S and C AS-10 Switch Operator

Product Specifications
- Product Name: Type AS-10 Switch Operator
- Manufacturer: S&C
- Model: AS-10
- Application: Overhead and underground electric distribution equipment
- Available Format: PDF online at sandc.com
Introduction
Qualified Persons
WARNING
Only qualified persons knowledgeable in the installation, operation, and maintenance of overhead and underground electric distribution equipment, along with all associated hazards, may install, operate, and maintain the equipment covered by this publication. A qualified person is someone trained and competent in:
- The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from nonlive parts of electrical equipment
- The skills and techniques necessary to determine the proper approach distances corresponding to the voltages to which the qualified person will be exposed
- The proper use of special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulated and shielding materials, and insulated tools for working on or near exposed energized parts of electrical equipment
These instructions are intended only for such qualified persons. They are not intended to be a substitute for adequate training and experience in safety procedures for this type of equipment.
Read this Instruction Sheet
NOTICE
Thoroughly and carefully read this instruction sheet and all materials included in the product’s instruction handbook before operating the Type AS-10 Switch Operator. Become familiar with the Safety Information on pages 3 through 4 and Safety Precautions on page 5. The latest version of this publication is available online in PDF format at sandc.com/en/contact-us/product-literature/.
Retain this Instruction Sheet
This instruction sheet is a permanent part of the S&C Type AS-10 Switch Operator. Designate a location where users can easily retrieve and refer to this publication.
Proper Application
WARNING
The equipment in this publication is only intended for a specific application. The application must be within the ratings furnished for the equipment. Ratings for the Type AS-10 Switch Operator are listed in the ratings table in Specification Bulletin 769-31. The ratings are also on the nameplate affixed to the product.
Safety Information
Understanding Safety-Alert Messages
Several types of safety-alert messages may appear throughout this instruction sheet and on labels and tags attached to the product. Become familiar with these types of messages and the importance of these signal words:
DANGER
“DANGER” identifies the most serious and immediate hazards that will likely result in serious personal injury or death if instructions, including recommended precautions, are not followed.
WARNING
“WARNING” identifies hazards or unsafe practices that can result in serious personal injury or death if instructions, including recommended precautions, are not followed.
CAUTION
“CAUTION” identifies hazards or unsafe practices that can result in minor personal injury if instructions, including recommended precautions, are not followed.
NOTICE
“NOTICE” identifies important procedures or requirements that can result in product or property damage if instructions are not followed.
Following Safety Instructions
If any portion of this instruction sheet is unclear and assistance is needed, contact the nearest S&C Sales Office or S&C Authorized Distributor. Their telephone numbers are listed on S&C’s website sandc.com, or call the S&C Global Support and Monitoring Center at 1-888-762-1100.
NOTICE
Read this instruction sheet thoroughly and carefully before operating the Type AS-10 Switch Operator.
Replacement Instructions and Labels
If additional copies of this instruction sheet are required, contact the nearest S&C Sales Office, S&C Authorized Distributor, S&C Headquarters, or S&C Electric Canada Ltd. It is important that any missing, damaged, or faded labels on the equipment be replaced immediately. Replacement labels are available by contacting the nearest S&C Sales Office, S&C Authorized Distributor, S&C Headquarters, or S&C Electric Canada Ltd.
Location of Safety Labels

Reorder Information for Safety Labels
This tag is to be removed and discarded after the switch operator is installed and adjusted.
DANGER
Alduti-Rupter Switches operate at high voltage. Failure to observe the precautions below will result in serious personal injury or death. Some of these precautions may differ from your company’s operating procedures and rules. Where a discrepancy exists, follow your company’s operating procedures and rules.
- QUALIFIED PERSONS. Access to Alduti-Rupter Switches must be restricted only to qualified persons. See the “Qualified Persons” section on page 2.
- SAFETY PROCEDURES. Always follow safe operating procedures and rules.
- PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. Always use suitable protective equipment, such as rubber gloves, rubber mats, hard hats, safety glasses, and flash clothing, in accordance with safe operating procedures and rules.
- SAFETY LABELS. Do not remove or obscure any of the “DANGER,” “WARNING,” “CAUTION,” or “NOTICE” labels.
