External switch coupler for pad-mounted transformers

A method for installing an external switch coupler on a pad-mounted transformer comprising:

• cutting a hole in a door of the pad-mounted transformer, wherein the hole is substantially aligned with a switch coupler within a compartment of the pad-mounted transformer;
• attaching a first end of a guide tube to the door, wherein a second end of the guide tube is disposed within an interior of the compartment and separated from the switch coupler by a gap when the door is closed, and the guide tube has a length that does not interfere with opening the door while the guide tube is attached to the door;
• and
• attaching a cover or enclosure to the first end of the guide tube or an exterior of the door proximate to the hole, wherein the cover or enclosure has an open position and a closed position.

An external switch coupler comprising:

• a guide tube having a first end and a second end;
• a flange or plate attached to the first end of the guide tube, wherein the flange or plate is configured to be attached to a door of a compartment and is in substantial alignment with both a hole in the door and a switch coupler within the compartment, wherein the guide tube has a length that does not interfere with opening the door while the guide tube is attached to the flange or plate;
• the second end of the guide tube configured to be disposed within an interior of the compartment and separated from the switch coupler by a gap when the door is closed;
• and
• a cover or enclosure attached to the flange or configured to be attached to an exterior of the door proximate to the hole, wherein the cover or enclosure has an open position and a closed position.

A method for operating a load break switch within a primary compartment of a pad-mounted transformer comprising;

• providing a guide tube having a first end and a second end, wherein:
• (1) the first end of the guide tube is attached to a door of the primary compartment in substantial alignment with both a hole in the door and a switch coupler within the primary compartment, wherein the guide tube has a length that does not interfere with opening the door while the guide tube is attached to the door, (2) the switch coupler is operably connected to the load break switch, (3) the second end of the guide tube is within an interior of the primary compartment and separated from the switch coupler by a gap when the door is closed;
• providing or positioning a coupling shaft within the guide tube, wherein:
• (1) the coupling shaft comprises an electrically insulative member disposed between a coupler side adapter and a switch side adapter, (2) the coupling shaft has a length equal to or greater than a distance between the switch coupler and the hole in the door such that the switch side adapter operably engages the switch coupler and the coupler side adapter is operably accessible from an exterior of the door when the door is closed;
• attaching a motorized coupler, a hot stick or a handle to the coupler side adapter, wherein the motorized coupler is communicably coupled to a controller;
• and
• opening or closing the load break switch using the controller, the hot stick or the handle to rotate the coupling shaft.

A pad-mounted transformer comprising:

• a tank containing an electrical transformer and a switch electrically connected to the electrical transformer;
• a compartment attached to the tank, the compartment comprising a primary compartment adjacent to a secondary compartment, wherein the primary compartment has a primary door and the secondary compartment has a secondary door;
• a set of primary voltage bushings within the primary compartment and electrically connected to the switch;
• a switch coupler within the primary compartment and operably connected to the switch;
• a set of secondary voltage bushings within the secondary compartment and electrically connected to the electrical transformer;
• a guide tube having a first end and a second end;
• the first end of the guide tube attached to the primary door in substantial alignment with both a hole in the primary door and the switch coupler, wherein the guide tube has a length that does not interfere with opening the door while the guide tube is attached to the primary door;
• and
• the second end of the guide tube disposed within an interior of the primary compartment and separated from the switch coupler by a gap when the primary door is closed.