trip switch to NORMAL.

A test circuit to produce a variable output in equivalent
amps is shown in Figure 28. This circuit will provide a
fairly complete test of the control and recloser. All parts
are standard and can be purchased through any electronics supply outlet.

3. Move the manual control switch on the control panel
to CLOSE. The recloser should close.
4. Move the manual control switch on the control panel
to TRIP. The recloser should open.

FAULT SWITCH
(MOMENTARY)

120V
PRIMARY

120 VAC

VARIABLE
AUOTRANSFORMER
0 -120 VAC -1 AMP

10 Ω

FILAMENT
TRANSFORMER
12 VAC SEC.
1 AMP
12V SEC

25 Ω
200 Ω

DIGITAL
AC
AMMETER

ALLIGATOR
CLIPS
FUSE
1A

SELECT FIXED RESISTOR WHICH
GIVES APPROXIMATELY FULL
SCALE READING ON THE DIGITAL
AMMETER WITH VARIABLE AUTOTRANSFORMER SET AT MAXIMUM
RESISTOR IS USED FOR CURRENT
LIMITING; VALUE NOT CRITICAL.

Figure 28.
Simulated Current Test Circuit.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

Minimum-Trip Current
The minimum-trip current test should be performed on a
fast time–current curve operation. The test will produce
misleading results if the control is operating on a delayed
TCC curve.
Note: If the control is equipped with the KA418ME7 sequence
coordination accessory, refer to Service Information
S280-75-37 for additional information.

To test minimum-trip current:
1. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE to close the
recloser.
2. Connect the output of the test circuit across the Phase
A minimum trip resistor.
3. While holding fault switch S1 on the tester closed,
slowly raise the test current from zero and note the
meter reading when the recloser trips. This reading in
milliamps should correspond to the trip resistor value
in amps. For example, a 280 amp resistor should trip
at 280 mA.

9. Close S1 and, at the same time, start a stopwatch.
10. When the recloser trips, stop the watch and release
S1. Compare the time to the time at 150% of minimum
trip on the published time–current curve for the timing
plug being checked. For example, a B plug will clear in
about 2.8 seconds at 150% minimum trip.
11. Repeat Steps 9 and 10 to lockout.
12. Repeat Steps 3 through 11 for the GROUND TRIP
TIMING Plug 2 .

Reclosing Time
To check reclosing time (the open interval of the recloser
between trips):
1. Move the switch to CLOSE to close the recloser.
2. With the tester output connected across any one of
the minimum-trip resistors and adjusted to produce an
eqivalent test current of at least 150% of the minimum
trip rating, close Fault Switch S1.

4. Release S1 before the recloser automatically recloses
to prevent instantaneous trips on succeeding reclosings.

3. When the recloser trips, release S1 and start timing
the interval the recloser is open, stopping when the
recloser recloses. The time should correspond to the
first RECLOSING INTERVAL DELAY plug setting.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the Phase B, Phase C,
and Ground trip resistors.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to check the timing of the second and third RECLOSING INTERVAL DELAY plugs.
5. Replace the RESET PLUG on the control panel.

Trip Time
The trip times of the fast timing plugs (Sockets 1 and 1 ),
are ordinarily too fast to check with a stopwatch with any
accuracy. However, the delayed timing plugs (Sockets
2 ) can be checked. To check the delayed timing plugs:
1. Move the manual control switch to TRIP to open the
recloser.
2 Remove the RESET DELAY plug from the control
panel.
3. Connect the output of the test circuit across the Phase
A minimum trip resistor.
4. While holding Fault switch S1 closed, adjust the output to produce an equivalent test current of at least
150% of minimum trip. For example, a 420 mA test
current for a 280 amp resistor.
5. Release S1 and move the manual control switch to
CLOSE to close the recloser.
6. Close S1; the recloser should trip in a very short time.
7. Release S1 immediately and allow the recloser to
close automatically.
8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 for all fast operations to
advance control operation to the delayed time-current
curve.
Note:

The number of fast operations is determined
by the setting of GROUND TRIP SOCKET 1
and PHASE TRIP SOCKET 1 switches in
the upper left corner of the panel.

Reset Time – Timed from Successful
Reclosure
Reset timed from a successful reclosure is standard on
the Type ME Form 3A control. To check the reset time:
1. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE to close the
recloser.
2. With the tester output connnected across any one of
the minimum-trip resistors and adjusted to produce an
equvalent test current of at least 150% of the minimun-trip rating, close Fault Switch S1.
3. When the recloser trips, release S1 and wait for the
recloser to reclose automatically.
4. Start timing when the recloser closes and stop when
the control resets automatically as indicated by an
audible clicking as the sequence relay returns to home
position.
5. The elapsed time should correspond to the setting of
the RESET DELAY plug.