- OPERATING MECHANISM. Power-operated Alduti-Rupter Switches contain fast-moving parts that can severely injure fingers. Do not remove or disassemble unless directed to do so by S&C Electric Company.
- ENERGIZED COMPONENTS. Always consider all parts of the Alduti-Rupter Switch live until de-energized, tested, and grounded. Voltage levels can be as high as the peak line-to-ground voltage last applied to the switch. Switches energized or installed near energized lines should be considered live until tested and grounded.
- GROUNDING. The Alduti-Rupter Switch must be connected to a suitable earth ground at the base of the utility pole, or to a suitable building ground for testing, before energizing the switch and at all times when energized. The vertical operating shaft above the Type AS-10 Switch Operator must also be connected to a suitable earth ground. The ground wire(s) must be bonded to the system neutral, if present. If the system neutral is not present, proper precautions must be taken toensure the local earth ground, or building ground, cannot be severed or removed.
- LOAD-INTERRUPTER SWITCH POSITION.Always confirm the Open/Close position of each switch.
- Switches and terminal pads may be energized from either side.
- Switches and terminal pads may be energized with the switches in any position.
- MAINTAINING PROPER CLEARANCE. Always maintain proper clearance from energized components.
Overview
The Type AS-10 Switch Operator is a high-speed operator, with an operating time of 1.2 seconds maximum. It is expressly designed for power operation of outdoor distribution Alduti-Rupter Switches and outdoor distribution Alduti-Rupter Switches with Power Fuses, having reciprocating type operating mechanisms. The high operating speed of the Type AS-10 Switch Operator provides sufficient moving-contact velocity in the Alduti-Rupter Switch interrupters to ensure full interrupting capability and long operating life. The operator’s high operating speed also provides adequate closing velocity for 25/34.5-kV and 34.5-kV three-pole side-break integer style and three-pole vertical-break integer style switches, such that the side-break integer style switches have a one-time duty-cycle fault-closing rating of 15,000 amperes RMS, asymmetrical, and the vertical-break integer style have one-time duty-cycle fault-closing ratings of 20,000 or 30,000 amperes rms asymmetrical for switches rated 600 amperes or 1200 amperes, respectively.
For power operation of outdoor distribution Alduti- Rupter Switches and outdoor distribution Alduti- Rupter Switches with Power Fuses, having rotating type operating mechanisms, the Type AS-1A Switch Operator is offered. See S&C Instruction Sheet 769-500.
S&C Switch Operators catalog numbers 38855R4 and 38856R4 include a 12-volt dc battery and constant-burden battery charger for connection to an S&C 30-Volt-Ampere Potential Device or other 120-volt, 60-hertz source. Switch operator catalog numbers are suffixed with one or more letters. The first letter following the catalog number designates the motor and control voltage (except for catalog numbers 38855R4 and 38856R4):
Suffix Voltage
- A 48 Vdc
- B 125 Vdc
- D 115 Volts, 60 hertz
- E 230 Volts, 60 hertz
Use Table 1 on page 7 to identify the proper wiring diagram for the catalog number of the switch operator being operated. Become familiar with the parts of the switch operator as shown in Figure 1 on page 8 and Figure 2
Table 1. Type AS-10 Switch Operators for Reciprocating Operation of Alduti-Rupter Switches①
|
Switch Rating, kV |
Motor and Control Voltage |
Operating Lever |
Maximum Operating Time, Seconds③ |
Minimum Locked- Rotor Torque at Rated Control Voltage, Inch-Lbs . |
Accel- erating Current, Amperes |
Operator Catalog Number |
Schematic Wiring Diagram Drawing Number |
|
|
Sector② |
Length, Inches (mm) |
|||||||
|
7 .2 – 46 |
12 Vdc | LH | 45/8 (117) | 1 .2 | 18500 | – | 38855R4● | CDR-3127R1 |
| 48 Vdc | LH | 45/8 (117) | 1 .2 | 21500 | 80 | 38852R4-A | CDR-3113R1 | |
| 125 Vdc | LH | 45/8 (117) | 1 .2 | 21500 | 30 | 38852R4-B | CDR-3113R1 | |
