Elbows

Question 1

What is another name for a separable connector?

Answer 1

An Elbow

Question 2

What is a “dead-front” elbow?

Answer 2

An elbow that is fully insulated, shielded, and grounded

Question 3

What is a “live-front” termination?

Answer 3

A cable end that is energized and unsafe to be near while live.

Question 4

What’s the primary voltage range for elbow applications?

Answer 4

5 kV to 34.5 kV

Question 5

What makes loadbreak and deadbreak elbows different?

Answer 5

Loadbreak can be operated energized; deadbreak must be deenergized.

Question 6

What IEEE standard governs elbows and accessories?

Answer 6

IEEE Standard 386.

Question 7

What feature allows interchangeability between elbow manufacturers?

Answer 7

Standardized operating interfaces per IEEE 386.

Question 8

What are the two general ampere ratings for elbows?

Answer 8

200-ampere and 600-ampere.

Question 9

What conductor sizes do 200-ampere elbows accept?

Answer 9

Up to 4/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum.

Question 10

What conductor sizes do 600-ampere elbows accept?

Answer 10

Up to 750 kcmil copper or 1000 kcmil aluminum.

Question 11

Are 200-amp loadbreak and deadbreak elbows compatible?

Answer 11

No, they are not compatible.

Question 12

What is the most common type of 200-ampere elbow?

Answer 12

The loadbreak elbow.

Question 13

What configuration do all 600-ampere elbows use?

Answer 13

Deadbreak only.

Question 14

What’s another field name for a 600-amp elbow?

Answer 14

Tee, tee module, or hammer-head.

Question 15

What’s the amp rating for copper 600-amp components?

Answer 15

900 amperes.

Question 16

What must always be confirmed before operating a deadbreak elbow?

Answer 16

The circuit is deenergized.

Question 17

What tool is used to safely operate elbows?

Answer 17

A live-line tool (shotgun stick)

Question 18

What device helps verify if an elbow circuit is deenergized

Answer 18

The test point

Question 19

What is the purpose of the test point?

Answer 19

To detect voltage between the conductor and shield.

Question 20

What is needed to measure the test point?

Answer 20

A high impedance voltage sensor.

Question 21

Where is the test point typically located on a 200-amp elbow?

Answer 21

At a separate point on the elbow body.

Question 22

Where is the test point on a 600-amp elbow?

Answer 22

Integrated into the insulating plug or separately on the tee body

Question 23

What is the “probe” in a 200-amp loadbreak connector?

Answer 23

The rod portion with a polymer tip to suppress arc during operations.

Question 24

What is a “bushing insert”?

Answer 24

A screw-in bushing for gear with a bushing well.

Question 25

What is a “bushing well”?

Answer 25

A cavity in gear to accept a bushing insert.

Question 26

What does “continuous current rating” refer to?

Answer 26

Maximum current the elbow can carry continuously.

Question 27

What is an “operating eye”?

Answer 27

A loop on the elbow used to attach a live-line tool.

Question 28

What is the “operating interface”?

Answer 28

The mated surfaces joined or separated during elbow operation.

Question 29

What is a junction?

Answer 29

An accessory for connecting multiple elbows (2-way, 3-way, etc.).

Question 30

What must elbow selection match?

Answer 30

Cable type, size, ampacity, and system configuration

Question 31

What do dead-front bushings ensure in gear?

Answer 31

A safe, grounded, and shielded connection.

Question 32

Why are 200-amp loadbreak bushings often ordered as bushing wells?

Answer 32

To allow field installation of bushing inserts.

Question 33

What is critical to successful elbow installation?

Answer 33

Proper cable preparation.

Question 34

What must always be connected to a dead-front elbow?

Answer 34

A ground wire to the grounding tab.

Question 35

What does the ground wire on an elbow do?

Answer 35

Maintains the semi-conductive jacket at ground potential

Question 36

What’s the final step in installing an elbow?

Answer 36

Ensure the elbow is properly supported and grounded

Question 37

What helps support elbows in manholes or vaults?

Answer 37

Support arms or brackets

Question 38

What is a bleeder wire?

Answer 38

The ground wire connected to the elbow’s grounding tab.

Question 39

What feature helps elbows operate reliably under stress?

Answer 39

Fully molded, insulated, and shielded design.

Question 40

What are key applications of elbows in the field?

Answer 40

Terminating, splicing, switching, sectionalizing, and live dead-ending.