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

SENSING CTs (3) ON BUSHINGS
1, 3 AND 5 AS SHOWN FOR VSA,
VSML, AND CXE RECLOSERS.

Reset Time-Timed From First Trip
Operation
The Form 3A control can be converted to reset-timedfrom-first-trip operation as described in the Reset Delay
Selector section.

To check the timing of this reset mode:

6
J

1. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE to close the
recloser.
2. With the tester output connected across any one of
the minimum-trip resistors and adjusted to produce an
equivalent test current of at least 150% of the minimum-trip rating of the resistor, close Fault Switch S1.

4
H

3. When the recloser trips, release S1 and start timing.
X

4. Continue timing after the recloser automatically
recloses until the control resets automatically as indicated by an audible clicking as the sequence relay
returns to its home position.

1
G

K
CLOSING
CONTACTOR
240 VAC

5. The elapsed time should correspond to the setting of
the RESET DELAY plug.

B
E

Operation of the Non-Reclosing
Switch
The non-reclosing switch provides one-trip-to-lockout
capability without disturbing the normal operating
sequence of the control. To check its operation:

VARIABLE
AUTOTRANSFORMER
240 VAC-20 A

2. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE to close the
recloser.

4. The recloser should trip once and not reclose. The
control should indicate lockout position when the
LOCKOUT TEST switch is operated.

240 VAC

1. Move the non-reclosing switch to NON-RECLOSING.

3. With the tester output connected across any one of
the minimum-trip resistors and adjusted to produce an
equivalent test current of at least 150% of the minimum-trip rating of the resistor, close Fault Switch S1.

ELECTRONIC
CONTROL

TO AMMETER
AND RELAY
TO OPERATE
CYCLE
COUNTER OR
OTHER TIMING
DEVICE

120 VAC

Figure 29.
Suggested Test Circuit for Motor Operated Reclosers.

115V
AC

VARIABLE
AUTOTRANSFORMER
(10 AMP)
600:5
RECLOSER
BCT ON 600:5 TAP

2 CLAMP-ON
AMMETER
THIS TEST CIRCUIT CAN
APPLY OVER 800 AMPS
TO THE RECLOSER
NOTE: USE AT
LEAST 2/0 CABLE
BETWEEN BUSHINGS

Figure 30.
Alternate Method of Producing Variable Line Current
(Substitute for T2 and W-X Circuit in Figures 25 and
29).

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

Testing with Low-Voltage
Current

4. Set the Non-Reclosing/Normal Reclosing switch on
the control panel to NORMAL RECLOSING and the
Ground Trip switch to BLOCK.

The Form 3A recloser control-with its recloser-can be
tested with a variable low-voltage current passing through
one phase to simulate fault conditions.

5. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE. The
recloser should close, indicating correct operation of
the control and recloser.

Test Equipment RVE, RXE, VWE,
VWVE27, VWVE38, WE, AND WVE
Reclosers

6. Move the manual control switch to TRIP. The recloser
should open, verifying the electrical operation of the
trip solenoid and the mechanical operation of the trip
mechanism.

WARNING: Hazardous voltage. The switchgear
and high voltage transformer must be in a test
cage or similar protective device to prevent accidental
contact with the high voltage parts. Solidly ground all
equipment. Failure to comply can result in death, severe
personal injury, and equipment damage.
T221.3

A test circuit for these solenoid-closed reclosers is shown
in Figure 25. The following equipment is required for the
recommended test setup:
Note:

Solenoid-closed reclosers equipped with a 120- or 240Vac low-voltage closing coil accessory can be tested as
shown in Figure 29.

• Variable Autotransformer T1, 230 volts, 20 amps.
• Low-Voltage transformer T2 to simulate fault conditions.
Ratio and size will depend upon the maximum current
to be used. The recloser presents a low impedance to
the transformer, so secondary voltage must be only
high enough to force the required current through the
secondary of the transformer and the recloser.
Note:

An alternative method of providing the necessary
current through the transformer is shown in Figure
30.

• High-Voltage T3 to operate the closing solenoid. Refer
to the Closing the Recloser section for high voltage
transformer requirements.
• Ammeter with a rating based on the level of test current.
• Current-actuated timer or stopwatch.

Test Procedure
Test Current Applied to Phase A

Test Procedure
Test Current Applied to Phase B and C
WARNING: Hazardous voltage. Dangerous voltages to ground exist on the phase connected to
lead Z. De-energize high-voltage. Remove test leads Y
and Z and solidly ground recloser tank prior to applying
test current to phase B and C. Do not apply high-voltage
to recloser while applying test current to phase B and C;
transfer of high-voltage to low-voltage test circuitry will
result. Failure to comply can result in death, severe perT305
sonal injury, and/or equipment damage.

