Q and A 03 Aug 2020.pdf

1. Switches S150, S160, S170 & S500 appear to be drawn incorrectly. Each fuse compartment is shown with a corresponding switch. With padmount style switchgear, manufacturers have advises us that a customer can either get a switch only compartment or a fuse only compartment. A fuse compartment does not come with a switch inside the same compartment. To get this style switchgear, you would have to move to full-height metal enclosed switchgear (typically 90+" high). This is not what the base currently has or what is specified. Can the designer please confirm either than that fuse compartments are required and the swicthes are to be removed or that full height metal enclosed swicthgear is required and provide specifications?

Government answer: drawings are schematic only. Fuse compartments are required (do not use full height metal enclosed switchgear). Please see below:

2. Switch S130 - after reviewing again, it looks like the existing switch is a 4 compartment (all 4 are switch compartments) and customer wants to add two more switch compartments. Multiple manufacturers have advised that they cannot provide a 6 compartment design and have shared their belief that no manufacturers can provide a 6 compartment switch with all 6 compartments containing switches. This is because the operating handle compartments must be located on the ends/sides to allow for switching open/closed. There is no way to operate a switch on the two interior compartments (so the two interior compartments can only contain fuses). Can the designer clarify whether the interior two compartments are to contain fuses only (and no switches) or provide clarification regarding the design?

Government answer: Two separated switches can be installed. In this case, a 4 compartment switch and a 2 compartment switch shall be used.

3. The specification call for fault indicator mounting provisions for the switch compartments (with a viewing window). Can the designer please provide details/specifications regarding the type of indicators desired so they can be included in the overall design?

Government answer: comply with specifications.

4. Some manufacturers padmount switchgear sold outside of the utility market requires key interlocks to prevent opening a fuse door unless all the switches in all switch compartments have been opened. I did not see this requirement in the specification. The only way those manufacturers will ship switchgear to a non-utility without these interlocks, is if they receive a letter of indemnification from the end user. Without the indemnification, the manufacturer will be including the fuse door interlocks in their quote. Can you please provide confirmation whether the Gov't will provide indemnification or that fuse door interlocks are acceptable?

Government answer: Government will provide a letter to have the key interlock system removed.

5. We have concerns that not all of the bushings/bushing wells (cable termination points) are at the same height in the existing switches (different manufacturers). Can you confirm whether cable splices in instances where the cable must be lengthened are acceptable and also whether we are to include costs to reterminate all conductors.

Government answer: no cable splices or cable terminations shall be included. Cables and cable terminations will be reused.

6. The specifications require testing of the existing cable prior to reuse. Bidders have no way to test or know the condition of the existing cables prior to testing. Please confirm whether the contractor is to assume that the existing cable is suitable for reuse and that costs to replace existing defective cable is not to be included in contractors bid.

Government answer: existing cable shall be reused. No costs to replace existing cables shall be included.

7. According Dwg E-103, detail 2, switchgear S130 diagram, the switchgear S130 has 6 compartments. However in Dwg E-601 the model number for the S130 switchgear refers to a 4 compartment switchgear. Also, on Dwg E-602 is shown a 4 compartment switchgear for switchgear S130. Please clarify how many compartments (4 or 6 ) are required for switchgear S130?

Government answer: please read answer #2.

8. According Dwg E-105, detail 3, switchgear S160 diagram, the switchgear S160 has 1 fused compartment. Also, on Dwg E-602 is shown 1 fused compartment switchgear for switchgear S160. However in Dwg E-601 the model number (PSI/II-9) for the S160 switchgear refers to a 2 fused compartment switchgear. Please clarify how many fused compartments (1 or 2) are required for switchgear S160?

Government answer: only one fused compartment is required (PSI/II-11 type).