| 115 V, 60 Hz | LH | 45/8 (117) | 1 .2 | 18000 | 46 | 38852R4-D | CDR-3128R1 | |
| 230 V, 60 Hz | LH | 45/8 (117) | 1 .2 | 18000 | 23 | 38852R4-E | CDR-3128R1 ■ | |
| 12 Vdc | RH | 45/8 (117) | 1 .2 | 18500 | – | 38856R4● | CDR-3127R1 | |
| 48 Vdc | RH | 45/8 (117) | 1 .2 | 21500 | 80 | 38853R4-A | CDR-3113R1 | |
| 125 Vdc | RH | 45/8 (117) | 1 .2 | 21500 | 30 | 38853R4-B | CDR-3113R1 | |
| 115 V, 60 Hz | RH | 45/8 (117) | 1 .2 | 18000 | 46 | 38853R4-D | CDR-3128R1 | |
| 230 V, 60 Hz | RH | 45/8 (117) | 1 .2 | 18000 | 23 | 38853R4-E | CDR-3128R1 ■ | |
- This switch operator has output characteristics equivalent to a linear actuator having a stalled-force rating of 4000 pounds (for 12-Volt dc models), 4600 pounds (for 48-Volt dc and 125-Volt dc models), or 3800 pounds (for 115-Volt, 60-hertz and 230-Volt, 60-hertz models); a stroke length of 9 inches (23 cm); and a typical operating speed of 12 inches (30 cm) per second at midstroke.
- Operating lever travels in left-hand or right-hand sector as indicated, viewed from front (door side) of switch operator. Operating lever in the Up position corresponds to the Closed position of the Alduti- Rupter Switch.
- Based on minimum battery and external control wire size requirements specified in S&C Information Bulletin 769-60; operating time will be less if larger-than-minimum battery size and/or external control wire size is used.
- Includes 12-Vdc battery and constant-burden battery charger for connection to an S&C 30-VA Potential Device or other 120-Volt, 60-hertz source.
- CDR-3205R1 for Catalog Numbers 38852R4-D, 38852R4-E, 38853R4-D, and 38853R4-E when furnished with source-transfer control compatibility (suffix “-U1”).

Figure 1. Exterior view of Type AS-10 Switch Operator.
Checking the Switch Operator and Alduti‑Rupter® Switch Positions Before Operation
Do not assume the switch operator position necessarily indicates the Open or Closed position of the Alduti- Rupter Switch. Upon completion of an opening or closing operation (electrical or manual), make sure the following conditions exist:
- The switch operator position indicator, Figure 5 on page 13, signals “OPEN” or “CLOSED” to indicate that the switch operator has moved through a complete operation. Also note the POSITION INDICATING lamps, Figure 2 on page 9, if furnished.
- The operating lever, at the rear of the switch operator, see Figure 1 on page 8, is in the Up position for an Alduti-Rupter Switch Closed position. Conversely, the operating lever is in the Down position for an Alduti-Rupter Switch Open position.
- The blades on all three poles of the Alduti-Rupter Switch are fully open or fully closed (by visual verification). Then, tag and padlock the switch operator in accordance with standard system operating procedures. In all cases, make sure the switch operator is padlocked before “walking away.”
Electrical Operation
Complete the following steps to open or close the interrupter switch electronically:
- Step 1. Unlock and lift the external pushbutton protective cover.●
- Step 2. Press the appropriate pushbutton.■ See Figure 2 on page 9.
Alternatively, the switch operator may be activated by operating associated, remotely located control switches. (No instructions are included for activating the switch operator by means of remotely located control switches because control schemes vary with different installations. With any given installation, however, it may be possible and desirable to effect such operation. Instructions presented in this document cover operation at the switch operator only.)
● For switch operators with an optional remote-control blocking switch (suffix “-Y”), opening the pushbutton protective cover prevents remote operation of the switch operator.
■ OPEN/CLOSE pushbuttons are not included on switch operators specified with catalog number suffix “-J.”
Using the Manual Operating Handle
The manual operating handle is used during switch operator adjustment. Become familiar with the operation of the manual operating handle, as described on the switch operator nameplate on the right-hand side of the enclosure.
