Load Break Elbows

Load break elbows are a suicides dream. I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole, never mind the flimsy insulated rod they issue to operate them!

I had the chance to operate one on a HV training course, I passed on the opportunity.

Can you give me a brief and practical info about it? Yes avoid them like the plague!

Have a look at them on Google and then come back and tell me if you'd operate one live @ 200A 11KV

Tonys you say just bad bad bad...

Tell me why ? if it is so bad why is it produced? I wonder just how it works? functions mean ok?

Load break elbows are a widely accepted means of termination of medium voltage (2.4kV - 34.5kV) cables, especially in underground, residential, and metropolitan distribution. They are commonly used in manholes, vaults, and in padmount switchgear.

They do have drawbacks, including that to use them as a loadbreak could expose the operator to arc-flash and blast hazards. Proper PPE and operating equipment (hotstick) must be used, as well as proper operation (method of removal or insertion).

Most of the problems with elbows comes from improper assembly or maintenance, since the connecting probe screws into the cable lug, and under typical operation can partially unscrew. This leads to overheating, burning, and eventually failure of the elbow. The conductor probe in the elbow should be inspected every time it is removed/inserted for good condition.

That said, they are very reliable if properly installed and maintained, are weatherproof and will work even in wet and dirty conditions, and last a long time if treated well.

OK it's my distrust of them. They remind me too much of DMO switchgear.

As I said I was asked to operate one live, I refused!

My main worry would to operate one under fault conditions, no amount of PPE would save you.