1. De-energize the high-voltage closing source and
close the recloser manually before testing phase B
and C. Refer to the Manual Closing procedure in the
Closing the Recloser section of this manual.
2. Verify that closing power is available at the recloser.
3. Move the yellow manual operating handle, located
under the sleet hood, to the UP position.
4. Set the Non-Reclosing/Normal Reclosing switch on
the control panel to NORMAL RECLOSING and the
Ground Trip switch to BLOCK.
5. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE. The
recloser should close, indicating correct operation of
the control and recloser.
6. Move the manual control switch to TRIP. The recloser
should open, verifying the electrical operation of the
trip solenoid and the mechanical operation of the trip
mechanism.

Test Equipment CXE, VSA, VSO, and
VSML Reclosers

WARNING: Hazardous voltage. Interconnect
Source Leads X and Y and ground solidly to the
recloser tank. Do not connect Lead Z to any other phase
or mechanical ground. Dangerous voltages to ground
exist on the phase connected to Lead Z. Solidly ground
all equipment. Failure to comply can result in severe personal injury and/or equipment damage.
T224.1

A test circuit for these motor-operated reclosers is shown
in Figure 29. Since these reclosers require only a 240 Vac
source for closing, High-Voltage Transformer T3 and its
associated protective cage is eliminated, but all other
equipment is the same as the test equipment shown in
Figure 25.

1. Assemble and connect the equipment as shown in
Figure 25, which shows the test current being applied
to Phase A, the phase nearest the sleet hood.

Coordinated Operation of Control and Recloser

2. Verify that closing power is available at the recloser.

3. Move the yellow manual operating handle, located
under the sleet hood, to the UP position.

Test Procedure
1. Assemble and connect the equipment as shown in
Figure 29.
3. Move the TRIP-RESET lever or rod, located in the
recloser operator cabinet, to RESET.

S280-75-1

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

4. Set the Non-Reclosing/Normal Reclosing switch on
the control panel to NORMAL RECLOSING and the
Ground Trip switch to BLOCK.
5. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE. The
recloser should close, indicating correct operation of
the control and recloser.
6. Move the manual control switch to TRIP. The recloser
should open, verifying the electrical operation of the
trip solenoid and the mechanical operation of the trip
mechanism.

Minimum-Trip Current
The minimum-trip test should be performed on a fast
time–current curve. The test will produce misleading
results if the control is operating on a delayed time–
current curve.
Note:

If the control is equipped with the KA418ME7 sequence
coordination accessory, refer to Service Information
S280-75-37 for additional information.

To test the minimum-trip current:
1. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE to close
the recloser.
2. With the test circuit connected to Phase A, energize
T1, slowly raise the test current from zero, and note
the meter reading when the recloser trips. This reading should correspond to the minimum current rating
of the Phase A trip resistor.
3. After the recloser trips, turn T1 back to zero and move
the manual control switch to TRIP to lockout the
recloser.
4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for Phase B and Phase C
trip resistors.
5. To check the minimum ground-trip resistor, place the
ground-trip switch to NORMAL and repeat Steps 1
through 3.

Trip Time
If an electrically operated timer is used, both the fast and
delayed time–current curves can be checked; however,
the trip times of the fast timing plugs (sockets 1 and 1 )
are ordinarily too fast to check with a stop watch with any
reasonable accuracy. To check the trip times:
1. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE to close
the recloser.
2. With the ground-trip switch set on BLOCK, connect a
short clip lead across the minimum-trip resistor of the
phase being tested to prevent tripping of the recloser
while the test current is being adjusted.
3. Energize T1 and adjust the current for 150% of minimum-trip rating.
4. Without disturbing the setting of T1, deenergize T1.
5. Remove the jumper from across the minimum-trip
resistor.
6. Keeping T1 at the desired setting, energize T1 and
record the tripping times as the recloser operates
to lockout. These times should correspond to the
times at 150% of minimum-trip on the published
time–current curves for the timing plugs being
checked. Delayed times can be measured with a stopwatch.
7. To check the ground-trip timing plugs, place the
ground-trip switch to NORMAL and repeat Steps 1
through 6.
Note:

The single-phase fault test current will appear as a
phase-to-ground fault to the control. Therefore,
when checking ground settings, jumper to the minimum-trip resistor of the energized phase to block
phase-trip operations.

8. Return the ground-trip switch to BLOCK after the test
has been completed.

IMPORTANT: Before checking the Phase B and
Phase C trip resistors on solenoid-operating reclosers,
de-energize the high-voltage closing source and close
the recloser manually. Refer to the Manual Closing of
the Closing the Reclosers section of this manual.