WARNING
DO NOT manually open or close the switch operator while the Alduti-Rupter Switch is energized. Operating the switch under reduced operating speed can cause excessive arcing, resulting in shortened interrupter life, damage to the interrupters, or personal injury. If switch operator control voltage is not available and emergency manual opening is absolutely necessary, crank the manual operating handle rapidly throughout its full travel. Do not stop or hesitate partway. Never close the switch manually.
- Step 1. Pull the latch knob on the hub of the manual operating handle and pivot the handle forward slightly from its Storage position.
- Step 2. Release the latch knob while continuing to pivot the handle forward to lock it into the cranking position. See Figure 3. (As the handle is pivoted forward, the motor brake is mechanically released, both leads of the control source are automatically disconnected, and—except for 12-Vdc models—both the “opening” and “closing” motor contactors are mechanically blocked in the Open position.)
- Step 3. Crank the handle to the Open position. If desired, during manual operation, the switch operator may also be disconnected from the control source by removing the motor-circuit two-pole pull-out fuse holder, located on the right-hand inside wall of the enclosure.
- Step 4. To return the manual operating handle to its Storage position: Pull the latch knob and pivot the handle approximately 90 degrees. The handle will then be disengaged from the switch operator and may be rotated freely in either direction to its Storage position. Complete the handle storage by pivoting the operating handle backward approximately

90 degrees until it latches in the Storage position. Always padlock the handle in its Storage position.
Note: The manual operating handle may be disengaged from the switch operator mechanism at any position of the handle.
Using the Selector Handle (Coupling and Decoupling)
The selector handle will be used during switch operator adjustment. The integral external selector handle, for operation of the built-in internal decoupling mechanism, is located on the right-hand side of the switch operator enclosure. Become familiar with the operation of the selector handle, as described on the switch operator nameplate on the right-hand side of the enclosure.
To decouple the switch operator from the switch:
- Step 1. Swing the selector handle upright and slowly rotate it clockwise 50 degrees to the Decoupled position. See Figure 4. This decouples the switch operator mechanism from the switch operator output shaft.
- Step 2. Lower the selector handle to engage the locking tab. When decoupled, the switch operator may be operated either manually or electrically without operating the Alduti- Rupter Switch. When the selector handle is in the Decoupled position, the output shaft is prevented from moving by a mechanical locking device located within the switch operator enclosure. During the intermediate segment of the selector handle travel, which includes the position at which actual disengagement (or engagement) of the internal decoupling mechanism occurs, the motor circuit source leads are momentarily disconnected and (except for 12-Vdc models) both the “opening” and “closing” motor contactors are mechanically blocked in the Open position. Visual inspection, through the observation window will verify whether the internal decoupling mechanism is in the Coupled or Decoupled position.
- Step 3. Padlock the selector handle in either position.

To couple the switch operator to the switch:
- Step 1. Manually operate the switch operator to bring it to the same Open or Closed position as the Alduti- Rupter Switch. The SWITCH OPERATOR POSITION indicator, seen through the observation window will show when the approximate Open or Closed position has been attained. See Figure 5.
- Step 2. Turn the manual operating handle slowly until the position-indexing drums are numerically aligned to move the switch operator to the exact position for coupling.
- Step 3. Swing the selector handle upright and rotate it counterclockwise to the Coupled position.
- Step 4. Lower the handle to engage the locking tab. The selector handle is now in the Coupled position.
- Step 5. Padlock the selector handle in either position.
Final Checks Before Walking Away
To ensure the switch operator is ready for normal power operation of the Alduti- Rupter Switch by remote automatic or supervisory control, make sure the following conditions exist:
- The selector handle is in the Coupled position.
- The manual operating handle is in its Storage position.
- The two-pole pull-out fuse holders for the motor circuit and space-heater circuit are inserted.
- The pushbutton protective cover is closed.
- The switch operator is tagged and padlocked in accordance with standard system operating procedures.

Inspection
To ensure continued proper performance of the Type AS-10 Switch Operator, it should be inspected every 5 years. De-energize the associated Alduti-Rupter Switch and perform the following switch operator inspection procedures:
- Step 1. Check for evidence of water ingress, damage, and excessive corrosion or wear.
