Gas insulated high voltage circuit breakers are typically located at high voltages electrical distribution sub-stations that generate strong electromagnetic radiation. A common high voltage circuit breaker is the three-pole circuit breaker shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As depicted, the high voltage circuit breaker 10 typically includes three horizontal circuit breakers 12 coupled together with a base housing 16. Each of the horizontal circuit breakers 12 comprises a tank 14 secured in the housing 16, first and second current transformers 20 and 21 extending from each tank 14 and exit and entrance insulators 18 and 19 extending from the first and second current transformers 20 and 21. The housing 16 is mountable on a support frame 40.
Presently in a circuit breaker of this size, the breaker controls are wired to a cabinet or control panel 30 which is rigidly connected to the housing 16 or the breaker 12 itself at a height reachable by an operator O or other personnel on the ground and well below the height of the live parts of the breaker 10. Because of the total height H extending from the base of the control panel 30 to the top of the highest extending insulators 18 and 19 tends to be greater than the maximum height restrictions on highways, the control panel 30 and its bushings are typically removed for shipment from factory to the customer. As a result, field installation of wiring and bushings are required, as well as the cleaning and inspection of the breaker interior and vacuum treatment, before breaker use. Such installation is time consuming and costly, typically requiring five days for a utility crew and one manufacturer's technician to install the breaker 10 at the customer's site.
It is desirable to provide a circuit breaker and control panel assembly that facilitates shipping and reduces the complexity of the field installation.