Note: The single-phase fault test current will appear as a
phase-to-ground fault to the control. Therefore, when
checking ground settings, jumper the minimum-trip resistor of the energized phase to block phase-trip operations.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

Reclosing Time
To check reclosing time, which is the open interval of the
recloser between trips:
1. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE to close the
recloser.
2. Energize T1 and adjust T1 to produce a current in
excess of the phase minimum-trip value.
3. When the recloser trips, time the interval until the
recloser recloses.
4. Time the second and third open interval in the same
manner.
5. The times should correspond to the first, second, and
third RECLOSING INTERVAL DELAY plug settings,
respectively.

Reset Time Timed from Successful
Reclosure
Reset timed from successful reclosure is standard on the
Type ME Form 3A control. To check the reset time:
1. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE to close the
recloser.
2. With T1 adjusted to produce a current in excess of the
minimum-trip value, energize T1.
3. When the recloser trips, deenergize T1 and wait for
the recloser to reclose automatically.
4. Start timing when the recloser recloses and stop timing when the control resets automatically as indicated
by an audible clicking as the sequence relay returns to
the home position.
5. The elapsed time should correspond to the setting of
the RESET DELAY PLUG.

Operation of the Non-Reclosing
Switch
The non-reclosing switch provides one-trip-to-lockout
capability without disturbing the normal operating
sequence setting of the control. To check its operation:
1. Set the non-reclosing switch to NON-RECLOSING.
2. Move the manual control switch to CLOSE to close the
recloser.
3. With T1 adjusted to produce a current in excess of the
minimum-trip value, energize T1.
4. The recloser should trip once, and the control should
indicate lockout position when the LOCKOUT TEST
switch is operated.

Testing RVE, RXE, VWE, VWVE27,
VWVE38, WE, and WVE Reclosers with
Manual Closing
Testing procedures for minimum-trip current, time–current
curve time, reset time timed for successful reclose, reset
time timed from first operation, and operation of the nonreclosing switch are the same as testing per the Testing
with Simulated Current procedure section except for
Type RVE, RXE, VWE, VWVE27, VWVE38, WE, and WVE
reclosers. These reclosers will not close automatically.
They must be manually closed after each trip operation.
For the Manual Closing Procedure, refer to the Closing
the Recloser section of this manual.
When testing reclosers with manual closing, the following
additional precautions must also be observed:
1. Since manual closing is not synchronized with the
closing coil control circuit in the control, the control
fuse will blow if manual closing is not performed within
the reclosing interval. To prevent damage, remove the
fuse during testing.
2. If the control is operating in the reset-after-first-trip
mode, the reset-delay plug may be removed from the
control for all testing except reset time timed from successful reclose and reset time timed from first operation. If the reset-delay plug is not removed, the control
may reset before a test sequence is completed
because of the possible delays between trip operations when manual reclosing is used.
3. The variable autotransformer must be kept energized
at the proper setting while the recloser is closed manually. Setting it properly before manual reclosing is initiated assures accurate timing values.

S280-75-1
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Maintenance Manuals
CAUTION: This equipment requires routine
inspection and maintenance to ensure proper
operation. If it is not maintained, it can fail to operate
properly. Improper operation can cause equipment damage and possible personal injury.
G105.1

Factory Maintenance Classes
The factory service department offers maintenance training
courses for Kyle recloser controls. These classes, taught by
experienced service technicians, are held at the factory's
in-house training facility. For additional information, contact
your Cooper Power Systems sales representative.

Video Cassette Training Program
Maintenance instructions for the Form 3A, Type ME control are included in Service Information S280-75-2 and
S280-75-46.

Replacement Parts
Replacement parts for Kyle controls are available through
the factory Service Department. To order replacement
parts, refer to the applicable maintenance manual and
current Replacement Parts price list for catalog numbers
and pricing. Contact your Cooper Power Systems Division
sales representative for additional information and ordering procedures.

A 29-minute video tape program; KSPV3 Kyle Type ME
control, Form 3A, Description and Operation is available
as a supplemental training aid for operating and service
personnel.
This video program, developed for use in the factory training school, is designed to be used in conjunction with
existing service literature. For additional information, contact your Cooper Power Systems sales representative.

Repair Shops
Factory authorized repair shops are located throughout
the continental United States to provide maintenance,
repair, and testing services for Kyle controls and
reclosers. For further information, contact your Cooper
Power Systems Division sales representative.

Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions

SAFETY
FOR LIFE

KA2048-99 Rev: 01

P.O. Box 1640
Waukesha, WI 53187
www.cooperpower.com

Industries, Inc.

KYLE

Printed on Recycled Paper

8/02

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Title                           : Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, and Testing Instructions
Rights                          : 2011 Cooper Industries. All Rights Reserved.
Subject                         : S280-75-1
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Page Count                      : 32

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Form 3A Type ME Electronic Control Installation, Operation, And Ing Instructions 634R S280751

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