Modernization of switch-house design

THERE are many types and characters of switch houses on a power system, and their importance varies through wide limits. Many features which are of great importance and value in one type of installation cannot be justified in others. Probably the most important switching center is that of a generating station located near the center of a load area. In such a station continuity of service is of maximum importance. A complete shutdown of such a plant affects a great number of power users of all classes and the damage can be very great physically, commercially, and politically. This paper will be confined to a discussion of the means which have been used, or are available, to improve the reliability of this type of station.