- Step 2. Check ease of operation during slow, manual cranking using the switch operator manual operating handle.
- Step 3. Check electrical operation, coupled and decoupled.
- Step 4. Check for loose wiring inside the enclosure and proper functioning of the POSITION INDICATING lamps, operation counter, convenience lamp, etc.
- Step 5. Check the operation of brake and readjust if necessary.
The procedure for doing this is as follows. All detail views can be found in Figure 6.
- (a) Place the selector handle in the Decoupled position.
- (b) Remove the two-pole pull-out fuse holders for the motor circuit and space-heater circuit.
- (c) Disconnect the linkage rod by removing the ¼–20×1¼-inch hex-head screw, lockwasher, flat washer, and spacer-bushing from the end of the brake lever, as shown in Detail A. Be careful not to lose these parts.
- (d) Raise the brake lever and measure the vertical free play, as shown in Detail B. This dimension should be 5/8 inch (16 mm) to ¾ inch (19 mm). Should the measurement be outside this range, brake-wear compensation is required; proceed to Step 5 (e). If the measurement is within this range, reattach the linkage rod and tighten the ¼–20×1¼-inch hex-head screwsecurely; proceed to Step 5 (j).
- (e) Remove the four 5⁄16–18×1¼-inch screws used to attach the motor, withdraw the motor, and carefully rest its shaft on the floor of the enclosure. Be careful not to lose the square key or tubular spacer (if furnished), which may remain on the motor shaft.
Note: 115-Volt ac and 230-Volt ac motors utilize a ¼-inch–20 socket-head set screw on the side of the brake disc hub, as shown in Detail C. Loosen this set screw approximately one-half turn, using a 1/8-inch Allen wrench, before removing the motor. - (f) Using a 3⁄32-inch Allen wrench, loosen the pad assembly socket-head set screw on theside of the caliper assembly approximately one-half turn. See Detail A.
- (g) Then, using a 5⁄16-inch Allen wrench, rotate the pad assembly clockwise until the free play at the end of the brake lever is 5/8 inch (16 mm) to ¾ inch (19 mm) as shown in Detail B. Now tighten the 3⁄32-inch pad assembly socket-head set screw.
- (h) Insert the spacer-bushing through the angle bracket and brake lever, and reattach the linkage rod using the ¼–20 × ¼-inch hex-head screw, lockwasher, and flat washer. Tighten the screw securely.
- (i) Insert the square key in the keyway, as shown in Detail A. Slip the tubular spacer (if furnished) over the motor shaft and reinstall the motor. Position the motor such that the two weep holes on the side of the housing face downward. Replace the four 5⁄16–18×1¼-inch screws used to attach the motor and tighten them securely.
On 115-Volt ac and 230-Volt ac motors: Retighten the ¼-inch–20 sockethead set screw on the side of the brake disc hub. - (j) Pull the latch knob on the hub of the manual operating handle and slowly pivot the handle forward from its storage position toward its cranking position until the brake disc can be rotated by hand. Be careful not to get grease on the brake disc.
Now measure the distance that the end of the brake lever travels from the point of initial brake release to the bottom of its stroke (which occurs when the handle locks into the cranking position). This dimension should be 1/8 inch (3 mm) to ¼ inch (6 mm). See Detail D. Should the measurement be outside this range, referto the nearest S&C Sales Office.
Since the Type AS-10 Switch Operator may be conveniently decoupled from the Alduti-Rupter Switch, elective exercising of the operator may be performed at any time without requiring an outage or switching to an alternate source.
FAQ
What should I do before operating the Type AS-10 Switch Operator?
Prior to operation, read and understand all safety precautions and instructions provided in the user manual. Conduct a thorough inspection of the equipment to ensure it is in proper working condition.
Who can operate the Type AS-10 Switch Operator?
Only qualified persons trained in electrical equipment installation, operation, and maintenance should operate the Type AS-10 Switch Operator. These individuals must be competent in handling live parts and following safety procedures.
Documents / Resources
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S and C AS-10 Switch Operator [pdf] Instruction Manual AS-10 Switch Operator, AS-10, Switch Operator, Operator |

